Foreign visitors will pay more to visit US National Parks in 2026

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Annual Pass for US National Parks will rise to US$250 for non-residents; and for those non-residents without an annual pass, they will pay a $100 per person fee – in addition to the standard entrance fee — to enter 11 of the most visited parks in the U.S.

U.S. residents will pay $80 to enter the parks.

The changes were announced by the Department of the Interior and also included new digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access, along with the new resident-focused fee structure.

Under the new system, the America the Beautiful passes – including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access – will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov.

Visitors will be able to purchase and use their passes instantly, store them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards for added convenience. Digital validation tools and updated training for field staff will ensure faster entry and a smoother visitor experience across the National Park System.

The Department also unveiled new, modernized graphics for all annual passes, featuring bold, patriotic designs that honor America’s landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy. These refreshed visuals will appear on both digital and physical passes.

In announcing the changes, the Department of the Interior said that as part of the Administration’s commitment to enhancing access for American residents, the Department is also implementing America-first entry fee policies. U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while non-residents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Annual Pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit. Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.

The Department also highlighted resident-only patriotic fee-free days for 2026:

• President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
• Memorial Day (May 31, 2026)
• Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14, 2026)
• Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026)
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026)
• Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
• Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
• Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026)

In addition, the National Park Service is expanding affordability and access for motorcycle riders. All America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass, making national park adventures more accessible for riders and families who travel on two wheels.

Revenue generated from new fee policies will be invested directly back into America’s national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide.

Go to https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm or Recreation.gov for more.