UNITED STATES — Sweeping changes to National Park Service (NPS) visitor fees were announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on Tuesday, including increases for international visitors, changes to fee-free days, digital pass options and more.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks will be among the 11 NPS sites that will charge “a surcharge of $100 for each nonresident of the U.S. entering the park” on top of the standard entrance fee. This will also apply at Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yosemite and Zion national parks.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said via press release.
The DOI’s announcement states it is “implementing America-first entry fee policies,” under which “U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks. The annual America the Beautiful Pass will continue to cost $80 for U.S. residents and will cost $250 for nonresidents, “ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit.”
Fee-free days will apply to “U.S. citizens and residents only,” DOI’s announcement reads.
Digital annual passes will be available through Recreation.gov. “Visitors will be able to purchase and use their passes instantly, store them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards for added convenience,” DOI’s announcement stated.
Photos: Department of the Interior
“The Department also unveiled new, modernized graphics for all annual passes, featuring bold, patriotic designs that honor America’s landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy,” the statement reads. “These refreshed visuals will appear on both digital and physical passes.” A new design features images of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump.
Also noteworthy: America the Beautiful passes will cover entrance fees for up to two motorcycles, rather than just one.
Learn more about the changes on the NPS website and stay tuned as more details come to light.
