U.S. National Parks Increase Entry Fees for International Visitors by $100

Mather Point at the Grand Canyon National Park became a bustling spot on October 1, 2025, drawing in crowds from all over the world.

In a recent announcement, the National Park Service declared that international tourists will now be subject to additional entry costs, amounting to an extra $100 at several major parks. These fee-free days, previously available to all, will now only be offered to American locals.

The policy is embraced as part of 'America-first entry fee policies.' The parks are facing challenges, including significant cuts to staffing and resources, and are in the recovery phase following disruptions such as a government shutdown. The absence of fee collections during this period further depleted financial reserves.

Eleven national parks will see these heightened fees, among them are iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, as detailed by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The pricing adjustments will take effect at the start of the year, January 1. Foreign visitors will find the annual park pass rate rising to $250. In contrast, U.S. residents will continue to pay the standard fee of $80.

Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary, emphasized via a post on X that these changes are designed to ensure that domestic taxpayers, who already fund the park service, sustain affordable entry, while international visitors are asked to fairly contribute to the upkeep and future improvements of these cherished sites.

Accompanying the administration's announcement was a striking message on the White House's X account proclaiming, 'AMERICANS FIRST.'

This development aligns with a directive from July, issued by President Donald Trump, which instructed an increase in entry charges for international tourists visiting national parks.

Kati Schmidt, from the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed that there are many aspects to consider in this announcement and that NPCA intends to engage with the Department of the Interior to clarify the implementation details.

In 2018, reports estimate that more than 14 million international guests ventured to national parks and monuments within the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association. However, Yellowstone saw a decline from 30% to almost 15% of international visitors by 2024.

The revenue generated from these increased fees will contribute to enhancing visitor facilities and carrying out necessary maintenance as emphasized in the official statement.

Scheduled for next year, 'resident-only patriotic fee-free days' include observances such as Veterans Day, making these exclusive to Americans. The intention behind these reserved days is ensuring everyone, regardless of geographic location, can enjoy green spaces and national lands, as affirmed by the Department of the Interior.