Washington, D.C. | November 28, 2025 :
The National Park Service (NPS) announced a 50% fee increase for international visitors at major U.S. parks, including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, effective November 27, 2025. Under President Donald Trump’s “America First” directive, non-U.S. visitors will now pay $52 per vehicle, up from $35, to help subsidize domestic access and fund a $2 billion maintenance backlog across more than 400 national parks.
NPS Director Chuck Sams defended the increase, emphasizing its role in preserving park infrastructure and ensuring American visitors receive priority access. The move comes as climate stress and rising visitor numbers strain resources at iconic sites.
Tourism boards and travel industry groups have warned the fee hike could reduce international visits by 20%, potentially affecting 5 million foreign tourists annually. Officials are reportedly considering waivers for allied nations, though no formal policy has been issued as of 8:00 AM EST, November 28, 2025.
The policy underscores the administration’s focus on prioritizing domestic visitors while addressing environmental pressures and deferred maintenance at the nation’s most visited parks.
