Grand Canyon National Park began enforcing a new $100 entry fee for international visitors on January 1, 2026, as part of a broader initiative impacting eleven national parks across the United States. The policy, dubbed “America-first” pricing, also significantly increased the cost of annual passes for non-U.S. Residents to $250, a jump from the previous $80 rate, while maintaining current pricing for American citizens.
The changes, initially directed by a 2025 Executive Order from former President Trump, aim to increase revenue for the National Park Service and prioritize access for U.S. Taxpayers. According to a statement released by the Department of the Interior, the new fees ensure that international visitors “contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!” NPR reported in November 2025.
The implementation of the fee has not been without complications. Rangers at parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon have reported delays and confusion as they explain the new policy to arriving tourists, often facing language barriers. Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, stated that the policy is “backing up lines more than usual” and has led some visitors to forgo their planned trips. USA Today detailed these disruptions earlier this month.
The $100 fee applies to each non-resident individual over the age of 15, regardless of whether they are traveling as part of a group or in a vehicle. Those who purchase the “America the Elegant” annual pass for public lands can avoid the per-entry fee. The National Park Service has clarified that the fee-free days, previously available to all visitors, will now be exclusively reserved for American residents. Outwander provides a guide to the new fee structure.
The policy comes as the National Park Service grapples with a 24% reduction in its permanent workforce since last January and recovers from budget cuts and revenue losses experienced during a recent government shutdown. The Department of the Interior has indicated that the increased revenue from international visitors will be reinvested into park maintenance, and improvements.
Beyond the park entrance fees, the government has also signaled plans to substantially increase fees for foreign nationals seeking U.S. Residency, potentially by up to 30 times the current rates. The details of this separate initiative remain largely undisclosed, leaving uncertainty about the full scope of the changes and their potential impact on immigration patterns.
As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the National Park Service has not released data on the total revenue generated by the new fees, nor has it provided a comprehensive assessment of the policy’s impact on park visitation rates. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has called for a review of the “America-first” pricing, citing concerns about its effect on both visitors and park staff.
