Visiting national parks in the United States is about to become a lot more expensive for non-Americans…
In this post:
Foreigners will pay $100+ each to visit National Parks
The United States Department of the Interior has announced “modernized, more affordable national park access,” though in reality, the biggest thing that’s changing is that foreigners will pay more to visit these parks.
The new plan is described as “America-first pricing,” and with this, we’re going to see the following changes for non-US residents as of January 1, 2026:
- A national park annual pass will cost $250 for non-residents, compared to $80 for residents
- Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee
So the cost of an annual pass is more than tripling for foreigners, while that $100 per person fee is likely five times as much as the typical per person entry fee (and that $100 is on top of whatever the fee is).
The intent is that this “ensures that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit.” The additional revenue generated from these fees “will be invested directly back into America’s national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide.”
Here’s how Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, describes these changes:
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. 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.”
In a social media post, The White House shared the news while writing “AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE.” The White House is also promoting what the new annual passes will look like, “featuring bold, patriotic designs that honor America’s landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy.” It looks like one side of the pass will feature a picture of Donald Trump and George Washington…
My take on this pricing change for visiting national parks
With this policy change, the United States is far from the only country to have different pricing for locals vs. foreigners. However, you’ll typically see such policies in countries where there’s huge disparity between the average income of a local and the average income of a visitor.
For example, it’s cheaper to visit Cambodia’s sites if you’re a resident, but that’s also a country where the average annual salary is well under $10K. So I’d imagine that the average foreign visitor to Cambodia has much more spending power. In the United States, that’s of course a different story, so I don’t think that applies in the same way.
Now, I also don’t think it’s unreasonable to consider that taxpayers are paying for maintaining national parks, and then get charged for entry again. So if you’re going to look at it in terms of direct funding for these services and trying to be “fair,” then it’s not unreasonable.
That being said, all of this just makes me kind of sad. One of the nicest things about traveling is enjoying nature around the world, as the world has so much beauty to offer. Enjoying nature is also among the most affordable activities you can enjoy while traveling, so it’s lovely how it’s open to all socioeconomic groups. But with these changes, a family of four is looking at paying $400 per day to visit parks, in addition to the entrance fee (or alternatively, $1,000 worth of annual passes).
While I’m not saying it’s totally unreasonable, it’s still sad, because I think national parks are one of the nicest things the United States has to offer foreigners, and I know how much so many people enjoy visiting them. To make that an unaffordable activity for many non-Americans is less than ideal.
But I’m also not surprised by this development, and it definitely feels like increasing tourism isn’t a priority for the current administration (which… they don’t claim otherwise… so that’s fair enough).
Bottom line
The United States is greatly increasing the cost for foreigners to visit national parks, as part of the Trump administration’s “America first” agenda. Foreigners will pay an extra $100 per person fee to visit national parks, on top of the standard entrance fee. On top of that, the cost of an annual national park pass for foreigners will increase from $80 per person to $250 per person.
What do you make of these changes to national park access?
Having seen the bus loads of foreigners totally ignoring all of Yellowstone's rules, I don't hate the idea.
Of course, an increasingly large percentage of Americans also break all the rules, but they usually at least try to make sure there isn't a ranger around (and if the ranger tells them to stop, they understand the language).
Wait, so like most countries charges different fees for foreigners, and they have no problem paying them, but as soon as US implements something similar, some of the commenters are upset? Don't think it the fee is the issue here...
Also, I live in DC area, where many of the musemus are 100% free, for local or foreigners. So when I travel and get hit with foreigners fee left and right, but none of...
Wait, so like most countries charges different fees for foreigners, and they have no problem paying them, but as soon as US implements something similar, some of the commenters are upset? Don't think it the fee is the issue here...
Also, I live in DC area, where many of the musemus are 100% free, for local or foreigners. So when I travel and get hit with foreigners fee left and right, but none of them gets hit with this fee when visiting my area, is annoying as hell.
Funny, when the Chinese not visiting Japan story published, most people said good riddance, less crowding, great. Same thing will happen here, but the tone is much darker. As if Japanese people don't have livelihoods that depend on foreign visitors.
The very worst part of this is disgusting look of the new annual pass.
Did you know that over 95 countries charge foreigners more to visit government operated leisure activities?
Source: 2017 D. Stewart Global Consulting Report on Regional Levies on Non-Citizen Visitors
That's cool. If America doesn't want me, I don't want them. I'm happy to take my holiday money elsewhere. And so are plenty others.
Wonderful! Please do! BUH BYE!!
How could conservatives possibly vote for Trump in the face of an article such as this, exposing so clearly his devilish nature and love of schwastikas?
If you fell for this article (and the rest of the comment section) YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Thoughtlessly acting upset and spouting Trump-hate doesn't make your morals right about conservatives, or--dare I say it? Trump.
Where's the hateful comments calling EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD Nazis?
...How could conservatives possibly vote for Trump in the face of an article such as this, exposing so clearly his devilish nature and love of schwastikas?
If you fell for this article (and the rest of the comment section) YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Thoughtlessly acting upset and spouting Trump-hate doesn't make your morals right about conservatives, or--dare I say it? Trump.
Where's the hateful comments calling EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD Nazis?
