National Parks to raise fees by $100 for international tourists to popular U.S. parks

"WASHINGTON The National Park Service said Tuesday it is going to start charging the millions of international tourists who visit U.S. parks each year an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular sites, while leaving them out of fee-free days that will be reserved for American residents. The announcement declaring "America-first entry fee policies" comes as national parks deal with the strain of a major staff reduction and severe budget cuts,"

"foreign tourists will also see their annual parks pass price jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80, according to the department's statement. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a post on the social platform X that the changes make sure U.S. taxpayers who support the park service "continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!""

The National Park Service will charge international tourists an extra $100 to enter several popular parks and exclude them from fee-free days for U.S. residents. The change affects 11 parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, and takes effect Jan. 1. Foreign visitors' annual parks pass will rise to $250 while U.S. residents will continue to pay $80. Officials cited staff reductions, steep budget cuts, shutdown damage recovery and lost revenue during the recent government shutdown as reasons. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the changes ensure U.S. taxpayers enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute to park maintenance. The policy followed a presidential directive and prompted questions from conservation groups.

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