US to Introduce New $100 Fee for Foreign Visitors to National Parks

December 16, 2025

The United States Department of the Interior has announced an important change to the fee structure for entering the National Park System. This will take effect in early 2026. Under the new policy, foreign visitors, including non-US citizens and non-residents, will need to pay an extra $100 fee on top of the current admission charges to enter major national parks, including famous sites like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

Officials said the new charge system will help fund rising operational and conservation costs across the park network, which attracts millions of international tourists every year. The National Park Service mainly relies on federal funding and entrance fees. It has been dealing with increasing budget pressures related to infrastructure maintenance and visitor services. Critics, however, argue that the fee increase could discourage international tourism and lower visitor numbers at some parks.

Travel operators and tourism advocates are worried that the new charge may complicate planning for overseas visitors and could heavily impact budgets for families and independent travelers. Several tourism forums and travel platforms have already seen discussions arise, with travelers looking for clarity on how the rule will be enforced and which parks will be affected.

This change occurs amid wider debates about funding and resource distribution for protected natural areas in the United States, balancing openness with sustainability and financial responsibility. As the implementation date nears, both government agencies and travel industry representatives are expected to provide more information on exemptions, payment methods, and possible adjustments for US residents.