The Interior Department has unveiled a new set of policies aimed at national park fees, promoting an “America-first” approach. These changes include significant hikes in entrance fees for international visitors and the introduction of commemorative annual passes featuring Donald Trump, alongside a series of “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” planned for 2026.
Starting next year, international visitors will face a dramatic increase in entrance fees, with costs more than tripling. According to a departmental press release, non-residents will have the option of purchasing an annual pass for $250 or paying $100 per person to access 11 of the nation’s most popular national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fees.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the intention behind these changes in a video posted on his social media account, stating, “This year we’re making it easier and more affordable for every American to experience the beauty and freedom of our public lands.” For U.S. residents, an annual interagency pass will be available for just $80 starting in 2026, matching the current price of the “America the Beautiful” pass.
The increase in fees for international travelers is aimed at ensuring they contribute their fair share toward the preservation and maintenance of national parks. Burgum explained that the revenue generated from these fees will help support conservation efforts.
In addition to the fee adjustments, Burgum announced new designs for the annual passes that will be introduced in 2026. These will include portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump side-by-side on the annual pass, while the military version will feature an image of Trump saluting troops.
The Interior Department is also set to implement five new fee-free days for U.S. residents, bringing the total number of these special days to ten. The newly established fee-free days will include July 3, 4, and 5 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, September 17 for Constitution Day, October 27 in honor of conservationist and former President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and June 14, which also marks Trump’s birthday and is recognized as Flag Day.
Burgum referenced Theodore Roosevelt’s views on conservation, asserting that “there can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.” However, under the leadership of Burgum and Trump, the Interior Department has faced criticism regarding staffing reductions at national parks and proposed cuts to public lands management, including opening national forests to logging and defunding conservation organizations.
These initiatives reflect a significant shift in the management of national parks and may draw mixed reactions from various stakeholders concerned with environment and conservation policies. While the fee changes could generate revenue for preservation efforts, the substantial increase in costs for international visitors raises questions about accessibility.