National Park Entrance Fee and Pass Changes Beginning in 2026: What Non-Resident Visitors Need to Know

Beginning January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) will implement several updates to its entrance fee and pass system that affect both U.S. residents and international visitors. These changes apply nationwide and introduce new residency-based distinctions for entrance fees, annual passes, and fee-free access days. The updates are designed to standardize access policies across the national park system and apply specifically to several of the most visited parks in the United States.

This guide outlines exactly what is changing, which parks are affected, and how travelers can plan ahead for visits in 2026 and beyond.

Overview of 2026 National Park Fee and Pass Changes

Starting in 2026, the following changes will take effect across the National Park Service system:

• A new America the Beautiful annual pass for non-U.S. residents will be introduced at a price of $250.
• All standard America the Beautiful passes will be limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
• Entrance fee–free days will apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
  Non-U.S. residents will continue to pay standard entrance fees and any new applicable nonresident surcharges.
• A $100 per-person surcharge will apply to each nonresident entering select high-visitation national parks.
• America the Beautiful passes will now cover entrance fees for up to two motorcycles under one pass.

These changes apply specifically to entrance access. Campground fees, wilderness permits, backcountry reservations, guided tours, and other concessions or recreational permits are not affected by these pass updates unless otherwise stated by park-specific regulations.

Parks with the $100 Nonresident Surcharge

Beginning in 2026, the following 11 national parks will assess a $100 per-person surcharge for each non-U.S. resident entering the park:

• Acadia National Park

• Bryce Canyon National Park

• Everglades National Park

• Glacier National Park

• Grand Canyon National Park

• Grand Teton National Park

• Rocky Mountain National Park

• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

• Yellowstone National Park

• Yosemite National Park

• Zion National Park

This surcharge applies in addition to the standard vehicle or per-person entrance fee already required at each park. The fee is assessed per entry and per person for non-U.S. residents.

Changes to the America the Beautiful Pass Program

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program will continue, but with new eligibility distinctions beginning in 2026.

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the existing annual pass and lifetime passes (senior, military, and access passes) will remain available under current eligibility guidelines.

For non-U.S. residents, a new annual pass priced at $250 will be offered. This pass will provide standard entrance access to national parks and federal recreation sites but does not exempt holders from the $100 nonresident surcharge at the select parks listed above.

The standard America the Beautiful pass will no longer be available for purchase by international visitors beginning in 2026.

Entrance Fee-Free Days

Historically, the National Park Service has offered several fee-free days each year, including National Park Week, Veterans Day, and other designated dates. Beginning in 2026:

Fee-free days will apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Non-U.S. residents will continue to be required to pay standard entrance fees and any applicable nonresident surcharges on those dates.

This applies across all national parks and federal recreation lands that participate in the fee-free day program.

How the Changes Affect Different Types of Visitors

U.S. Residents and Citizens

For U.S. residents and citizens, access remains largely unchanged. Annual passes, fee-free days, and standard entrance pricing continue under current eligibility rules. The primary update affecting U.S. visitors is the expanded motorcycle coverage under the America the Beautiful pass.

International Visitors

For international travelers, the most notable changes include:

• The introduction of the $250 nonresident America the Beautiful pass

• Loss of access to fee-free entrance days

• A $100 per-person surcharge at select high-visitation parks

These fees apply regardless of whether the visitor enters independently or participates in guided services, unless a specific tour product explicitly includes entrance costs in its pricing.

Impact on Multi-Park Trips

Many international travelers visit multiple national parks on a single itinerary, particularly in the western United States. Under the 2026 system, surcharges apply separately at each affected park. For example, a nonresident visiting Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Parks on a single trip would incur three separate $100 per-person surcharges in addition to each park’s base entrance fee.

The nonresident America the Beautiful pass can still provide value for travelers visiting many federal recreation sites, but it does not replace or offset the new surcharges at the listed parks.

What the Changes Do Not Affect

The following are not changed by the 2026 fee updates:

• Campground reservation systems

• Backcountry and wilderness permit pricing

• Timed-entry reservation systems (where applicable)

• Commercial tour authorization fees

• State parks, tribal lands, or private recreation areas

Each park continues to manage its timed-entry, day-use permits, and wilderness permits independently of the national pass system.

Planning for a 2026 National Park Visit

Travelers planning trips in 2026 or later should consider the following when budgeting and preparing:

• Confirm residency eligibility before purchasing any annual pass.
• Check whether guided tours include entrance fees or surcharges in their pricing.
• Budget for per-person surcharges at applicable parks if traveling as a non-U.S. resident.
• Verify current entrance fees directly with the National Park Service prior to arrival.
• Monitor each park’s official website for updates to reservation systems or permit requirements.

Because these policies apply nationwide beginning January 1, 2026, advance planning will help reduce confusion at park entry stations.

Frequently Asked Visitor Questions

Does the $100 surcharge apply per vehicle or per person?
The surcharge applies per nonresident visitor, not per vehicle.

Does the nonresident America the Beautiful pass waive the surcharge?
No. The $250 nonresident annual pass provides standard entrance access but does not waive the $100 surcharge at the affected parks.

Does the surcharge apply to children?
The National Park Service has not issued age-based exemptions for the surcharge. At this time, it applies per nonresident visitor.

Are guided tours exempt from the surcharge?
No.

Official Source for 2026 Fee Updates

All information regarding these 2026 changes is maintained by the National Park Service and may be updated as implementation guidance continues. Travelers should refer directly to:

National Park Service – Pass Changes for 2026
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#changes-in-2026