New year, New Non Resident Tourist Tax
Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. citizens will face a new $100 per-person surcharge to enter 11 of the most popular U.S. National Parks. This fee is added to existing entrance costs as part of a Trump administration “America-First” policy designed to ensure international visitors contribute more toward park maintenance and infrastructure.
Key Details of the New Policy
The Surcharge: A $100 fee per person (ages 16+) for non-residents.
The Alternative: Foreign visitors can instead purchase a non-resident “America the Beautiful” annual pass for $250.
Resident Status: U.S. citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the surcharge and can still purchase the standard annual pass for $80.
Affected Parks: The surcharge applies to 11 high-traffic locations, including:
Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite
Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Acadia
Glacier, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain
Everglades and Sequoia & Kings Canyon
A Global Trend in Tourism
While the move is controversial due to its potential impact on tourism, it reflects a growing global trend of dual-pricing systems. Many nations already charge non-residents higher fees to fund preservation and generate national revenue:
Egypt: Higher rates for the Pyramids of Giza.
India: Significantly higher entry fees for the Taj Mahal.
Japan & France: Recent shifts toward increased tourist taxes and entry fees for iconic sites like the Louvre.
Proponents argue this shift balances economic needs with cultural access, ensuring that U.S. taxpayers—who already fund the parks through taxes—retain affordable access while visitors help bridge the multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog.
Need to verify a specific park or purchase a pass? You can find the full list of participating locations and updated fee structures on the National Park Service website.
Your Thoughts?
Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist
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