The U.S. government has announced a new policy that will require international visitors to pay a $100 per-person entrance fee at some of the nation's most iconic national parks, including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. The measure, set to begin on January 1, aims to generate significant new revenue for park maintenance but has sparked concern among local business owners about its potential impact on tourism.
In addition to the individual charge, the price of an annual parks pass for foreign tourists will increase to $250 per vehicle. The cost for U.S. residents will remain unchanged at $80.
Key Takeaways
- A new $100 per-person entry fee will be applied to foreign visitors at 10 major U.S. national parks starting January 1.
- The annual park pass for international tourists will also rise to $250 per vehicle, while the U.S. resident pass stays at $80.
- Officials state the fee will help fund park maintenance, potentially raising over $55 million annually for Yellowstone alone.
- Local tourism businesses express worry that the high cost will discourage international travel to these areas, hurting their operations.
Details of the New Fee Structure
The policy, described by the Interior Department as “America-first pricing,” is designed to ensure international visitors contribute more directly to the upkeep of the natural landmarks they travel to see. The new charges will be implemented at an initial group of 10 highly visited national parks.
The parks included in this first phase are:
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
Officials have stated the goal is to align the U.S. with other countries that have similar tiered pricing for citizens and foreign nationals. Proponents argue that American taxpayers already support the park system through federal taxes, and this fee asks international tourists to pay a fairer share for their use.
A Global Precedent
Differential pricing for tourists is a common practice worldwide. For instance, visitors to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands pay $200 per adult, while Ecuadorian citizens pay only $30. This model is often used to balance tourism revenue with conservation needs and affordability for local populations.
Concerns from Local Businesses
While the government focuses on revenue, businesses in communities surrounding these parks are apprehensive. Many rely heavily on the steady stream of international tourists who visit these natural wonders each year.
Mark Howser, owner of the Whistling Swan Motel near Glacier National Park, estimates that foreign travelers make up about 15% of his clientele. He believes the new fee will act as a significant deterrent. “It’s going to hurt local businesses that cater to foreign travelers, like myself,” Howser said, adding that it discourages people from experiencing a key part of the country.
Tour operators share this concern. Bryan Batchelder of Let’s Go Adventure Tours and Transportation, which operates in the Yellowstone area, noted that international visitors constitute roughly 30% of his business. He described the new charge as “a pretty big hike” and questioned whether foreign tourists, while still visiting the U.S., might choose to skip the national parks to avoid the cost.
Projected Revenue vs. Potential Tourism Decline
Supporters of the fee point to the immense financial needs of the National Park Service, which faces a backlog of maintenance projects, including deteriorating trails and aging infrastructure.
The Property and Environment Research Center, a Montana-based research group, estimates the $100 fee could generate $55 million annually for Yellowstone National Park alone. If expanded to all park sites, the revenue from an estimated 14 million international visitors could exceed $1 billion per year.
Brian Yablonski, representing the center, suggested that the impact on visitor numbers would be minimal, with a projected drop of only about 1%. “Americans are already paying more than international visitors because they are paying taxes,” Yablonski stated. “For international visitors, this is kind of a no-brainer, common sense approach.”
However, critics argue this perspective overlooks the broader economic impact. The decision to visit a park often involves spending on local hotels, restaurants, and guide services, which could all be affected if tourists stay away.
Broader Reactions and Criticisms
The new fee has drawn criticism from conservation and park advocacy groups. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, composed of current and former park service employees, voiced strong opposition.
“National parks should be available and accessible to all, or America’s best idea will become America’s greatest shakedown,” said Emily Thompson, the coalition's executive director. She also raised concerns that this would place another burden on already overworked park staff, who have faced significant cuts.
The Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign also condemned the move. Deputy campaign director Gerry Seavo James called it “gouging foreign tourists,” arguing it fails to address the systemic budget cuts that have undermined the park service. “Without that support, we run the risk of our true common grounds becoming nothing more than playgrounds for the super-rich,” he said.
As the January 1 implementation date approaches, local economies near these national treasures are bracing for the change. The true effect on international visitor behavior and the financial health of both the parks and their gateway communities will only become clear in the coming tourist seasons.
