The National Park Service will raise entrance fees for international tourists by $100 starting 1 January 2026, while leaving prices unchanged for U.S. residents. The cost of an annual inter-agency pass for non-residents will jump from $80 to $250, and a new schedule of “patriotic fee-free days” will remain exclusive to citizens and permanent residents. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the change ensures “taxpayers receive value for their investment” while shifting more maintenance costs to foreign visitors.
The policy stems from a July 2025 executive order instructing federal agencies to prioritize American access to public lands. Park officials estimate the surcharge could generate $220 million annually, earmarked for deferred maintenance projects that currently total $22 billion. Opponents, including the National Parks Conservation Association, warn that higher fees will deter overseas tourists, who spent $17 billion in gateway communities last year.
![Foreign Visitors Face $100 Surcharge at U.S. National Parks Under New “America-First” Fee Policy]()
For global-mobility teams, the surcharge is more than a vacation issue. Many assignees and business travelers use national parks for weekend leisure, and relocation packages often reimburse entrance fees as part of “cultural-integration” allowances. Companies may need to revisit benefit policies or encourage employees to purchase passes before the price spike.
Tour operators targeting inbound groups are recalculating 2026 price lists. Industry analysts suggest some may pivot packages toward state parks or Canadian alternatives. Meanwhile, legal scholars question whether differential pricing for public lands will survive anticipated litigation alleging discrimination against foreign nationals.
Assuming the rule survives, employers should advise non-resident workers arriving in 2026 to budget accordingly or explore annual passes purchased before year-end.
The policy stems from a July 2025 executive order instructing federal agencies to prioritize American access to public lands. Park officials estimate the surcharge could generate $220 million annually, earmarked for deferred maintenance projects that currently total $22 billion. Opponents, including the National Parks Conservation Association, warn that higher fees will deter overseas tourists, who spent $17 billion in gateway communities last year.
For global-mobility teams, the surcharge is more than a vacation issue. Many assignees and business travelers use national parks for weekend leisure, and relocation packages often reimburse entrance fees as part of “cultural-integration” allowances. Companies may need to revisit benefit policies or encourage employees to purchase passes before the price spike.
Tour operators targeting inbound groups are recalculating 2026 price lists. Industry analysts suggest some may pivot packages toward state parks or Canadian alternatives. Meanwhile, legal scholars question whether differential pricing for public lands will survive anticipated litigation alleging discrimination against foreign nationals.
Assuming the rule survives, employers should advise non-resident workers arriving in 2026 to budget accordingly or explore annual passes purchased before year-end.
