On November 25, the Department of the Interior announced major changes to policies and fees at all U.S. national parks which will roll out January 1. The changes will favor Americans, and will likely help with crowding issues, but foreign visitors will pay far more.
A family of five from Canada, for example, could pay an additional $500 ($100 per person) plus regular entrance fees just to enter Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon or eight other popular parks.
Change details
As of the first of the year, all America the Beautiful passes—including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access passes—will be offered in a fully digital format. Visitors will be able to buy and use passes instantly through Recreation.gov, store them on their phones, and link them to existing physical cards. Updated validation tools and staff training are expected to speed up entry at busy parks.
New pricing and fee structure
Under the new pricing framework:
• U.S. residents: Annual (interagency) pass remains $80.
• Nonresidents: A new $250 annual pass will be available.
Non-U.S. residents who choose not to buy the $250 pass will pay a $100-per-person surcharge at 11 of the most heavily visited parks, on top of the usual entrance fee. These surcharges begin January 1, 2026.
The affected parks include:
Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion national parks.
Another update will allow each America the Beautiful pass to cover entry for two motorcycles, making national park trips easier and more affordable for riders.
Existing physical America the Beautiful cards will remain valid.
New resident-only fee-free days
Beginning in 2026, fee-free entrance days will apply only to U.S. citizens and residents. The special fee-free days include:
• President’s Day – Feb. 16, 2026
• Memorial Day – May 31, 2026
• Flag Day – June 14, 2026
• Independence Day weekend – July 3–5, 2026
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service – Aug. 25, 2026
• Constitution Day – Sept. 17, 2026
• Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday – Oct. 27, 2026
• Veterans Day – Nov. 11, 2026
Rationale behind the changes
According to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The Department says the changes will modernize access with digital passes, improve entry efficiency, expand benefits like motorcycle coverage, and direct additional nonresident fee revenue into maintenance and visitor improvements.
The updates also follow a July executive order from President Donald Trump, which directed national parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists.
How RVers are affected
U.S. resident RVers
For U.S. residents traveling by RV, not much changes. The America the Beautiful pass will still admit one private vehicle—including RVs and motorhomes—and all occupants at parks that charge per-vehicle entrance fees. At $80, it remains one of the best values for frequent park visitors.
Digital access means you can now purchase a pass while on the road and start using it instantly through a phone wallet or Recreation.gov.
Non-U.S. resident RVers
Non-U.S. resident RV travelers will choose between:
- Buying the $250 nonresident annual pass, or
- Paying the standard entrance fee plus a $100-per-person surcharge at the 11 designated parks.
Visitors planning an itinerary that includes several high-fee parks will find it more cost-effective to purchase the $250 pass. Remember that fee-free days do not apply to nonresidents starting in 2026.
Concerns and industry reaction
Not everyone is applauding the changes.
The National Parks Conservation Association said there are “many questions on implementation,” which the organization plans to raise with the Department of the Interior.
Some gateway community businesses—already operating on slim margins—worry about deterring international visitors. Elisabeth Barton, who owns Echo Adventure Cooperative near Yosemite, said the decision is “yet another sign that the people recommending these price hikes are as far removed from the natural world as someone can be,” adding that international visitors are vital to local economies.
International visitation has dipped in recent years: Yellowstone reported that in 2024, about 15% of its visitors were from outside the U.S., down from 30% in 2018.
Tips for park visitors
• Purchase or link your America the Beautiful pass before arriving—digital validation speeds up entry.
• Keep a government ID (such as a driver’s license) handy in case you need to confirm residency.
• Check whether your destination park requires timed entry or vehicle reservations.
• Remember that your pass does not cover campground fees or hookups.
• Non-U.S. residents should evaluate whether the $250 nonresident pass is cheaper than paying per-person surcharges.
Feel free to share your thoughts about these changes in the comments below.
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RVT1237b
Something else for Canadians to whine about…..
I’m just kidding, relax. I’m not provoking an international crisis here. We don’t need a NP summit in Geneva over this.
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C’mon buddy, us Canadians have nothing to complain about, lol.
I have always purchased the America The Beautiful pass and it was a great deal! When I travel next to your amazing country, I will again buy the pass, regardless that it now costs $250. Many countries around the world are adjusting attractions pricing for foreigners, so nothing new to see here.
If I am able to Snowbird for 4-5 months, a few bucks more for this pass is the least of my concerns.🇺🇲🇨🇦
Stay well my friend!
