The US Interior Department has announced a new set of “America-first” rules for national park entrance fees. According to the Office of Communications, these changes include much higher fees for visitors from other countries and special annual passes featuring Donald Trump. Starting in 2026, there will be certain days when Americans can enter parks for free — but only Americans. One of these free days will be on Trump’s birthday.
US triples national park fee for non-residents
From next year, the cost for international visitors will rise dramatically. Non-residents will now have two choices, either buy a yearly pass for $250, or pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most popular national parks, plus the usual park entrance fee.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum posted a video on X explaining the changes. He said, “This year we’re making it easier and more affordable for every American to experience the beauty and freedom of our public lands.”
Burgum added that from 2026, US residents will be allowed to buy an annual interagency pass for $80. This is the same price as the current “America the Beautiful” pass, but the department is presenting it as part of the new plan. He said the higher prices for international visitors are meant to ensure they “pay their fair share” to help protect and maintain national parks.
We’re making it easier & more affordable for Americans to experience the beauty & freedom of our public lands!
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) November 25, 2025
In 2026, we’re launching:
– America-first pricing 💵
– Digital passes 📱
– Patriotic pass designs 🇺🇸
– Expanded motorcycle access 🏍️
– 5 additional fee-free days 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/a2SvHNBdSP
US parks adding $100 surcharge are:
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
What’s new with this digital pass
The digital pass will be available on Recreation.gov. The department says this digital pass marks the biggest update to national park access in decades.
The pass will cover:
- Up to two motorcycles under a single pass
- Follow a resident-focused fee structure that the department says “puts American families first”
The annual pass will be offered for $20 to permanent residents aged 62 and older. Fourth-graders and military members will continue to get the pass for free.
More fee-free days — But only for US Residents
The department has announced new fee-free days beginning in 2026. This will bring the total number of fee-free days to ten, but they will apply only to US residents.
The new dates are:
- President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
- Memorial Day (May 25, 2026)
- Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14, 2026)
- Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026)
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026)
- Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
- Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026)
Burgum also introduced new designs for the 2026 annual passes. One pass will show George Washington and Donald Trump side-by-side. Meanwhile, the military pass will include a photo of Trump saluting US troops.
In his video, Burgum said that increasing fees for international visitors was necessary for conservation. Quoting Theodore Roosevelt, he said, “There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.”
With this change, the United States joins places like Thailand, Rwanda, Tanzania, Chile and Ecuador, where foreign tourists pay more than locals to visit parks.