Wyoming Joins California, Montana, Utah, and Arizona in Triggering a Technological Revolution: Prepare for a $250 National Parks Pass Charge for Non-US Citizens in 2026!

Published on November 29, 2025

In 2026, Wyoming joins California, Montana, Utah, and Arizona in triggering a technological revolution that will reshape the way visitors experience America’s national parks. This shift isn’t just about innovation—it’s about a dramatic change in how we access these natural wonders. As part of this transformation, a $250 pass charge for non-US citizens will be introduced, significantly impacting international visitors. The new digital passes will offer quicker and easier park access, but the higher fee is designed to reflect the cost of park maintenance and improvements. With this new system, visiting iconic parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon will become more expensive for foreign travelers. As Wyoming, California, Montana, Utah, and Arizona lead the way, it’s crucial to understand these changes and prepare for 2026. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the new fee structure and make the most of your national park experience.

A Shocking Change Coming in 2026

In 2026, visitors from around the world who wish to explore America’s most famous national parks will face an eye-watering surcharge. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Yosemite, this could hit your wallet hard. Starting in 2026, non-US visitors will have to pay an extra $100 per park, on top of the regular entrance fee. What’s more, a new rule will also triple the cost of the annual park pass for non-US residents.

This drastic price increase is expected to make some of America’s most beautiful national parks much more expensive for international tourists. The question is: how will this affect foreign travellers, and which states will feel the biggest impact from these new rules?

This article will dive deep into these changes, explaining everything you need to know about the new national park fees and how they will affect your visit to the United States. We’ll also break down which states are most likely to be impacted, and what it means for foreign visitors planning to see these stunning parks.

What’s Changing in 2026?

The biggest change to come in 2026 is a hefty surcharge for non-US visitors. If you’re travelling from outside the United States, you will now have to pay an extra $100 on top of the regular entrance fee when visiting some of the most popular parks. This extra charge will apply to iconic parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

The America the Beautiful Pass, which allows unlimited access to hundreds of federal parks and recreation sites, will also see a huge price rise for international visitors. While US citizens will still pay just $80 for the pass, non-US tourists will now have to pay $250 for the same pass. This is more than three times the current price, making it a much more expensive option for anyone coming from abroad.

But what does this mean for you? If you’re planning to visit multiple parks or spend a lot of time exploring America’s national treasures, the cost could quickly add up. Not only will you pay more for each park visit, but if you want the convenience of the annual pass, it’s going to cost you a lot more.

Which National Parks Will Be Affected the Most?

To understand the impact of these changes, we need to look at which parks will be hit hardest by these new fees. The surcharge applies to the most popular parks, which are already some of the most visited in the United States. These include iconic parks like:

• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
• Zion National Park (Utah)

These 11 parks are some of the most popular spots for international visitors, and they also represent a significant portion of the revenue generated by national park fees. Visitors from abroad typically flock to these parks as they are some of the most well-known and breathtaking in the world.

If you’re planning to visit any of these, the cost could increase significantly. For example, instead of paying just the standard park fee, you’ll have to pay $100 extra for each park you visit. For a trip that involves several of these popular destinations, the total cost could add up quickly.

How Will These Changes Affect the States?

So which states will be most impacted by the surcharge and fee increases? It’s not just about the number of parks in a state, but also the number of international visitors those parks attract. Some states have multiple iconic parks, meaning they will feel the impact more than others.

Here’s a breakdown of the states most likely to be affected:

California: The State with the Most Popular Parks

California is home to several national parks, including Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. These two parks alone attract millions of visitors every year, including many international tourists. With the new surcharge, international visitors will pay a lot more to enter these parks.

California also has a total of 9 national parks, so it stands to lose out on a significant amount of international tourism revenue as a result of these new fees. Not only will the parks become more expensive, but the additional charges for international visitors could make California a less attractive option for tourists.

Wyoming: A Gateway to Some of America’s Most Famous Parks

Wyoming is home to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. These two parks are some of the most famous in the world, and both attract millions of international visitors each year. Yellowstone alone is often one of the most visited parks in the United States, and now foreign visitors will face a significant price increase.