I'm surprised so many people can be so willfully ignorant when so much information is abounding at your fingertips through the internet. If, for example, you would just open your eyes for 10 seconds to consider that maybe your religion of Trump-hate isn't 100% correct on every conservative issue, any one of you could have used Google or some AI to learn some things that make this whole story a complete NON-story (as follows):
Banff National Park, Canada, Canadian Family of 5 = CAD 20, American Family of 5 = CAD 70
Tottori Sand Dunes Conan, Japan, Japanese Family of 5 = ¥1,200, American Family of 5 = ¥3,500
Burj Khalifa, UAE, Emirati Family of 5 = AED 200, American Family of 5 = AED 525
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, Swiss Family of 5 = CHF 76, American Family of 5 = CHF 198
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany, German Family of 5 = €30, American Family of 5 = €70
Sagrada Familia, Spain, Spanish Family of 5 = €36, American Family of 5 = €78
Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands, Dutch Family of 5 = €38, American Family of 5 = €81
Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE, Emirati Family of 5 = AED 120, American Family of 5 = AED 280
Roman Baths, UK, British Family of 5 = £44, American Family of 5 = £85
Skansen Open-Air Museum, Sweden, Swedish Family of 5 = 400 SEK, American Family of 5 = 860 SEK
Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland, Swiss Family of 5 = CHF 24, American Family of 5 = CHF 43
Tower of London, UK, British Family of 5 = £58, American Family of 5 = £98
Louvre Museum, France, French Family of 5 = €26, American Family of 5 = €56
Wake up! . . .YOU are the problem dividing this world! Were any of you NOT drunk when you wrote your idiotic comments that compared this move by Trump to Hitler. Where's your hateful comments calling EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD haters/Hitler/Nazis?
And all this hate just so you can worship at the altar of Trump-is-the-devil-Hitler. He sneezes and you all cross-yourselves and chant "Truly, he is Hateful Hitler Devil. Please, World forgive me, for you know that I truly hate him!"
The only love you are bringing to the table is your love of calling conservatives haters so you can justify hating on them. How's that working out? Make any conservative friends lately, with that open-minded non-judgmental attitude? Not that friends matter, though. Because, surely if you keep writing enough of these Trump-hate comments, they'll become morally justified, and you'll make it into Trump-hate heaven, and you'll be forgiven of all the times you rode in a car fueled by fossil fuels instead of a car fueled by electricity generated from fossil fuels.
Good luck with that.
lt;dr
"If you fell for this article (and the rest of the comment section) YOU ARE THE PROBLEM."
Self-awareness and irony are not your strong suits, are they? lol
And reading isn't your strong suit, TravelinWilly. Maybe hit the "read more" button on my comment and learn something.
I certainly do see irony that you use an accusation me lacking self-awareness as your entire justification to run away from having to think about what I wrote, or doing any self-reflection.
You all act like this price-increase by Trump is akin to making concentration camps, even though every other country in the world...
And reading isn't your strong suit, TravelinWilly. Maybe hit the "read more" button on my comment and learn something.
I certainly do see irony that you use an accusation me lacking self-awareness as your entire justification to run away from having to think about what I wrote, or doing any self-reflection.
You all act like this price-increase by Trump is akin to making concentration camps, even though every other country in the world already does this. You all call us NAZI's and haters--and your so-called "proof" is just shallowly thought out attacks like this article--as if price differences for locals must be xenophobia if conservatives in America do it, but somehow not a problem when every other country does it.
There's a HUGE difference between hating an idea and hating human beings. One allows for some discussion with people we respect (even while we completely disagree with them). But you guys hating on Trump and his supporters aren't just peddling a hate for policies or ideas you consider bad--you are peddling straight up hate for a human being and all the human beings who vote for him. This article and the whole comment section of this article show that none of you even really care about the policies themselves--because none of you are hating on Canada or Japan for the same policies--or even asking what the rest of the world does. You all imagine that the only possible motive of conservatives or anyone who votes for Trump must be hate. And somehow you imagine that your hate for them isn't really hate--because you are just hating on haters, and so surely that doesn't make you a hater (while hating half of an entire country--the half who voted for Trump). And you say we lack self-awareness. Nice.
Scott, I purposely logged in so that I might offer you a ‘helpful’ tick. It is not that I fully understand what you an attempting to convey to the readership, nor because I believe in what you say. I just wish to offer encouragement to those who have something to say and are prepared to spend a little time to post it herein.
One is tired of the rude, crude inarticulate rhetoric which is posted...
Scott, I purposely logged in so that I might offer you a ‘helpful’ tick. It is not that I fully understand what you an attempting to convey to the readership, nor because I believe in what you say. I just wish to offer encouragement to those who have something to say and are prepared to spend a little time to post it herein.
One is tired of the rude, crude inarticulate rhetoric which is posted by far too many numpties who really have nothing of worth to say.
Good luck with your crusade and long may you continue to post what you are thinking …. :-)
Thanks AeroB. I'm not sure if you hit the "read more button" on my post, but it went on to show that every country in the world already does the same thing as what Trump is doing: Canada, Japan, UAE, France, Germany, etc. etc. So, my point is that this whole "America First" move by Trump is America being the LAST country to give it's own citizens a discount. Everyone making a huge deal of...
Thanks AeroB. I'm not sure if you hit the "read more button" on my post, but it went on to show that every country in the world already does the same thing as what Trump is doing: Canada, Japan, UAE, France, Germany, etc. etc. So, my point is that this whole "America First" move by Trump is America being the LAST country to give it's own citizens a discount. Everyone making a huge deal of Trump doing it just shows their unwillingness to consider any actual logic whenever someone says his name. They just spout how much they hate him, and move on sure that they are right and he is wrong.
The president has $38 Trillion to chip away.
In comparison, the UK has £3 trillion debt, France €3 trillion debt, Italy €2 trillion debt, while Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, go more or less unreported, probably in worse positions of debt.
Every country is looking for more money.
