26 Nov 2025, 04:47
New Rules for Foreign Tourists Visiting U.S. National Parks
- Foreign visitors will have to pay additional fees for access to the parks.
- The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.
- The additional fees will support the national parks.
Washington (AP) — The National Park Service announced new rules for foreign tourists planning to visit some of the most popular national parks in the country. Starting January 1, 2026, tourists from abroad will be required to pay an additional $100 for entry into 11 national parks, including Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.
The U.S. government stated that this decision is aimed at "putting American families first." Foreign visitors will also be charged $250 for an annual park pass, while U.S. residents will only pay $80.
These changes are a result of an executive order from President Donald Trump, which was signed in July 2025. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated that the new rules will ensure access for paying visitors who support the national park service, while also limiting foreign tourists from contributing to the preservation of the parks.
The changes will also include the elimination of the eight-day free entry for residents, such as Veterans Day and Independence Day, which aims to ensure access to green spaces for all U.S. residents.
According to estimates, in 2018, national parks welcomed over 14 million foreign tourists. The collected funds from the new fees will be used to improve park infrastructure and their services.
Tags: USA/Politics