National Park Fees Increase for Foreign Visitors Following Trump Administration Policy
WASHINGTON D.C. – Foreign tourists visiting U.S. National Parks are now facing significantly higher entrance fees following the implementation of a policy initiated by a July executive order from former President Donald Trump. The changes, designed to prioritize access for “American families,” have resulted in increased costs for international visitors, impacting travel plans and possibly tourism revenue.
the policy stems from an effort to bolster funding for park maintenance and improvements, which had faced a substantial backlog. While U.S. residents will benefit from designated “patriotic days without tariff” – including President’s Day, Veteran’s Day, and Flag Day (June 14th, coinciding with Trump’s birthday) – foreign nationals will not be eligible for thes waivers and will experience higher overall costs to access the nation’s natural treasures. The Department of the Interior announced the fee structure change, aiming to offset maintenance costs with increased revenue from international tourism.
The new fee structure varies by park, but generally represents a substantial increase over previous rates. For example, entrance fees to popular parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and yellowstone have seen increases ranging from $15 to $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass for non-U.S. residents. This change is expected to disproportionately affect international travelers who often plan extended visits to multiple parks.