Honestly, i know that the US has a lot of decent people, but I really have no desire to visit. This just re-affirms my view. I had a stopover in Dulles airport on my way from Oz to Canada a few years ago and the way we were handled was just appalling. And this was just linking flights.
US Nat’l Park passes are per vehicle; not per person, so a family of 4 from outside the US would only be paying $250 for an annual pass - not $1k.
That said, Ben, agree with you that this is sad. Also disappointed but not surprised by all the MAGA trash in the comments. Not sure how the poor illiterate inbreds found this site but I don’t think most MAGAts travel much if at all; they’re just here to troll.
It's instructive how studies show that when people insult others they don't know (anything about) they draw from their own insecurities and foibles as inspiration:
"What would hurt MY feelings if someone said that about me?"
This is an important development. Increased fees for international visitors could boost conservation funding, but it’s vital to keep the parks welcoming and accessible. Striking the right balance will help protect these natural treasures while still encouraging travelers from around the world to experience them.
You think that the demand is inelastic?
I expect it will reduce numbers and therefore fee income (and hotel and airline income etc)
We have become a true banana republic
Nah, we’re not literally “a small state that is politically unstable as a result of the domination of its economy by a single export controlled by foreign capital…” it just feels like it because we have a super-corrupt President and sycophantic party/Congress/Court backing him.
Morning 1990/Ben …. :-)
Morning 1990/Ben …. :-)
Agree with your general sentiment - not totally unreasonable, but still very sad…
Good. Not a "world traveler" in the sense that most of you are - but I HAVE paid More for being a non-native in national parks in other countries!! I am paying for our National parks with my taxes ( tens of thousands of them) - Why should people who don't pay those get the same entrance fee as me. The parks with the higher fees are ALL OVER-CROWDED and require reservations to visit. I...
Good. Not a "world traveler" in the sense that most of you are - but I HAVE paid More for being a non-native in national parks in other countries!! I am paying for our National parks with my taxes ( tens of thousands of them) - Why should people who don't pay those get the same entrance fee as me. The parks with the higher fees are ALL OVER-CROWDED and require reservations to visit. I have visited 51 of our National Parks ( and countless National monuments, etc. and have often wondered why people who aren't contributing to the funding of these parks ( Not paying taxes) get the same entrance fee as me. The parks are over-crowded - if you don't want to pay, stay home.
As you said, if you don't want to pay an excessive amount for a Visa, for payong three times more for a Nationa Park stay in your country. You will see that most of the foreigners will follow your advice and avoid USA in the future years. Billions of dollars of cash who will disappear, hundreds of thousands of employees fired in hotel, restaurant and leasure park, for sure US economy will be better and nobody will suffer.
I make plenty of work trips to the US, so I will certainly not be going near any national parks on my days off. Sure it will cut down on visitor numbers (and perhaps leave more space for Americans) but it's also very effective in cutting down my spending while in the US.
I will not visit the US while Trump is in office anyway. He will not last forever. Neither will these fees.
Thank you for keeping ‘hope’ alive.
I'm an American citizen and I normally get a pass, but if this clown is putting his face on the pass, I may well skip it until he's removed. Either that or put a sticker on the pass to cover the eyesore.
Park and rec departments often have amenities that are one rate for residents and a higher rate for non-residents. Disneyland offers lower admission prices for Southern California residents.
It seems this mirrors what some other nations do. If you can afford to fly or drive to the US and stay in one of its overpriced hotels with sub standard service (just saying what people have said on other posts) and pay the 15-25 % tip on food, then you can pony up the money to see a National Park. The timing of the announcement is odd. The individual who enacted this likely studied...
It seems this mirrors what some other nations do. If you can afford to fly or drive to the US and stay in one of its overpriced hotels with sub standard service (just saying what people have said on other posts) and pay the 15-25 % tip on food, then you can pony up the money to see a National Park. The timing of the announcement is odd. The individual who enacted this likely studied price elasticity of demand at University and has worked out all the economic ramifications of this policy and determined that another billion in debt from lost tourism taxation revenue is peanuts when added to the $35 trillion Americans already owe to the foreign people who will not visit their National Parks.
I believe this new policy is truly fair since non-residents are not paying taxes. But now I can no longer complain when I visit parks outside the US where the fee for foreigners is often multiple times the price of the locals, especially in Africa!
I agree with you on the fact that is very common in some other countries. But most of them are not rich countries and it's useful to give more money when you are visiting as a "rich tourist". But how many countries have an upper cost of life than the US? Not a lot. So this kind of decision as the improvement of restaurant, hotel, leisure parks, tips for the last years in your country...
I agree with you on the fact that is very common in some other countries. But most of them are not rich countries and it's useful to give more money when you are visiting as a "rich tourist". But how many countries have an upper cost of life than the US? Not a lot. So this kind of decision as the improvement of restaurant, hotel, leisure parks, tips for the last years in your country (without speaking abour political decision) push tourists to avoid to come in the USA.
With a huge decrease of foreign tourism you will see how your own economy will react. Just see what happens in Las Vegas where foreigners (most are Japanese and Chinese) left this place to go to Macao. Billions of dollars of lost revenues.
It’s a loss leader! Sigh. So silly.
Good analogy. Yosemite is the milk and Yellowstone the eggs.
Just one more reason to not revisit the USA, not that I needed another one.
In hingsight I am grateful I visited extensively prior to 2016. Since then the country has been in steady decline, accelerated by the Second Coming of the Orange Clown Show.
God help America, althougn the job might be too big for Him at this point.
Must be a Canadian. No real loss.
Good. Don't come back.
glenn t, the US still has ample decent people and places; we’re certainly going through a rough time, and it’s gonna take a while to clean this all up. We’ll get there.
