Trump Administration Implements $100 Surcharge for Foreign Tourists at America's Most Popular National Parks

The Trump administration has announced a significant price increase for international visitors to America's most iconic national parks. Starting in 2026, foreign tourists will face a $100 surcharge on top of regular entry fees at 11 of the nation's most visited natural attractions, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.

According to the Department of the Interior, which oversees the national park system, non-US residents will also see the cost of an annual pass increase dramatically from $80 to $250, more than tripling the current rate.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum explained the decision as aligned with the administration's priorities: "President Trump's leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that US 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."

The US national park network, comprising 63 officially designated parks, represents a cornerstone of American tourism. In 2024 alone, these natural treasures attracted nearly 332 million visitors, as reported by the National Park Service.

Currently, the "America the Beautiful" pass offers unlimited annual access to all national parks for a flat fee of $80, regardless of citizenship. Daily admission structures vary by location, with some parks charging per vehicle and others per person.

While non-US residents who purchase annual passes will be exempt from the $100 surcharge at highly visited destinations like Florida's Everglades, Maine's Acadia and California's Yosemite, all other foreign tourists will face the additional fee. American citizens and permanent residents will not be affected by these price increases.

The new fee structure follows President Trump's executive order from July aimed at "preserving" the parks for "American families." According to the Interior Department, "Nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America's parks."

The department has also introduced "patriotic fee-free days" for US residents, which will include President's Day, Veteran's Day, and June 14 - both Trump's birthday and Flag Day.