JAKARTA - The United States Department of the Interior late last month announced that international tourists visiting the country's popular national parks will be required to pay an additional fee and a tariff increase for annual cards starting next year.
In a statement praising the "new resident-focused cost structure that prioritizes American families," the department said starting Jan. 1, 2026, annual cards will cost $250 for non-US residents, more than triple the standard $80 that US residents will continue to pay.
Foreign tourists who do not buy the card will pay a fee of 100 US dollars per person, in addition to the standard entrance fee, to enter the 11 most visited national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, the statement said.
The department also manages the America the Beautiful Pass series and controls more than 70 percent of all federal public lands.
"This policy ensures that US taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute fairly to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement, as reported by CNN (13/12).
The rationale offered behind the new price was summarized in a White House social media post stating: "AMERICANS ARE OFFERED THE LOWEST PRICE WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE."
AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE. https://t.co/WLE6qdvcjF pic.twitter.com/eyxQINQsPU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2025
AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE. https://t.co/WLE6qdvcjF pic.twitter.com/eyxQINQsPU
The announced price increase comes amid a decline in international tourism to the US, triggered by changes in tariff policies and immigration enforcement. Yellowstone, for example, reported a decline in international visits, down from around 30 percent in 2018 to 14.8 percent in 2024.
The rate hike also comes after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which left already understaffed National Park Service struggling to maintain some national parks due to fewer staff and resources.
According to the latest estimates from the National Park Conservation Association, parks lost about $41 million in missed admission and recreation fees during the shutdown.
The Department of the Interior statement also highlighted "special patriotic cost-free days for residents" for next year that include Memorial Day, the July 4 Independence Day weekend, and June 14, "Flag Day/President Trump's birthday."
The launch of an improved booking system and better access for motorcyclists across the park was also announced, described as "the most significant national park access modernisation in decades."
English:
It is known that a number of countries, including Egypt, Thailand, and Cambodia, also impose higher entry fees for international tourists visiting national parks and attractions.
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