National Parks to Implement “America-First” Entry Fees, Hiking Costs for International tourists
A new policy announced Tuesday will impose a $100 surcharge on international visitors to some of the most popular U.S.national parks, while reserving fee-free days exclusively for American residents. The move, framed as an “America-first” approach, comes as the National Park Service grapples with budget constraints and recovers from disruptions caused by recent government shutdowns.
The changes, set to take effect January 1, will impact 11 national parks, including iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. Foreign tourists will also face an increased annual parks pass price of $250, a significant jump from the current $80 charged to U.S. residents.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, the policy aims to ensure that U.S. taxpayers who support the park service “continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. A White House post on X promoting the increased fees concluded with the phrase, “AMERICANS FIRST.”
The policy stems from a July executive order issued by President Donald Trump directing the parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists. The announcement has already sparked debate, with concerns raised about its potential impact on tourism and access to public lands.
Impact on Park Funding and Visitor Numbers
The National Parks Conservation association (NPCA) acknowledged the complexity of the announcement, stating, “There’s a lot to unpack in this announcement, including many questions on its implementation – all which NPCA will raise with the Department of Interior.” the U.S. Travel Association estimates that national parks and monuments welcomed over 14 million international visitors in 2018. However, recent data from Yellowstone National Park indicates a decline in international visitation, with approximately 15% of visitors coming from outside the contry in 2024, down from 30% in 2018.
The revenue generated from the new fees will be allocated to support national park operations, including facility upgrades and ongoing maintenance.The Department of the Interior also announced “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” for next year, including Veterans Day, which previously was open to all visitors. The department previously stated its intention to ensure “everyone, no matter their ZIP code, can access and enjoy the benefits of green spaces and our public lands.”
The implementation of these changes is expected to be closely monitored by both park advocates and the tourism industry as the National Park Service navigates ongoing financial challenges and strives to balance access with preservation.
why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The policy was enacted to address budget constraints within the National Park Service and to ensure international visitors contribute more to park maintenance, as framed by the Department of the Interior. It also aligns with a broader “America-first” political agenda.
Who: The policy was initiated by a July executive order from President Donald Trump and implemented by the U.S. Department of the Interior, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly supporting the decision. It impacts international tourists visiting 11 specific national parks and U.S. residents who previously enjoyed global fee-free days.
What: The policy introduces a $100 surcharge for international visitors to 11 popular national parks, increases the annual parks pass for foreign tourists to $250, and reserves fee-free days exclusively for U.S. residents.
How did it end? As of the publication of
