New $100 Fee for International Visitors at Major National Parks Starting 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, a new policy will impose a $100 surcharge on international visitors aged 16 and older at 11 popular U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. This initiative, part of the Trump administration's 'Americans First' strategy, aims to prioritize U.S. residents and generate revenue for park maintenance, which has faced significant backlogs. The standard vehicle entry fee remains at $35, but international tourists will see their costs soar, making family visits significantly more expensive. The changes also affect annual passes and fee-free days, now exclusively available to U.S. residents. This policy could impact international tourism and local economies reliant on visitor spending.

Key Details: • Surcharge applies to 11 major parks: Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and others. • International visitors must present ID; failure to do so results in higher fees. • New 'Patriotic Fee-Free Days' only for U.S. residents, with changes to the calendar. • Projected revenue from the surcharge could exceed $90 million annually for park maintenance.