US Triples National Park Fees for International Visitors, Introduces Trump Commemorative Passes

New 'America-First' Fee Structure Implemented

The U.S. Interior Department announced on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, a new set of 'America-first' entrance fee policies for national parks, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes will significantly increase costs for international visitors, introduce a new surcharge at some of the most popular parks, and reserve fee-free days exclusively for U.S. residents. The announcement follows a July 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump, directing the parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists.

According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the new policies aim to 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.'

Increased Costs for International Visitors

Under the new fee structure, international visitors will face substantially higher prices:

• The annual 'America the Beautiful' pass, which grants access to all national parks, will more than triple for non-residents, increasing from $80 to $250.
• Non-residents who do not purchase the annual pass will be charged an additional $100 per person surcharge to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, on top of the standard entrance fee.
• The 11 parks subject to this surcharge include iconic destinations such as Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.
• International visitors will also be excluded from the newly designated fee-free days, which will now apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The Interior Department estimates these fee increases will generate approximately $90 million annually, which will be reinvested into improving park infrastructure and reducing the maintenance backlog.

Commemorative Passes and Resident-Only Benefits

The Department of the Interior also unveiled new designs for annual passes issued in 2026. These commemorative passes will feature portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump side-by-side, while the military pass will include a photograph of President Trump saluting troops.

In a move to prioritize domestic visitors, U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for the annual 'America the Beautiful' pass. Additionally, eight 'patriotic fee-free days' have been designated for 2026, exclusively for U.S. citizens and residents. These days include President's Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 31), Flag Day/President Trump's birthday (June 14), Independence Day weekend (July 3-5), the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25), Constitution Day (September 17), Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (October 27), and Veterans Day (November 11).

The department also announced the introduction of new digital passes through Recreation.gov and expanded motorcycle access, allowing a single pass to cover two motorcycles.

Reactions and Context

The policy changes come amidst ongoing challenges for the National Park Service, including staff reductions, budget cuts, and a decline in foreign tourism. While proponents argue the fees will provide much-needed revenue for park maintenance, some tourism industry representatives have expressed concerns. Jonathan Farrington, CEO of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, warned that higher fees could deter international visitors, potentially harming local economies reliant on tourism. Kati Schmidt, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, noted that there are 'many questions on its implementation' that the organization plans to raise with the Interior Department.