The Trump administration is raising national parks' prices and adding fees for international tourists from next year in an "America-first" initiative that'll see U.S. residents "continue to enjoy affordable pricing," the Interior Department announced Tuesday.
The big picture: The new fees that take effect from Jan. 1 follow a tumultuous year for the National Park Service after hundreds of workers were fired in the Trump administration's purge of federal employees, and Axios' Emily Peck reports international air travel has declined amid travelers saying they're put off by tariffs.
Driving the news: Under the "America-first" entry fee policies, "nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America's parks," said the Interior Department, which manages federal land, in a statement Tuesday.
- It will also hold "resident-only patriotic fee-free days" on the 110th birthday of the National Park Service and on holidays in 2026 including Flag Day, which the statement notes is President Trump's birthday.
By the numbers: While the cost of an annual parks pass for U.S. residents will remain at $80, international travelers will from Jan. 1 have to pay $250 — an increase of $170.
- Non-residents without an annual pass will from that date have to pay a $100 per person fee in addition to the standard entrance fee to visit each of the 11 most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Zoom in: "Under the new system, the America the Beautiful passes — including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access — will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov," per the statement.
- "In addition, the National Park Service is expanding affordability and access for motorcycle riders. All America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass."
What they're saying: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a video posted to X the price hike for international travelers "ensures they contribute their fair share to help preserve and maintain these treasured places."
Go deeper: Why foreign travelers are avoiding the U.S.
