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?
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
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.
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…
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 ..
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!
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.
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).