WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States government will implement a substantial increase in entrance fees for international tourists at its most popular national parks, a policy set to begin on Wednesday, January 1, 2026. The move, announced by the Trump administration on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, will see the cost of an annual park pass for non-residents more than triple, while a new surcharge will be applied for single-entry visits to premier sites.

Under the new structure, the price of an “America the Beautiful” annual pass, which grants access to all national parks, will increase from $80 to $250 for international visitors. The price will remain $80 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Furthermore, non-resident visitors without an annual pass will be required to pay a new $100 per-person surcharge in addition to the standard entrance fee at 11 of the most visited parks. These parks include iconic destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.

‘America First’ Pricing

The U.S. Department of the Interior, which manages the National Park Service, framed the fee hike as a policy to benefit American citizens. “President Trump's leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated on Tuesday. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”

The policy stems from a July 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which aimed to generate revenue for conservation and maintenance projects by increasing fees for foreign tourists. The White House fact sheet from July 3, 2025, argued that the change ensures fairness, as U.S. citizens already fund the parks through their taxes. The additional revenue is intended to address a significant maintenance backlog across the park system.

Global Context and Local Impact

While there is no specific data immediately available on the number of Kenyan or East African tourists visiting U.S. national parks, the fee increase forms part of a broader global context where differential pricing for tourists is not uncommon. Countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda, Thailand, and Chile already have similar policies in place for their national parks and conservation areas. This move brings the U.S. into alignment with that practice.

For prospective Kenyan travellers, the increased cost will be a significant factor in planning trips to the United States that include visits to its famed natural landmarks. A family of four, for example, could face an additional $400 in surcharges for a single visit to a park like the Grand Canyon, on top of regular entry fees.

The announcement also included the introduction of a fully digital pass system available through Recreation.gov, intended to modernize access and reduce wait times. Additionally, the administration designated eight “patriotic fee-free” days for 2026, during which U.S. residents can enter parks for free; these days will not apply to international visitors. The list of free days includes holidays like Independence Day and President Trump's birthday on June 14.

The policy has drawn concern from some U.S. tourism stakeholders. Jonathan Farrington, CEO of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, expressed worries that higher fees could deter international tourists and harm local economies that depend on them. The National Parks Conservation Association, a non-profit advocacy group, noted there were “a lot to unpack” in the announcement and raised questions about its implementation.

The National Park Service hosted nearly 332 million visits in 2024, making the parks a cornerstone of American tourism. The revenue from the new fee structure will be invested directly back into the parks for facility upgrades and maintenance.