The United States is a popular destination for tourists, with around 3.9 million Brits visiting every year. It’s known for having some of the most magnificent national parks in the world, but international visitors hoping to marvel at the natural beauty will have to pay up to $250 (£188) for the privilege.

There are a total of 63 national parks in the US, some of which include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Acadia and Rocky Mountain National Park. Each sprawling area of natural land boasts its own distinctive characteristics, from the 277 miles of canyon carved by the Colorado River to Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, home to the world’s largest collection of geysers (rare hot springs).

People travel from all over the world to visit the US national parks, but from 2026, foreign visitors will be required to pay a significant fee. The Trump administration announced that it is raising the fees charged to international visitors to US national parks, with a single visit set to cost $100 (£75) and an annual pass costing $250 (£188).

As of January 1, 2026, those without a pass will need to pay a standard admission ticket, which ranges between $10 and $35, plus a $100 surcharge. This will be put into place at some of the most popular national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In addition, the annual pass that grants access to all US national parks will increase from $80 to $250, it has been reported. This represents a significant increase of $170 (£128) for non-US residents. The Trump administration said that the change will put “American families first”. It also added that, “US residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks.”

“These policies ensure that US taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.

The US national parks are among the most beloved reasons to visit the states, with nearly 332 million tourists visiting them last year alone, according to figures from the US authorities. However, the new initiative comes at a particularly challenging time, as tourism from international visitors to the US has declined, with the US Travel Association predicting a 6.3% drop in foreign tourists in 2025 compared to 2024.

It comes after US President Donald Trump declared in July that he wanted to increase admission fees for foreign tourists. Before this was announced, residents and foreigners paid the same entrance fee into the national parks. In addition, the Trump administration announced that it will be introducing “patriotic fee-free days”, which will allow US residents to access the parks for free during US holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com