More bad news for U.S. tourism: Foreign visitors must pay $100 more per person to visit U.S. national parks

From 1 January 2026, foreign visitors planning to explore some of the United States’ most celebrated national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park, will face significant new charges, following an announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Under what officials call “America‑first pricing”, non‑residents without a pass will be made to pay an extra $100 per person on top of existing entrance fees. Those wanting an annual pass will see the cost leap from $80, the rate for U.S. citizens, to $250.

The administration claims the extra revenue will be reinvested into maintenance, repairs and upgrades to trails, infrastructure and visitor facilities.

“It’s going to hurt local businesses that cater to foreign travellers”

Officials say that the new pricing ensures American taxpayers, who already contribute to park funding through their taxes, are not subsidising access for overseas tourists.

But the policy has triggered concerns among park‑adjacent businesses and tour operators who fear a collapse in international visitor numbers. A motel owner near Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana told EuroNews: that this measure “is a sure-fire way of discouraging people from visiting Glacier.”

“It’s going to hurt local businesses that cater to foreign travellers, like myself,” he added. “You’re discouraging them from seeing something in the country by attaching a fee to that experience.”

Beyond potential economic fallout, critics say the fees may undermine the inclusive spirit of America’s national parks. A group of current and former park service employees warned that by placing a financial barrier at the gate, the policy risks turning public lands into exclusive sites for wealthier visitors. “Without that support, we run the risk of our true common grounds becoming nothing more than playgrounds for the super-rich,” said Gerry Seavo James, deputy campaign director for the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign.

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Park employees have also hit out at the idea. Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, told the aforementioned outlet: “In a year where national park staff have already been cut by nearly 25 per cent, we worry this will be yet another burden for already overworked employees. National parks should be available and accessible to all, or America’s best idea will become America’s greatest shakedown.″

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