The United States has unveiled a controversial new pricing structure for its iconic national parks, dramatically increasing costs for international visitors while promoting new benefits for American residents. The 'America-first' initiative, announced by the Interior Department, is set to take effect in 2026.
Substantial Fee Increases for Overseas Visitors
Starting next year, overseas travellers will face significantly steeper costs to access America's natural treasures. Entrance fees for non-residents will more than triple, with international visitors now required to choose between a $250 annual pass or a $100 per person fee for entry to 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to standard entrance charges.
In a video posted to his X account, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the price hikes, stating the aim was to ensure international visitors "contribute their fair share to help preserve and maintain these treasured places".
New Pass Designs and Patriotic Free Days
The department announced commemorative new designs for annual passes issued in 2026, featuring notable political figures. The standard annual pass will display portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump side-by-side, while the military pass includes a photograph of Trump saluting troops.
American residents will benefit from expanded fee-free access, with five new 'patriotic fee-free days' added to the calendar for 2026, bringing the total to ten days exclusively for US residents. The new complimentary entry dates include:
- 3, 4 and 5 July - celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence
- 17 September - Constitution Day
- 27 October - birthday of conservationist and former president Theodore Roosevelt
- 14 June - Flag Day, which Burgum noted is "fittingly President Trump's birthday"
Conservation Claims Amid Department Cuts
Secretary Burgum justified the international fee increases by emphasising conservation needs, quoting Theodore Roosevelt: "there can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country."
However, these conservation claims emerge against a backdrop of significant departmental changes. Under Burgum and Trump's leadership, the Interior Department has lost nearly a quarter of national parks staff and proposed billions in cuts to public lands funding. The department has also opened logging in national forests, defunded conservation organisations, and proposed allowing oil and gas drilling off California's coast.
Despite the rhetoric of making parks "easier and more affordable for every American to experience", the $80 price for the annual interagency pass for US residents remains unchanged from the current America the Beautiful pass cost.