🥂👍
I like the idea of Canada charging foreign tourists more too. Absolutely no chance that tourism takes a hit in Canada. No tourist will not visit Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise or Waterton as a result of higher fees. Plus a hundred central and eastern Ca. N.P.s., plus provincial and regional parks, like Cypress.
Canada’s beauty is an unparalleled resource and it should be monetized as a resource. IMO.
Happy trails Leonard.😎✌️🇺🇲🇨🇦
Funny you mention Banff and Jasper. Taking my wife there in May as she has never been that far to the Canadian West. It is gorgeous!
France just cranked up their foreigner prices as well to keep over tourism in check. Over tourism is not a problem in Canada! I like the idea of keeping prices the same regardless of where in the world people are from. Invariably it will p**s people off, so you know us Canadians have a nice reputation to uphold! lol.🇺🇲🇨🇦
We’ve also always purchased the Canadian National Park passes, and have been grateful that we were not being penalized for being non-residents. That may change, I suppose.
One more reason to stay in Canada.
Less overcrowding for me. Win/win.
My thoughts exactly!
I have been to many countries that charge more for non-residents.
AND look at all the state parks that charge for non residents!
The current administration in the US has devastated tourism in the US. From possible hassles at the border to the ridiculous increases in park fees. I wonder how many millions or billions has this BS cost the US. As much as I liked and enjoyed visiting the border states, I for one Canadian, am done with it. I will be keeping my travel dollars in Canada. I’m sure that there will be adverse remarks to this post, but I try to tell it like it is.
You think thats bad, just wait until your prescriptions double or triple in price next year because we stop subsidizing your health care. Yikes.
Please do stay home. That is all.
That’s not nice! Most of us Canadians love America and Americans. Out of 350 million people, there is only one I find repulsive! lol.🇺🇲🇨🇦
I tend to take a stand when someone (especially a non-US citizen) bashes my country, its administration, and policies.
Nelson was not being nice with his comments. Next…
Oh. Like your president’s 51st state rhetoric, etc. Can you just imagine if it was Canadians saying that the US should be the 11th province because you would be better off! How would you like it? Guessing not so much.
At issue is the fact that we have states which have economies larger than Canada so while i can understand your comparison in rhetorical theory, it makes zero sense.
Add in the fact that the USA already subsidizes Canada’s existence thru national defense and thus, “quasi free healthcare”, were already paying much of your freight…. maybe you should join us…. Alberta won’t be the Canadian sugar daddy forever, then what?
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That’s NOT what Nelson was saying. You better read it again. @@
But while you brought up the topic of Canada becoming the 51st state, it was a great offer. Too bad it was declined.
Now Canada will have to pony-up for its own national defense and stand on its own.
I would hope you Canadians would love Americans. In case you haven’t noticed you are Americans also. You live on the North American continent, therefore you are American.
I have no problem with someone expressing their opinion. But I wonder what is the difference by “telling it like it is” vs expressing one’s own opinion. I would be quite interested in seeing your sources and facts to support your statements.
You are wrong, wrong, wrong. I live in the midst of the “Mighty Five” and there are more people than ever visiting these parks. Tourism is not devastated, not even close. I rarely go to the parks anymore because they are so crowded and overrun. I for one, wish the NP service would implement timed entry at all the Mighty 5 parks like they did at Arches. It has made a huge difference in the park experience at Arches because one doesn’t have to fight for parking and access to the trails and attractions.
Agreed 100%.
I quit visiting Zion for that very reason (even if I’m already driving down Rt 89).
Too many prople… it’s just no fun anymore.
If memory serves – The Biden economy and $4.00 – $5.00 gas prices sort of slowed the traveling public and therefore visitor numbers to the Ntn’l Parks as well. Remember the inflation for food and everything else? Remember the interest rates? Sorry this is sort of political, but the article and comments are slanted that way! By the way – Does Canada charge residents and foreign visitors at their parks? Just askin’….
My intent was to report both “sides” of the story, without prejudice. I’m sorry you interpreted it as “slanted.” That wasn’t my objective. Happy and safe travels to you!
I thought you reported this information very objectively. Thanks for the info.
Doesn’t matter how carefully you word something. Somebody(s) will always twist your words to mean what they would prefer it to say.
