Foreign tourists visiting popular US national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will need to pay an extra fee, as the Biden administration prepares to implement new measures starting in 2026.
The Department of the Interior announced that each international visitor will have to pay $100 (£76) on top of existing fees to access 11 of the most visited sites across the country.
Furthermore, beginning in 2026, non-residents will be required to purchase an annual pass for over $250, while US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay $80.
This fee increase aims to put American families first and aligns with President Biden's vision of making the parks more supportive of local visitors while ensuring fair contributions from international tourists, according to the department.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, 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.
The fee increase is set to go into effect alongside the launch of an upgraded online booking system in 2026, which will also enhance access for motorcyclists within the parks.
The announcement includes plans for eight "patriotic fee-free" days in 2026, allowing free access to US residents on significant holidays including Memorial Day and Independence Day.
This fee adjustment follows an executive order aimed at raising entrance fees for international visitors to ensure more revenue for conservation efforts at national parks, despite previous budget cuts planned by the administration.
Recently, US national parks have recorded significant visitor numbers, with upwards of 331 million tourists in 2024 — an increase of at least 6 million from the previous year. Popular locations include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
