U.S. National Parks to Implement Higher Fees for International Visitors in 2026
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Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior will increase entrance fees for international visitors to national parks, introducing a $250 annual pass and a $100 per person fee at select parks, while maintaining current rates for U.S. residents.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced significant changes to national park entrance fees, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Under the new policy, international visitors will face increased fees, while rates for U.S. residents will remain unchanged.
Non-residents will have the option to purchase an annual pass for $250, a substantial increase from the current rate. Alternatively, they can pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee. These parks include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for the annual America the Beautiful pass, with no changes to existing entrance fees. The Department has also introduced resident-only fee-free days for 2026, such as Presidents' Day on February 16 and Independence Day weekend from July 3 to 5.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that these measures aim to ensure that international visitors contribute their fair share to the maintenance and preservation of national parks.
The revenue generated from the increased fees will be invested directly into the national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide.
Source
The GuardianRelated News
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