For anyone planning to visit both parks, the new fees could dramatically increase the cost of their trip. Wyoming could feel the impact of the surcharge more than many other states due to the sheer number of foreign tourists visiting these iconic parks.

Montana: A Popular Destination for National Park Lovers

Montana is home to Glacier National Park and a portion of Yellowstone National Park. These two parks are incredibly popular with foreign visitors, especially those looking to explore the natural beauty of the American West. Montana is likely to see a significant drop in international visitors due to the new surcharge, especially those travelling to see Glacier National Park, which is often less crowded than some of the more famous parks in California or Wyoming.

Utah: A Hotspot for National Park Hopping

Utah is home to several top national parks, including Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. These parks are famous for their striking landscapes and are often included in multi-park itineraries for foreign visitors. With the new surcharge, tourists planning to visit multiple parks in Utah could find their trip becoming much more expensive.

Zion and Bryce Canyon are major attractions for both domestic and international visitors, and the new fees could cause foreign travellers to rethink their plans. Utah’s reputation as a national park destination could be affected, as visitors might choose other states with more affordable fees.

Colorado: A Favourite for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Colorado is home to Rocky Mountain National Park, another popular destination for foreign tourists. While it may not have as many iconic parks as some of the other states on this list, it still attracts a large number of international visitors. With the price of entry rising, Colorado may see fewer foreign visitors heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in the future.

Florida: The Everglades and More

Florida is home to Everglades National Park, which, while not as famous as some of the other parks on this list, still attracts a significant number of international visitors. The new surcharge will make it more expensive for foreign tourists to visit the Everglades and other parks in Florida, and could lead to fewer international visitors coming to the state.

The Technological Revolution: How Digital Passes Are Transforming Park Access

The shift to digital passes in 2026 represents a significant leap forward in the way visitors access U.S. national parks. The America the Beautiful Pass, traditionally available in a physical format, will now be offered entirely through a digital platform. This change is part of a broader effort to modernise park access, making it easier, faster, and more convenient for both domestic and international visitors.

With the new digital system, visitors can purchase their passes online and store them directly on their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical cards that could easily be lost or forgotten. This change will speed up entry times, allowing visitors to enter parks without the need to stand in line to purchase tickets or have their passes manually checked. The use of digital passes also means that the National Park Service can implement real-time access management, improving visitor flow and reducing congestion during peak seasons.

The switch to digital technology also reduces paper waste and streamlines the entire visitor experience, from the initial purchase to the final entry. For international tourists, this move means they no longer need to worry about waiting for their physical pass to arrive in the mail or searching for pickup locations once they arrive in the U.S. The convenience of a digital pass ensures that access to over 2,000 federal parks and recreation sites is now just a few taps away. This technological revolution not only enhances the efficiency of park operations but also elevates the overall visitor experience, making it more accessible to everyone.

Is the America the Beautiful Pass Still Worth It?

The America the Beautiful Pass remains a great deal for US residents, but the new prices for international visitors make it less attractive. The pass, which previously cost just $80 for access to all US national parks, will now cost $250 for non-US residents. While the pass still offers excellent value for those planning to visit multiple parks, the price hike means it may no longer be as affordable for international tourists.

The pass may still be worth it for those visiting several parks, but for tourists planning to visit just one or two, the surcharge on each park may be more affordable.

What It Means for Your Next National Park Trip

The upcoming fee increases for foreign visitors to US national parks represent a significant shift in how international tourists will experience some of America’s most iconic natural landmarks. Starting in 2026, visiting the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and other popular parks will cost more, thanks to the additional surcharge for non-US visitors.

If you’re planning to visit these parks, you’ll need to factor in the extra cost and decide whether the America the Beautiful Pass is still a good value. For many international tourists, the rising costs may make them reconsider their plans, or opt for less-visited parks where the surcharge doesn’t apply.

Ultimately, the impact of these changes will vary depending on how many parks you plan to visit and where you’re from. One thing is for certain, though — national parks in states like California, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah will feel the biggest impact as foreign visitors adjust to the new price structure.

If you’re dreaming of exploring the natural wonders of America, you’ll need to plan carefully and keep an eye on these price changes. The stunning beauty of the US national parks is still there, but the cost of visiting them is about to rise significantly for international visitors.