Where is the outrage for child’s menu pricing or for special rates for seniors at restaurants or venues? What about veteran hiring benefits or handicapped parking spots? There’s no difference but no one would dare call that out as disparate pricing or treatment.
Just another terminal case of TDS.
Other benefits include reducing terrible overcrowding which directly affects the environment and causes significant degradation of the natural resources and topography of our national...
Where is the outrage for child’s menu pricing or for special rates for seniors at restaurants or venues? What about veteran hiring benefits or handicapped parking spots? There’s no difference but no one would dare call that out as disparate pricing or treatment.
Just another terminal case of TDS.
Other benefits include reducing terrible overcrowding which directly affects the environment and causes significant degradation of the natural resources and topography of our national parks.
Great move and extremely smart.
I absolutely, whole heartedly agree with this. These American parks are our treasures and should be a benefit to Americans.
Everywhere else in the world has a locals price and a tourist price. Nothing wrong with this whatsoever and it’s about time this happened.
Hopefully museums in Washington DC do the same thing: stay free for Americans and charge foreigners an entrance fee. This is no different than country to country visa reciprocity.
I absolutely, whole heartedly agree with this. These American parks are our treasures and should be a benefit to Americans.
Everywhere else in the world has a locals price and a tourist price. Nothing wrong with this whatsoever and it’s about time this happened.
Hopefully museums in Washington DC do the same thing: stay free for Americans and charge foreigners an entrance fee. This is no different than country to country visa reciprocity.
Finally some common sense and AmericA First.
I’m in NJ get me outta here. Stickers and signs I saw this morning on my hike. UC Berkeley, Harris Walz , Immigrants make America Great , and a miniature US flag discarded in a bush. O’hare sucks also. 40 plane line up for take off. 1 mile connection walk. Happy Thanksgiving. ‘MERICA
It tickles me when people cry foul at the proprietor posting 'clickbait' articles about the behavior of savages on transportation, while actual clickbait articles like this escape similar critique but generate huge returns due to the Pavlovian trigger of Orange Man Bad.
Disagree with your churlish comment, 99.
This content is highly relevant IMO.
Go to VFTW and you'll have a field day with the content.
Watches people day drinking on Thanksgiving, triggered, spluttering hyperbole about Orange Man Bad - its low effort-high reward clickbait and I admire the work - hope it pays the bills and gets us the (genuinely insightful and helpful) content we all are here for
glenn t is right; 99 Luft Stanzas, you’d ‘like’ View from the (right) Wing very much. Plenty of your fellow bigots over there.
Me? I couldn't care less whether it's orange cheeto or senile grandpa Biden in power - folks here regurgitating media talking points that trigger their inner lizard brain get short thrift
One thing to charge foreigners more, another to revert to extortion. As other commenters have mentioned, this will directly impact the communities surrounding the national parks and will certainly curtail foreign visits to these places. Ironically, it will also probably decrease overall revenues generated by the parks because of the decrease in visitation and tourism. In summary, a myopic decision with little or no real consideration of the effects except to throw red meat to...
One thing to charge foreigners more, another to revert to extortion. As other commenters have mentioned, this will directly impact the communities surrounding the national parks and will certainly curtail foreign visits to these places. Ironically, it will also probably decrease overall revenues generated by the parks because of the decrease in visitation and tourism. In summary, a myopic decision with little or no real consideration of the effects except to throw red meat to those who think foreigners are our biggest problem.
This certainly doesn't "make us great".
Lost all interest in visiting US again after all the Anti-Canadian tariffs. This is the last straw! Silly since CANADIANS visiting US is already down 80%
Good. Thank God
You won’t have to “visit” much longer. You’ll be #51 and able to get the discounted rate. See, you are already going to save money!
It’s really a shame what Trump has done attacking our allies and serving our adversaries; like, he really is Putin’s puppet. So sorry, Canada; you deserve better.
Not to mention, Congress, not the President is supposed to set tariffs, yet, these days, the corrupt Supreme Court will probably give him yet another pass on that, too. *sigh*
I think this is great news! This slap in the face to tourists who bring billions of dollars into the US and create tens of thousands of jobs have just been given another major incentive to stay home or to travel anywhere other than the US. The reality is that the US doesn't have a monopoly on rivers, mountains, canyons or any other natural feature and, as impressive as some parks are, the reality is...
I think this is great news! This slap in the face to tourists who bring billions of dollars into the US and create tens of thousands of jobs have just been given another major incentive to stay home or to travel anywhere other than the US. The reality is that the US doesn't have a monopoly on rivers, mountains, canyons or any other natural feature and, as impressive as some parks are, the reality is that none of them are worth a $400 day pass! Donald Trump has turned out to be the best salesman for Canadian and European tourism. I hope he keeps pushing tourists to our country and, hopefully, all those laid off workers at tourist sites, hotels and restaurants take a moment to reflect on their vote in the last election. You truly do get the government you deserve!
Why would they use the picture of Trump that really shows off his recent stroke?
"America First" is an isolationist policy to withdraw from the global stage and focus on investing at home and homebody Americans. It reminds me what Mark Twain said about religion " Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool". Jimmy Kimmel declared on his show on the election night " The country will lose big under Trump. But those who voted for Trump will lose the most". We see that plays...
