Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, international visitors will pay a $100 surcharge at the 11 most visited national parks. PERC CEO Brian Yablonski shared this statement in response to the announcement from the Department of the Interior:
“This is a big win for everyone who loves America’s national parks. A $100 international visitor surcharge could generate $55 million annually at Yellowstone National Park alone, more than quadrupling that park’s revenue to address deteriorating trails, failing wastewater systems, and crumbling bridges.
PERC has long led an effort to adopt this smart pricing approach, already common abroad, as a way to steward America’s best idea. Thank you Secretary Burgum and the Department of the Interior for your leadership and working with us on this monumental investment in our parks.”
For a deeper dive, read PERC’s report exploring pricing options at Yellowstone, The Economics of Awe.
