When the Interior Department announced that international tourists will soon pay a $100 surcharge to enter the most popular U.S. national parks, the Sierra Club blasted the move as “gouging foreign tourists” in a way that “won’t provide the financial support these crown jewels of our public lands need.” It’s an emotionally charged critique, but it’s completely wrong.
A higher charge for non-residents isn’t a barrier to access. It’s a long-overdue way to ensure that America’s best idea can keep up with the pressures of popularity. Fees paid by overseas travelers—people who have often already invested thousands of dollars to journey here—can directly bolster park budgets at a time when iconic sites are strained by record crowds and aging infrastructure.
Starting in 2026, overseas visitors to 11 of the most popular U.S. national parks, including Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and other bucket-list sites, will pay a $100 surcharge on top of the base entrance fee. The price of non-resident “America the Beautiful” annual passes will then rise to $250 while remaining $80 for U.S. residents.