"America First" is an isolationist policy to withdraw from the global stage and focus on investing at home and homebody Americans. It reminds me what Mark Twain said about religion " Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool". Jimmy Kimmel declared on his show on the election night " The country will lose big under Trump. But those who voted for Trump will lose the most". We see that plays out this year and we will feel the excruciating pain next year. Tourism and agriculture are the first guinea pigs and more to follow soon. Trump cuts back and eliminates programs designed to help the working class, the working poor, the elderly and the needy. But DofD always enjoy budgetary surplus to embark on regime change and proliferation of WMD worldwide. It is such an oxymoron for Trump to claim using extra funds from increased entry fees to NPs to maintain and upgrade NPs while opening public lands to oil and gas drilling and boycotting ways to slow down climate change.
Families with young kids explore nature in NPs as a cheap entertaining and educational means. Not so much for veterans and the elderly. Raising prices is the way to keep kids from humble background to access nature the same way that Hawaii now is the travel destination preferred by high income earners. Last night SF Gate Chronicle has an article "The end of middle class traveler in Hawaii is near" is relevant to this topic. Doubling more than hundreds of dollars is not stimulating tourism that has tumbled this summer. Name any positive economic indicator that has benefited the average commoners. Targeting foreigners who spend money on our economy is pure lunatic. No wonder Trump never showed off his transcript at U of Pennsylvania majoring in economics to the public. His GPA definitely was not much above passing grade. Throughout his business career, he was well known as "King of Debt" and no domestic banks lend him money.
Hawaii has had specific localist policies for decades - you don't have a Kama’aina Card or HI state ID you pay more, including at Toyrist attractions.
People just talk..
*tourist - strange autocorrect
Not really a similar situation... not even a Hawaiian government policy!
But this increase is astronomical!.
1000%. ????
healthy reminder that the biggest bellends in us politics are running the show
MAGA is just affirmative action for poor white trash.
…. and what about the poor black trash who also believe that “MEGA is just affirmative action”?
Perhaps in your mind Jesse, affirmative action is only a one way street, yes?
The lack of gratitude for white people who gave you the texhnology and education to be speaking English language on the internet, and built every luxury you enjoy, and that made your life health and standard of living possible, is remarkable on this of all days.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, even if it's not reciprocated
Trump national park card
so gross
In theory I don't object the hike but I don't see it that justified either. Travelling to the NP's is much easier to the locals, and the locals have much easier options for accommodation so in general we spend quite a lot extra when visiting the NP's.
The booking system already pretty killed our NP visits anyway so we've been going elsewhere than the US. Canada was amazing last summer and will be back soon, heading to Chile and Argentina in a few weeks.
great! we don't want any tourists to over crowded places and parks.
Wish granted! Plenty of stunning national parks elsewhere
While I question the timing of this (depressed international tourism market), a lot of people here being quite disingenuous, by pretending that this isn't how most of the rest of the world operates. Either that, or they don't actually travel, and didn't know.
Go to any national park/monument/landmark/etc in China, India, Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, Indonesia, etc, and see what they charge locals versus foreigners. This is nothing new.
other people doing things already is one of the lowest and least valid reasons to do it yourself. fact of the matter is, this won't be a meaningful revenue generator and this administrations gets off on leveraging government power against groups they don't like
But the USA is NOT “China, India, Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, Indonesia, etc.”
Stick to the topic at hand; don’t pivot to other topics that are completely different.
Waa waa, the USA no longer subsidizes freeloader visitors and expects them to pay their way to support the infrastructure that allows their visit to this wonderful land, built on blood and sweat equity of generations of Americans
"But the USA is NOT “China, India, Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, Indonesia, etc.”
Earth-shattering conclusion there Sparky.
But no, there's no "other topic" here: why is it somehow when the US does what most other major tourist markets do? Because you feel it shouldn't? That's hardly a worthwhile reason, now is it.
The difference is the average income for a local in those countries is much less than that of the US. Therefore, a majority of the locals would not be able to afford to visit or pay the fees needed for the upkeep of the monuments and the parks. However, with foreign tourists, who are mostly from rich OECD with income per capita at least 10 times higher than the host country can easily afford pay...
The difference is the average income for a local in those countries is much less than that of the US. Therefore, a majority of the locals would not be able to afford to visit or pay the fees needed for the upkeep of the monuments and the parks. However, with foreign tourists, who are mostly from rich OECD with income per capita at least 10 times higher than the host country can easily afford pay that amount.
In this case, the USA is already one of the richest countries in the world and having higher visit fees will make it prohibitive for many foreigners. In the end, it would mean fewer people travelling to the US, and the US tourism economy suffering,
U.A.E also has much cheaper pricing for locals,even on hotels!
UAE also hosts parties where you can pay 100K and poop on girls faces.
People here telling on themselves, pretending this isn't how the world has always worked.
Perfomative Outrage at Trump Brand Always
It’s cute the way you try and change the subject. And too obvious by half.
This isn’t about how the world has “always worked.” It’s about that how the USA has worked, and will work in the future.
Yup. Welcome to post Bretton Woods America
I think this is great! MAGA!
I’m confused why this is so controversial. You go to Europe and in many places they have special pricing for locals?
Well, that's one way to further kneecap an already depressed tourism industry. You do you.
Be aware that it is not a nationalistic approach as you don’t need to be an American citizen to get the local price, just a US resident, which de facto includes foreigners living in the US with a valid non-tourist visa.
That’s an excellent initiative, and other countries should do the same. Tourism is overdeveloped in many European countries and needs to be tackled. I invite all European countries to follow this example.
...
Be aware that it is not a nationalistic approach as you don’t need to be an American citizen to get the local price, just a US resident, which de facto includes foreigners living in the US with a valid non-tourist visa.
That’s an excellent initiative, and other countries should do the same. Tourism is overdeveloped in many European countries and needs to be tackled. I invite all European countries to follow this example.
