New Park Fees for International Tourists Spark Controversy

Wed Nov 26 2025 06:18:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The National Park Service plans to impose a $100 entry fee for international visitors to popular U.S. National Parks starting January 1, 2024. This move, part of an 'America-first' policy, raises questions about accessibility and funding for parks.

The U.S. National Park Service has announced a new entry fee structure aimed at international tourists, introducing a $100 fee for entry into select parks. This change, which also includes a higher annual pass fee for non-residents, has sparked a debate about visitor accessibility and fairness. Suggested by the government to help maintain and improve park facilities, the changes come following severe budget cuts and a recent government shutdown.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service has announced new fees set to affect international tourists visiting U.S. parks, charging them an additional $100 for access to some of the most popular national sites, while national residents will have exclusive access to fee-free visiting days.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shared the details on social media, claiming these changes are designed to ensure that American taxpayers, who support the park service through their taxes, continue to enjoy affordable access to natural wonders.

This announcement follows a significant budget overhaul and a government shutdown that limited park operations and fee collections. The fee changes apply to eleven national parks, including iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

Effective January 1, 2024, the annual entry pass for foreign tourists will increase significantly to $250, while U.S. residents will maintain an $80 fee.

The alterations to the existing fee structure have raised inquiries regarding implementation, with advocacy groups like the National Parks Conservation Association expressing concerns over how these changes will affect international tourism and equal access to public lands.

The new fee strategy has been justified with promises that raised funds will be channeled into park maintenance and facility upgrades, combatting the challenges posed by previous funding cuts.

As noted by SPD estimates, international visitors contributed heavily to the parks' ecosystem in prior years, with over 14 million entering in 2018 alone. The possibility of reduced foreign visitor numbers due to these new fees and subsequent impacts on local economies has yet to be fully analyzed.

The Parks Service plans to allocate select fee-free days for American citizens, highlighting Veterans Day as one of the designated days that will no longer provide free entry to foreign visitors.

This decision is a continuation of a broader initiative aimed at prioritizing American visitor experiences within national parks, reflecting shifting national policies towards tourism and conservation.