In going back and re-reading a little more carefully, I see your point Gail. I guess my problem with this subject is I am sort loaded for bear due to the many previous and obvious one sided articles and when I see the words “could” or “may” it immediately sets me off as an opinion article and not factual. You did a good job of explaining further down with apparent facts to be effective in Jan 26. I apologize for the wording I used in my initial reaction-response. You are a great writer and I read, with interest, every article and subject you write about. Have a great, memorable and safe holiday season!
I know these are hot button issues and I really DO try to report “just the facts.” I appreciate your kind words and wish you an abundance of blessings and safe travels as well!
Careful. Real facts will get the Socialist Democrats all stirred up, you know!
The last time we visited Canada with our RV was in 2025. I recall having to purchase a parks pass to reduce the entrance fees. I think it was over $100. We were there two weeks and I was able to sell my pass back to a resident there to recoup some of the loss.
Well at least the administration has figured out how not to cost Americans money with this new fee(tariff).
It certainly isn’t an unheard of concept. One rate for residents and a higher rate for nonresidents has been in effect for years in many states. The variance in rates seems fair but may be excessively high to the point of being punitive.
I’m kinda mixed on this one.
Our National Parks are a place of discovery, education and pride so I think the right thing is to limit congestion by attendance, not affordability.
Fees like this push out middle class families and create a refuge exclusive to the wealthy. Is that what we want, no middle class foreign guests?
I’ll be the first to say how annoying it is when multiple tour busses full of foreigner visitors pull in and take over vistas, restaurants, lectures and limited seating attractions. They paid good money, traveled further, they’re entitled. Imagine the level of entitlement when they pay $100 a day more.
Something has to change, not sure how.
I feel people from other countries should pay more to visit OUR National parks. The taxpayers are the ones paying for the upkeep.
I’m Canadian and agree non-residents should pay more but over triple seems punitive in nature. A $100 surcharge per person, including children? Doesn’t that sound like an insane fee to most people? Don’t forget that foreigners are helping supporting the economy around the parks. The economy at a near border park like Glacier is going to suffer for it. Tourism from Canada and other nations is already way down, costing jobs and $billions to the US economy. The statistics are there, just look. I’ve spent over 35 years traveling in the US, mostly to national and state parks. I would have gladly paid around $50 more. Much more than that sends a clear message. We don’t want you or your money.
Glacier in the US is the perfect example because Waterton Lakes in Canada is the simply the ‘north of the border’ part of Glacier. It is a shared park with 2 names and is also the International Peace Park. The fee to get into Waterton for Americans is the same as it is for Canadians. No up charge for Foreigners.
That being said, perhaps Canada should upcharge Foreigners as well, collect more taxes from foreigners and that way, let Canadians pay less income and VAT taxes. Perhaps Canada should follow this move. Just sayin. ✌️😎🇺🇲🇨🇦
Part of the article was total fear mongering! Two adults and three kids from Canada are not going to pay $500. They’ll just buy a yearly pass for $250. 🇺🇲🇨🇦
Canada had 29 million foreign visitors in 2024. If half paid $100 additional for a foreign park pass is $1.5 billion in the Canadian cougher. That my friend is a lot of health care…. or back bacon.
Crazy that we had nearly 30 million visitors for a country of only 41 million! Unfortunately only a small fraction visited one of our amazing Provincial or National Parks.🇺🇲🇨🇦
We made up for them last year…. Banff, Waterton and Cypress. Add in the $3k for my wife smuggling back Coffee Crisps, Eat Mores, Imperial Cheese and Quaker Muffin mixes….. sheesh. Just payin my fair share and after movin south 35 years ago.
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Us in Ohio really need to talk up Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is free for all visitors. Beautiful scenery, scenic railway, waterfalls, hiking, bike paths, and river fishing.
About time those inundating our NPs pay their share, as most other countries charge foreign visitors. Perhaps this is unfortunate for our Canadian Friends and Neighbors, but I believe their parks have a hefty non-resident surcharge. Those who live out West can attest to the tour buses of Asians, especially Chinese, clogging up our Western Parks.
I think this is a horrible idea. Adding a $100 per person fee to foreign travelers. Heck, they might as well close all tourism to the US and make massive announcements about this world wide. I’ve traveled to many other countries and never experienced anything like this. A handful of places did offer free or lower fees to locals (usually from the same city/county). Hawaii has many such places that are free reduced to Hawaiian Residents. But they don’t tack on an exorbitant penalty fee. Whoever dreamed up this stupid ID needs to be locked up in a loony bin.