San Antonio, Texas, January 2, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, international visitors to 11 popular U.S. national parks will incur an additional $100 fee, on top of standard entrance charges. However, Texas national parks will not be affected by this policy. The fee aims to enhance maintenance and improvements, ensuring international visitors contribute fairly. For frequent visitors, a $250 annual pass covering all participating parks will be available, while existing passes purchased before this date will remain valid.
San Antonio, Texas
Effective January 1, 2026, international visitors to 11 of the most popular U.S. national parks will face a new $100 per person fee, in addition to standard entrance charges. This policy does not affect national parks in Texas, as none of the state’s parks are among the 11 specified.
Details of the New Fee Structure
The U.S. Department of the Interior has implemented this fee increase to ensure international visitors contribute fairly to the maintenance and improvement of national parks. The 11 parks affected by this change are:
- 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 and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
International visitors without an annual pass will be required to pay this additional fee per person, on top of the standard entrance fee. For those interested in visiting multiple parks, a new America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass is available for $250, which covers entry to all participating parks for one year. U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for their annual pass, with no additional fees for entry. Existing passes purchased before January 1, 2026, will remain valid until their expiration date, honoring the original terms of the pass.
Impact on Texas National Parks
Texas is home to several national parks, including Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore. However, none of these parks are included in the list of 11 most visited parks subject to the new $100 fee. Therefore, international visitors to Texas national parks will not be affected by this specific fee increase. They will continue to pay the standard entrance fees applicable to these parks.
Background Context
The fee adjustments are part of a broader initiative by the Department of the Interior to modernize national park access and ensure that international visitors contribute appropriately to the preservation and enhancement of these natural treasures. The changes also include the introduction of digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass designs, and expanded motorcycle access. These measures aim to make national parks more accessible and affordable for American families while ensuring that international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving the parks for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which national parks are affected by the new $100 fee?
The new $100 per person fee applies to international visitors at 11 of the most popular U.S. national parks: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
Does this fee apply to national parks in Texas?
No, the new $100 fee does not apply to national parks in Texas, as none of the state’s parks are among the 11 specified in the policy.
How can international visitors avoid the $100 fee?
International visitors can avoid the $100 per person fee by purchasing the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass for $250, which covers entry to all participating parks for one year.
Will existing passes remain valid?
Yes, existing passes purchased before January 1, 2026, will remain valid until their expiration date, honoring the original terms of the pass.
What are the benefits of the new fee structure?
The new fee structure aims to ensure international visitors contribute fairly to the maintenance and improvement of national parks, while allowing U.S. residents to continue enjoying affordable access. The revenue generated will support facility upgrades and park maintenance.
Key Features of the New Fee Structure
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New $100 Fee | International visitors without an annual pass will pay an additional $100 per person at 11 specified national parks, in addition to standard entrance fees. |
| America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass | A new pass available for $250, covering entry to all participating parks for one year, applicable to international visitors. |
| U.S. Resident Annual Pass | U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for their annual pass, with no additional fees for entry. |
| Validity of Existing Passes | Existing passes purchased before January 1, 2026, will remain valid until their expiration date, honoring the original terms of the pass. |
| Impact on Texas National Parks | Texas national parks are not among the 11 specified, so international visitors to these parks will not be affected by the new $100 fee. |
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