A good case is the Louvre in Paris, which REALLY lacks funding and charges only €22 per head? The ticket price should be €15 for French residents and €30 for non-residents. The same goes for Notre Dame: entrance is free, really? After an €800 million renovation, French residents should enter for free and non-residents should pay €5 per entry.
“…you don’t need to be an American citizen to get the local price, just a US resident, which de facto includes foreigners living in the US with a valid non-tourist visa.”
Are you living in a cave?
The current USA Nazi regime is beating and arresting American citizens, along with beating and arresting US residents, including “foreigners living in the US within a valid non-tourist visa,” and deporting them to Third World torture chambers...
“…you don’t need to be an American citizen to get the local price, just a US resident, which de facto includes foreigners living in the US with a valid non-tourist visa.”
Are you living in a cave?
The current USA Nazi regime is beating and arresting American citizens, along with beating and arresting US residents, including “foreigners living in the US within a valid non-tourist visa,” and deporting them to Third World torture chambers and Gulags without due process, without any sort of hearing, and under cover of darkness, with no records being kept.
Pearl-clutching Willy
Name one American or foreigner with a valid non-tourist visa that has been deported to a third world torture chamber. I double dare you because there simply are none.
No way that I, as a foreigner, will buy a pass with the words „America First“ and a picture of this criminal guy on it.
They should write „fuck off foreign visitors, just leave your money“. That would be at least a honest statement from this administration.
The isolationist hyperbole is absolutely wrecking the US’s tourism industry.
Many, many US tourism companies, especially those relying on travel to and within the US, have had to lay off long-term employees because their income has fallen off a cliff. I’m one of those people whose layoff is directly related to the Cheeto’s economic policies.
Sorry to hear that, Matt. I love visiting USA, but I won’t for the foreseeable future. I wish you all the best.
About time other countries did the same. EU can start by adding higher city taxes to hotel bills for US passport holders as well as 100 EUR on top of any museum entrance fee.
Many museums in the EU already do this. High cost for foreigners and free for EU citizens.
A steady parade of policies that drive the Trump-deranged seething mad, that simply reciprocate how US travelers abroad are treated
Which one? Every museum I go, I have to pay. And in Germany the EU even didn't permit toll on Autobahn just for foreigners.
I love USA, visted more times I can remember. All states more then once. (execpt hawaii and alaska) NP are very nice. At this moment with huge price increases, more different taxes and add ons I can remember. And now 100USd fee on top to enter parks. With pain in my heart I have to say No thank you
"I’m not saying it’s totally unreasonable"
Really? I expected better from you. This is not only unreasonable, it's simply insane. Yet another way to give a big middle finger to foreign tourists rather than actually try to make them welcome. Please explain how a visiting family of four can buy outrageously priced Disney tickets for less than the price of visiting The Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a day and that's remotely reasonable?
"Please explain how a visiting family of four can buy outrageously priced Disney tickets for less than the price of visiting The Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a day"
I'd love an answer to this also - last I checked it's north of $1000 for a family of four to visit das Mäusereich.
Show your work, Christian
A one day one park pass to Disneyland starts at $104 for ages 10+ and $98 for ages 3-9, dependent on the day you visit.
If you want to go to, say, Grand Teton National Park it is $35 per vehicle. If I’m understanding the press release correctly it’ll now be $35 for the vehicle and $100 each for 4 foreign occupants, for $435 in your example.
$416 is less than $435.
Yeah. Right.
Tell me a family of four visiting a Mauspark doesn't buy so much as a soda.
Ludicrous
This isn’t about food it’s about entrance fees. You seen food prices lately at the Grand Canyon? Or Bright Angel Lodge at Yosemite? Sodexo is perfectly good at putting the squeeze on tourists at those places, and no discount for locals. People are going to eat where ever they are.
Yes - in your scenario, people are only visiting the Konigspark for just one day and not going to California Adventure, on a non-peak day midweek?
Yoyr pretzel logic also assumes this same savvy, thrify family would simultaneously be dumb enough to pick the most expensive option for a National Park visit. As people point out repeatedly in the comments, the price per car per annum is much cheaper than the $100 per person sticker shock that outraged the commentariat.
As Ben pointed out America isn’t the first country to do this, Kenya for example charges its local Citizens 7-20 bucks a day to enter the Maasi Mara and non Kenyans 100-200 dollars per person depending on the time of year,
So an even bigger gap than what the US charges, no one complains about that.
Yes it might have a negative effect on the number of people visiting the national parks from...
As Ben pointed out America isn’t the first country to do this, Kenya for example charges its local Citizens 7-20 bucks a day to enter the Maasi Mara and non Kenyans 100-200 dollars per person depending on the time of year,
So an even bigger gap than what the US charges, no one complains about that.
Yes it might have a negative effect on the number of people visiting the national parks from foreign countries but if it makes the parks more enjoyable due to less crowds for residents and that could be a fair trade off
How lovely, America is keeping up with Kenya. Look at us making America great again!
Russia and China are the two places I have experienced this ...
Let's just do the same to Yanks when they come to Paris, Rome, Munich, or Vienna. I'm cool with them having MAGA parties in their national parks at a great, great price!
What's the enforcement mechanism. How will Americans prove they're American to not be charged $100 fee?
They’ll be white and have no accents when they talk English, silly.
BigotWilly
Guessing they look at your driver’s license (if it's issued by a US State or DC, you are ok?) . I believe anyone that lives in the USA gets the resident rate (citizen or not). I realize this disenfranchises people who don’t drive, but how else would you get to the park?
I would not be surprised about "reciprocity fees", e.g. in Italy or Greece.
Why are you pretending as though this isn't already how most of the rest of the world operated already?
