Foreign tourists visiting popular US national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will need to pay an extra fee, the Trump administration said on Tuesday.
The Department of the Interior, which runs the country's national parks, stated that each international visitor will need to pay $100 (£76) on top of existing fees to access 11 of the most popular sites.
From 2026, non-residents will also need to pay more than $250 for an annual pass to the parks, while US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay $80.
The fee hike aims to 'put American families first' and reflects President Donald Trump's goal to make the parks more accessible and affordable for US citizens, said the department.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum remarked, '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.'
This increase will take effect at the start of 2026, coinciding with the launch of an upgraded online booking system and enhanced access for motorcyclists across the parks.
Additionally, the department announced eight resident-only 'patriotic fee-free' days for 2026, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.
The fee hike follows an executive order, signed by Trump in July, directing increased entrance fees for overseas visitors. The additional revenue is intended to fund conservation and maintenance despite plans to cut the Park Service's budget.
US national parks have seen record numbers of tourists in recent years, with upwards of 331 million visitors in 2024 - an increase of at least 6 million compared to the previous year.
The country's most visited parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
