We had almost forgotten about the measure, given that the news cycle from the Trump Administration is constantly flooded with various announcements about anything and everything. But the fact remains: the entry price for US National Parks is set to increase for foreigners starting next year. And by an even larger margin than anticipated, it turns out…
Pass Price Trebles
It was this week that US authorities officially announced the future access prices for the (63) National Parks and Reserves for foreign tourists.
From 1st January 2026, the annual “America the Beautiful” pass will jump from US$80 to US$250 per vehicle for non-residents. As for those who would prefer to purchase tickets on a case-by-case basis, they will have to pay up to an additional US$100 on top of the entry price for the most renowned sites like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park.
It is true that the United States is not alone—and certainly not the first—to implement dual pricing based on nationality to visit their reserves and national parks. However, these are far from insignificant increases. They are highly likely to not only strain the budget of many visitors but also to have a potentially negative impact on the country’s tourism numbers.
“America First!”
As is often the case with Trump, the message being sent is “America first!” In raising park prices for foreigners, the Administration intends to make them more affordable for Americans by maintaining the lowest rates for residents. There’s even a major new development: free access during “Patriotic Days” reserved for US residents.
In parallel, the measure is also said to aim—as is often the case with price hikes—to free up funds to maintain and improve the infrastructure and services of these natural spaces, some of which are in dire need of attention. One might say this is a good thing in itself… even if one of the first actions taken by Trump after his re-election was to massively lay off a large part of the staff in those very same National Parks. Go figure…
That being said, it is not certain that this increase will be well-received by the tourism industry and foreign visitors themselves, especially at a time when the sector is in free fall across the country, with attendance estimated to be down 6.5% for 2025 compared to the previous year.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
