Trump Jacked Up National Park Prices — and It’s About to Wreck Local Economies

International travelers will soon face steep new charges to enter some of America’s most visited national parks under a new “America First” pricing plan announced by the Trump administration.

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Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents visiting 11 high-traffic national parks — including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon — will pay an extra $100 per person unless they purchase an annual pass. The cost of that annual “America the Beautiful” pass for non-residents is also jumping to $250, more than triple the $80 rate for Americans.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the policy ensures international tourists “pay a higher rate to help maintain and upgrade the parks they enjoy.”

International visitation to major parks has surged back in recent years, with millions of foreign travelers returning in 2023 and 2024. Gateway towns that rely heavily on those visitors now fear the higher fees could discourage long-distance travelers and cut into local economies already facing rising costs and labor shortages.

Conservation advocates warn the surcharge won’t fix the National Park Service’s long-standing maintenance backlog, even as the agency grapples with budget cuts and reduced staffing.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents will not see any price increase.

Park officials say the fee changes apply only to the 11 most popular parks for now, though the agency is evaluating whether to expand the policy. The plan also requires parks to verify visitor residency at entry points, a step that could cause longer lines during peak season.

The Interior Department is expected to release additional operational details as parks prepare for the 2026 rollout.