Foreign travellers planning to visit major US national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will soon face higher entry costs. The Trump administration has announced that international visitors will be required to pay an additional $100 (approximately £76) on top of current entrance fees to access 11 of the country’s most popular national parks.
According to the US Department of the Interior, the revised fee structure will take effect at the beginning of 2026. Along with the entry fee, the cost of an annual pass for non-residents will exceed $250, while American citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay the existing price of $80.
The administration says the decision is part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to make national parks more affordable for American families while ensuring that international visitors contribute equally to the conservation and upkeep of these protected sites.
“US taxpayers already support the National Park System. These updated policies will ensure they continue to enjoy accessible pricing, while international visitors pay their fair share for maintaining the parks for future generations,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
The rollout of the new pricing system will coincide with:
🔹 the launch of an upgraded online booking platform
🔹 improved access for motorcyclists inside parks
Additionally, the department announced eight “patriotic fee-free days” in 2026, during which US residents can enter parks without paying any fee. These include Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
The fee hike comes after a July executive order signed by former President Trump aimed at raising national park fees for overseas visitors. The White House has clarified that the additional revenue will support environmental conservation and infrastructure maintenance inside the parks.
US national parks have experienced a surge in tourism in recent years with a record 331 million visitors in 2024, marking an increase of more than 6 million from the previous year. Some of the most frequented parks include Everglades (Florida), Yosemite (California) and Rocky Mountain (Colorado).