I used to visit the US 2-3 times a year. Never again. This is more proof they don’t want vistors.
The government just cancelled funding for world aids day, on top of all the other discriminatory legislation they are enforcing. I don’t want to risk going to a country where thugs pull people off streets or during immigration interviews and kidnap them.
The World Cup 26 and Olympics should be boycott
Trump and his junta can choke on their turkey
“The World Cup 26 and Olympics should be boycott”
They already are.
Expect to see only partially-filled stadia at both.
I hope so Willy - more seats for me to choose from
Soccer is a third world sport anyway, or for grade school kids to play. No real sport doesn’t use their hands and after hours of play has a score of 1-0.
Silly third world sport.
As a foreigner who visits the USA three or four times a year, and has been to many National Parks, I am happy to pay more than locals. But at these rates, I will no longer go, and I have the resources to afford this. It seems inevitable that there will be a massive reduction in foreigners visiting. And they are the ones who also spend their dollars in the surrounding local hotels, restaurants and...
As a foreigner who visits the USA three or four times a year, and has been to many National Parks, I am happy to pay more than locals. But at these rates, I will no longer go, and I have the resources to afford this. It seems inevitable that there will be a massive reduction in foreigners visiting. And they are the ones who also spend their dollars in the surrounding local hotels, restaurants and so on. These towns will suffer.
$20-30 per person over the local rates would be fair, not reduce foreign visitors, raise more funds and keep the tourist spend in the local communities.
But if, as some of you seem to feel, that you don’t want us tourists spending in the US, there are many other places to go to spend our money.
there are indeed plenty of other places worldwide
And DJT wants to reduce the trade deficit of the USA. Tourism directly reduces that trade deficit. So reducing tourism is just increasing the trade deficit.
Ok, economy 101 and Trump administration are mutually exclusive.l
As many others have said, as a non-resident the $250 annual pass gets a carload in.
But what no one has commented on is that Trumps birthday will be a no entry fee for residents day. In addition to having his image on the pass. This is stuff North Korea does…
Exactly why dont Americans speak up more ? Everyone seems afraid of Trumps high school bullying tactics and childish name calling. America used to be a dictatorship free country free from rulers demanding idolization. Next he will put a statue of liberty like monstrosity of himself. I can already see him having his maga crowd purchase the mountain next to rushmore for the Trump likeness. What is wrong with people they already talk about giving...
Exactly why dont Americans speak up more ? Everyone seems afraid of Trumps high school bullying tactics and childish name calling. America used to be a dictatorship free country free from rulers demanding idolization. Next he will put a statue of liberty like monstrosity of himself. I can already see him having his maga crowd purchase the mountain next to rushmore for the Trump likeness. What is wrong with people they already talk about giving him 3 terms +. America is not a country governed by rulers dictators and elitists. Sure the man has a few good ideas.. tariffs is not one of them for every deal he makes or pretends to make for the US he makes 4x that for himself. Americans are useless sheep wallowing in blind materialistic bullshit being dumped on us by a sham artist bullying narcissist.
Because we voted for this and this is what Americans want, finally. Some order, America first, discipline. And respect for our laws.
It took a non-politician to finally do what’s right and in our best interests and not be taken advantage of by the rest of the world.
God Bless President Trump.
No. As "Lebonrobert" commented on another article: "Seventy seven million voted for this and seventy three million did not. I did not."
All hail the mighty Trümpenfuhrer!
If you go to NPS.gov site, Plan Your Visit page, click on the More About America the Beautiful passes link. There are free lifetime passes available to Gold Star families and veterans, and free annual passes for the military and disabled. For seniors, there are discounted annual and lifetime passes.
How about H1B workers, we paid same tax as citizens and permanent residents, I paid 13 years taxes, even though my PERM application is still pending, I have to pay 100 per entry? Is that fair?
It's not "cheaper to visit Cambodia's sites if you're a resident."
It's free to visit Angkor Wat if you are Cambodian, and something like $37 if you're not.
I actually agree with this to an extent. I was just in Panama City, non-residents pay 6 times the price for some of the historical museums. While $100 per person may be a little bit too much, I do believe that as it is common place in many counties, there is no compelling reason not to charge foreigners a little more at the most popular parks.
Maybe the US should consider setting up some kind of “National Trust” paid for by membership fee’s and not by the tax payer, they could apply for grants from central government for capital projects, might sit better with the population than getting fully funded from federal coffers.
Thanks Putin!
Thanks fake Eskimo!
Schizimo commentariat
When will 47 and his Jackie’s just admit they hate foreigners and have no issue wrecking the country to make their point?
I could care less. Disincentivizing foreign visitors for visit our national parks will disproportionately impact the rural voters who voted for this mess. Here’s hoping they get everything they voted for.
Many uninformed commenters who are quick to jump to conclusions. The pass is for the entire vehicle. A family visiting will only pay one fee if they are in one car. Completely fair to charge non-tax payers more.
It really isn’t clear because the press release says $100 per person. If it is indeed for a carload, that’s one thing but if it’s per person plus the car that’s a bit much.
I wonder if that part is aimed at the bus tours - they each need their own pass, where for a regular passenger car, one pass is good for everyone.
As Ben points out this disparate charging structure is common in third world countries so no reason why we shouldn't use it in the US.
We aren't a third world country.
Politically the US is a banana republic. So yes, it is third world.
…. who are you trying to kid Max? …. :-)
From the right side of the pond, looking West is the new Far East.
The US might be a third world country after a few more years of the current regime.
well, not yet anyway...
It is not so much the idea than the language used that kinda shocks me.
AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE
Like why does the main point have to be made that foreigners are PAYING MUCH MORE? You might as well continue the sentence 'FOREIGN TOURISTS DON'T COME WE DON'T WANT YOU'.
“… 'FOREIGN TOURISTS DON'T COME WE DON'T WANT YOU'...”
If we’re being honest, that is part of the message that this Nazi administration is sending.
This isn't anything new as other countries have been doing this for years with their versions of 2-tiered pricing - lower rates for their citizens and much higher rates for foreigners. This is especially prevalent in Asia and considered acceptable practice.
Except the absolute "mark up" on foreigners isn't as ridiculous: throughout Thailand, for example, locals pay less than 1 USD at most parks, whilst the "farang" price is about $5-9. Charging a $100 surcharge per park per person is ludicrous.
You’ve just made the point. A 1 to 9 markup is exactly the same:
A $10 rate for locals = $90 for foreigners.
Your $1 Thai rate to $9 tourist rate is the same !
Those are developing countries. The US is not.
It's rare I agree with the current administration's decisions, but I am actually okay with this. As you point out, it's extremely common to pay far higher entry fees as a foreigner and yes, that is often the case in lower-income countries, but tons of museums and parks have this practice globally. It encourages locals to visit. On the other hand, the parks - particularly the most popular ones - have been extremely crowded. If...
It's rare I agree with the current administration's decisions, but I am actually okay with this. As you point out, it's extremely common to pay far higher entry fees as a foreigner and yes, that is often the case in lower-income countries, but tons of museums and parks have this practice globally. It encourages locals to visit. On the other hand, the parks - particularly the most popular ones - have been extremely crowded. If this causes a little bit of traffic reduction, I am all for that. Lastly, all these fees go to supporting the park. That is why I have never minded paying the higher fee when I am abroad and I hope most foreigners would feel the same way here.
Indeed...except the $100 per park per person non-resident surcharge is, in absolute dollars, ludicrous compared to a lot of those uncharges abroad...
It's not "extremely common". It's common in third-world countries.
It won't cost a family of 4 ”$1,000 worth of annual passes”. An America the Beautiful pass admits all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle, or up to 4 adults, depending on how entry is charged. A family of 4 will only need one $250 pass (unless the rules are going to be different for the non-resident passes).
I'm not a fan of the new fees. And I hope they'll still honor this year's pass until it expires. Btw, US Parks did make a lot of money with everyone I know for example, because everyone bought the pass every year, but now will think twice about that.
Many people, I talked to, would have gladly paid $150 or so, but to more than triple the fee is quite extreme.
And Americans...
I'm not a fan of the new fees. And I hope they'll still honor this year's pass until it expires. Btw, US Parks did make a lot of money with everyone I know for example, because everyone bought the pass every year, but now will think twice about that.
Many people, I talked to, would have gladly paid $150 or so, but to more than triple the fee is quite extreme.
And Americans in Europe use a lot of things too, that Europeans pay taxes for. Just saying.
@ Ben: It's not $1000 for a family of 4. It's still $250, because one pass is good for all people in the car or up to 4 people, where fees are charged per person.
I’m 100 percent ok with everything on the plan. We the taxpayer, pay for the parks. I also love the new annual pass.
The annual pass is not new and, at age 62, it becomes free -- including everyone in your car.
This xenophobic america uber alles is really seggregating the US from the rest of the world. Americans who see this are just blind, ignorant and hateful or just all 3
Some of us are old enough to remember when the only visitors to many U.S. National Parks were in fact overseas visitors.
Not true, at all, ever, but, okay.
…. and you are old enough to remember 1990?
That's probably the last time his caregiver changed his diapers.
It would appear that in addition to being old, you're also moronic.
Remember folks …. He who laughs last, is worth three in the bush. Work it out and you will understand who will laugh last and longest too ..
Would you care to cite any data on that, Aero?
This makes sense to me, just like many US State (and some local) parks have tiered fees based on residency. In our state it’s based on the license plate on the car you enter with to keep things simple.
US Military Veterans (and those still serving) can get a pass for National Parks with no fee. I didn't say free, as they already paid a price to be eligible.
Great point on state parks. Idaho is $10 for in state and $80 for out of state annual pass. Both a great value (like the NP annual pass). I live right on the other side of the state line and no one gripes about paying more for ID.
Waiting for the outrage when some country decides to reciprocate but only charge Americans extra. Eiffel Tower - 20€ for most, Americans - 60€.
Zut alors!
1990, that got a hearty chuckle out of me. Tres bien.
This already happens lol.
I've seen this sort of thing in less developed countries where the wealth gap is *massive*...
Reason #67 not to return to the USA. Sad state of affairs.
Please remain where you are. If you hold multiple passports and on is USA, please renounce your citizenship.
Steve K gets it.
I definitely do not prefer this administration or its policies, but I’m still proudly American, for the ideals of our country and its people.
UncleRonnie remains an a-hole.
Thank you 1990.
It's fine, I've always wanted to visit Jasper and Banff.
Really this makes no sense. The only place/time that I would agree this should be enforceable are very high demand parks that might have a waiting line/period to get in but I doubt that happens very often. We should show the world just how wonderful many of our national parks are.
It actually happens all the time. Rainier (not one of the “big” parks) has a live webcam of the line to enter. Many parks have added reservations the last few years, they’re very competitive to get but make parks like Glacier worth visiting again in the summer.
I mean, I fully expected this a-hole of an administration to decommission and sell-off all our public lands anyway, so, at least they’re keeping the parks as parks for now… oof.
Shoutout to the best ones: Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef… (all in Utah, ironically).