New Fee-Free Days Announced for National Parks, along with Price Increases for Foreign Visitors in 2026
Ahead of the new year, the Department of the Interior released a new pricing structure that mainly affects foreigners who visit America’s National Parks in 2026 and beyond.
This is one of the most significant changes the national parks have instituted regarding prices in decades. Permanent residents and non-residents will now pay different amounts to enter the national parks. Additionally, there’s a new cover, a one-of-a-kind photo, on the America the Beautiful Pass for the first time. Some may say it’s not great.
Find out all you need to know about the new updates below.
New Fee-Free Days Announced for National Park Service Sites
The Department of the Interior added more fee-free days to visit our public lands across the country.
- President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
- Memorial Day (May 25, 2026)
- Flag Day (June 14, 2026)
- Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026)
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026)
- Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
- Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026)
These only apply to US citizens and permanent residents.
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New Price Changes Going into Effect for 2026
For the first time, there will be resident and non-resident prices to visit the National Parks. Resident (US citizens and permanent residents) will still pay the standard $80 fee for the America the Beautiful Pass. The Annual Pass for non-residents will increase to $250.
At the most popular national parks, a surcharge will apply to non-residents.
The following parks will have a surcharge of $100 for each nonresident of the US entering the park: Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Parks, and Zion National Park.
New Annual Pass Photo
Deviating from the standard practice of placing the Share the Experience photo contest winner on the America the Beautiful Pass, the DOI has put Donald Trump’s face on it, along with George Washington. If you would prefer not to have his face on your national parks pass, make sure you buy a pass in December 2025.
This will cover you through all of 2026.
Digital Passes Now Available
For the first time, you’ll be able to use a digital pass on your phone. You’ll still need your ID, but you can show your phone to get into the park.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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