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 international visitors will need to pay $100 (£76) in addition to existing fees to access 11 of the most popular sites.
Starting in 2026, non-residents will also have 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 corresponds with President Donald Trump's goal to improve the affordability and accessibility of parks for US citizens, according to the department.
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 parks for future generations, said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
The increase will take effect at the beginning of 2026, alongside the launch of an upgraded online booking system and enhanced access for motorcyclists across the parks.
The department's announcement included mention of eight resident-only, patriotic fee-free days in 2026, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.
This fee adjustment follows an executive order signed by Trump in July, which aimed to increase entrance fees for overseas visitors. The additional revenue is expected to fund conservation and maintenance at the sites, even as the Trump administration planned significant cuts to the Park Service budget.
US national parks have recorded a surge in visitors, with upwards of 331 million tourists in 2024, representing an increase of at least 6 million compared to 2023. The most visited parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
