'America-first' pricing at national parks to raise fees for nonresidents

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a change to park fee structures that increases the cost for international visitors to enter some parks.

Starting Jan.1, 2026, annual passes to the 11 most visited U.S. national parks will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, while single-day entrances to any of the 11 parks will carry a $100 surcharge above the regular fee for nonresidents of the U.S., the department announced on Tuesday.

The parks affected by the changes include some of the most visited across the country, such as Acadia, Everglades, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks, the department said.

"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," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a press release.

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In a post on X, the White House highlighted that changes to the park services fee structure are designed with "America first" in mind, saying "Americans offered affordable prices while foreigners pay MUCH more."

The digital passes will make it easier for park visitors to purchase and use passes, while also making entrance and other visitor services easier for park staff to deliver.

Along with the price hike, the Department announced a modernization of access to national parks with new digital passes and pass artwork and expanded access for motorcycle riders.

For motorcycle riders, entry fees will actually decrease as all new passes will cover two motorcycles per pass, which the department said will make parks more accessible for "riders and families who travel on two wheels."

The Department also announced eight resident-only patriotic fee-free days next year to coincide with several national holidays, including President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Donald Trump's birthday, Independence Day, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday and Veteran's Day.

The changes, the department said, are aimed at enhancing access to the parks for U.S. residents and revenue generated from the new fees are planned for reinvestment of park services, including visitor facilities, essential maintenance and improved services across the park system.

The changes come as tariffs and immigration efforts have led to steep declines on visitors and revenue at the parks, on top of cuts to the park service to the DOGE earlier this year and the 43-day government shutdown which meant parks were closed and did not make money, CNN reported.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One on Tuesday. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo