Visiting U.S. National Parks in 2026? Fees Are Changing

Credit: NPS

Visitors heading to some of America’s most popular national parks in 2026 will notice a change at the entrance gate—especially if they’re traveling from outside the U.S.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior implemented a new “America-first” fee structure that raises costs for international visitors while keeping prices steady for U.S. residents.

The changes affect 11 of the country’s most visited national parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Acadia.

Under the new system, international visitors who are not U.S. residents will pay an additional $100 per person to enter those high-traffic parks, on top of the standard entrance or vehicle fee. The policy applies whether visitors arrive by car, bus or on foot.

For travelers planning multiple park visits, the annual pass price has also changed. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass will remain $80 for U.S. residents, but non-residents will now pay $250 for the same pass. The higher-priced pass still grants access to all national parks and federal recreation sites for a full year.

Interior officials say the fee changes are designed to address a growing maintenance backlog across the National Park System, as well as the strain caused by record crowds. Roads, restrooms, trails, visitor centers and water systems are among the infrastructure needs frequently cited by park managers.

According to the Department of the Interior, revenue generated from the new non-resident fees will be invested directly back into the parks, with a focus on maintenance, repairs and visitor services at the most heavily used locations.

For international visitors skipping the annual pass, the math adds up quickly. A single visit could include a standard entry fee—often around $35 per vehicle—plus the $100 per-person surcharge. Families or tour groups visiting multiple parks may find the $250 annual pass the more cost-effective option.

U.S. residents, meanwhile, will see little change in pricing. The popular annual pass remains unchanged, and the National Park Service will continue offering several resident-only fee-free days throughout 2026, including holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend and the National Park Service’s 110th birthday in August.

The Department of the Interior also announced that all America the Beautiful passes will now be available in a digital format, allowing visitors to purchase and store passes on their phones for faster entry. Physical passes will still be available for those who prefer them.

While the new fees are likely to spark debate, federal officials say the goal is straightforward: keep national parks affordable for Americans while asking international visitors to contribute more to the care of the landscapes they travel to see.

For travelers planning trips in 2026, the takeaway is simple—check your pass type, factor in the new fees and plan ahead. America’s parks are still open, still wild, and now come with a slightly different price tag depending on where you call home.