By Michela Gritti
Foreign visitors will soon pay much more to visit major United States national parks. Places like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are some of the most famous parks in the world. In 2024 they brought in almost 332 million visitors, the highest number ever recorded. But starting in January 2026, the rules for entering these parks will change for people who do not live in the United States.
The Department of the Interior has introduced a new version of the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass allows entry for a vehicle or for up to four people. The cost will stay at 80 dollars for residents of the United States, but it will rise to 250 dollars for anyone who is not a resident. Officials said the goal is to make national parks more affordable for American families and to make sure international travelers help pay for the protection and maintenance of the parks.
Foreign visitors who decide not to buy the yearly pass will still face a higher price. To enter any of the 11 most visited national parks, nonresidents will need to pay an extra 100 dollars per person in addition to the regular entrance fee. These entrance fees already vary depending on the park and the way a person enters. At Yosemite, for example, it costs 20 dollars to enter on foot or by bicycle, 30 dollars on a motorcycle and 35 dollars by car. With the new rules, these prices will stay the same, but an extra 100 dollars will be added for nonresidents.
The Department of the Interior said the change is meant to help Americans visit their own national parks without spending too much. The agency also announced new benefits for older residents. People over 62 years old will be able to buy a reduced 20 dollar pass. There will also be several free entrance days for United States residents only. These include the Independence Day weekend, Veterans Day and Flag Day, which is also President Donald Trump’s birthday. The decision fits into the “America first” approach that Trump has promoted throughout his presidency.
The higher fees are part of an executive order signed in July. The government said the goal is to raise more money for park protection. But in the past the administration has already cut the National Park Service budget, which caused concerns among staff members and conservation groups. Workers at parks like Yosemite have said they struggle with fewer resources even as the number of visitors keeps growing.
Tourism officials worry that the new fees will keep many international travelers away. For some communities, this could be a serious problem. In the area around Yosemite, for example, about half of all jobs depend on tourism. International visitors normally make up about one fourth of all tourists who come to the park. This year, however, their numbers have already dropped by about nine percent because of inflation, currency changes and higher travel costs. Local business owners fear that the new entrance fees will make the situation worse. Hotels, restaurants and tour services could all feel the impact.
Students are also expected to be affected. Many students travel on a tight budget and choose national parks because they are usually one of the most affordable ways to explore the United States. With the new fees, even a short trip to a national park could become too expensive, especially for international students who already deal with high tuition and the cost of living far from home. Some student travel groups and outdoor clubs say the changes may limit opportunities for young people to experience nature and learn about the country’s landscapes.
The new fees may help protect the parks and reduce overcrowding, but they could also change who is able to visit them. For many international travelers and for students, these famous places may soon feel more distant and harder to reach.