Grand Canyon and 10 Parks Charge Foreign Visitors $100 Extra Fee from Jan 1, 2026

Foreign visitors will now pay an extra $100 to enter Grand Canyon and 10 other popular US national parks starting January 1, 2026. This is a new fee for non-US residents.
By Newsroom | Travel, National Parks |

A New Financial Gate for Natural Wonders

Effective January 1, 2026, international visitors face an additional $100 fee to enter the Grand Canyon National Park and ten other heavily frequented U.S. national parks. This surcharge applies on a per-person basis and targets those without U.S. residency or specific documentation.

$100 fee to enter Grand Canyon under new federal rule! - 1

The parks now imposing this supplementary charge include:

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  • Acadia National Park (Maine)

  • Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

  • Everglades National Park (Florida)

  • Glacier National Park (Montana)

  • Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

  • Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

  • Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

  • Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

  • Yosemite National Park (California)

  • Zion National Park (Utah)

U.S. residents can circumvent this fee by presenting a state driver’s license, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card. The executive order underpinning this policy, signed by President Donald Trump, appears to prioritize domestic access, with some communications framing it as a benefit to U.S. residents.

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Impact on Park Access and Finances

The rationale behind this shift, as stated by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, is to ensure U.S. taxpayers maintain "affordable access" while international visitors contribute "their fair share" towards park maintenance and upgrades. The funds generated are intended for facility improvements and upkeep.

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However, this new financial barrier has raised concerns. Some park staff reportedly view the fee as potentially "alienating visitors for decades," suggesting it sends a message of exclusion. Reports indicate confusion and anger at park entrances due to a perceived lack of clear signage and online information regarding the new regime.

Annual Pass Considerations

The policy also affects the "America the Beautiful" annual pass. While U.S. residents' passes now feature a portrait of Donald Trump – a detail some visitors have attempted to obscure, potentially invalidating the pass – international visitors seeking broad access may opt for a higher-tier annual pass rather than paying the per-visit surcharge. Most other national parks, outside this group of eleven, continue to operate with their standard entrance fees.

A Policy Shift

This move follows an executive order from President Donald Trump in July 2025, directing an increase in entry fees for foreign tourists. The change marks a significant alteration in how international visitors access some of America's most iconic natural landscapes, with implications for tourism and the perception of U.S. national parks abroad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are international visitors paying an extra $100 fee at Grand Canyon and other parks starting January 1, 2026?
The US government is charging this fee to international visitors without US residency to help pay for park maintenance and upgrades. The goal is to ensure US taxpayers have affordable access while foreign visitors contribute more.
Q: Which national parks are charging this extra $100 fee for international visitors from January 1, 2026?
The parks include Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
Q: How can US residents avoid the new $100 fee at these parks starting January 1, 2026?
US residents can avoid the fee by showing a state driver’s license, a US passport, or a permanent resident card.
Q: What is the impact of the new $100 fee on international visitors and park staff?
Some park staff worry the fee might alienate visitors and send a message of exclusion. There have been reports of confusion and anger at park entrances due to unclear information about the new fee.
Q: How does the 'America the Beautiful' annual pass work for international visitors with the new $100 fee?
International visitors might choose to buy a more expensive annual pass instead of paying the $100 per-visit fee. US residents' passes now have a portrait of Donald Trump.