In brief
Under a new policy from the Trump administration, international tourists will be required to pay an extra $100 to visit major US national parks, such as Yosemite and Grand Canyon. This fee increase, effective from 2026, aims to ensure that foreign visitors contribute to the maintenance of the parks. US citizens will continue to pay a lower rate. The policy comes amid rising visitor numbers and aims to balance access for American families and foreign tourists.
Foreign tourists visiting popular US national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will need to pay an extra fee, the Trump administration said on Tuesday.
The Department of the Interior, which runs the country's national parks, stated that each international visitor will need to pay $100 (£76) on top of existing fees to access 11 of the most popular sites.
From 2026, non-residents will also need to pay over $250 for an annual pass to the parks, while US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay $80.
The fee increase aims to put American families first and reflects President Donald Trump's goal to make the parks more accessible and affordable for US citizens, said the department.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized, These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.
The increase will take effect at the start of 2026, alongside the launch of an upgraded online booking system and better access for motorcyclists across the parks.
The department also noted eight resident-only, patriotic fee-free days for 2026, which include Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.
This fee hike follows an executive order, signed by Trump in July, to raise entrance fees for overseas visitors. The additional revenue is expected to support conservation and maintenance efforts at the parks.
US national parks have seen record numbers of tourists in recent years, with upwards of 331 million visitors in 2024, an increase of at least 6 million compared to the previous year.
The country's most visited parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
