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, announced that each international visitor will need to pay $100 (£76) in addition to existing fees to access 11 of the most popular sites.
From 2026, non-residents will also be required to pay more than $250 for an annual pass to the parks, while US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay $80.
The fee hike aims to put American families first and aligns with President Donald Trump's goal to make the parks more accessible and affordable for US citizens, said 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 our parks for future generations, stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
The increase will take effect at the beginning of 2026, coinciding with the launch of an upgraded online booking system and improved access for motorcyclists across the parks.
The announcement also included eight resident-only, patriotic fee-free days for 2026, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.
This fee hike follows an executive order signed by Trump in July aimed at raising entrance fees for overseas visitors. The additional revenue will help fund conservation and maintenance of the sites, the White House noted, even amid plans for budget cuts to the Park Service.
US national parks have witnessed record visitor numbers in recent years, with more than 331 million visitors in 2024 – an increase of 6 million from the previous year.
The most visited parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
