Beginning January 1, 2026, international travelers visiting select U.S. national parks will face significantly higher entry costs. The U.S. Department of the Interior has introduced a new fee structure designed to maintain affordable access for U.S. taxpayers while requiring nonresidents to contribute more toward park maintenance.
Pricing Changes
For international (non-U.S. resident) travelers:
- $100 surcharge per person, per park visit, in addition to the existing standard entrance fee.
- Option to purchase a nonresident annual pass for $250, valid at all participating federal recreation sites for one year.
For U.S. residents:
- Standard pricing remains unchanged.
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80.
Previously, international and domestic visitors paid identical fees. Beginning in 2026, the surcharge applies only at the 11 most visited national parks and is added to standard vehicle or per-person entry fees, typically $30–$35 per vehicle.
The 11 Affected National Parks
- Acadia National Park (ME)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (UT)
- Everglades National Park (FL)
- Glacier National Park (MT)
- Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
- Grand Teton National Park (WY)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
- Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park (CA)
- Yellowstone National Park (WY/MT/ID)
- Yosemite National Park (CA)
- Zion National Park (UT)
Travelers planning visits to multiple parks should evaluate whether the annual pass makes financial sense. For frequent or multi-park travel, the $250 nonresident pass may offer relative value.
How to Purchase Passes
- Passes may be purchased online via Recreation.gov or at participating park entrances.
- A digital pass version will launch in 2026.
- Fee-free entry days will apply only to U.S. residents. International visitors remain subject to standard fees plus the surcharge.
Planning Considerations
- International visitors must budget an additional $100 per traveler per park, plus standard park entry fees.
- The nonresident annual pass should only be considered if visiting multiple parks or entering more than once.
- Fees apply regardless of how visitors enter the park, including by shuttle or on foot.
- Mixed travel groups should calculate costs separately per traveler.
U.S. residents maintain current pricing and access structures and may benefit further relative to international counterparts starting in 2026.
Find Kosher Near National Parks
Make sure to download our Kosher Near Me app to locate kosher businesses near US National Parks. Just note that many parks are in remote locations and may be hours away from the closest kosher business, so prepare accordingly.
Other US National Park content on YeahThatsKosher
- 13 US National Parks Supported by Chabad Hospitality https://yeahthatskosher.com/2024/08/13-us-national-parks-supported-by-chabad-hospitality/
- ITINERARY: 10+ Day Road Trip in Arizona, Hiking & Kosher Dining https://yeahthatskosher.com/2025/01/itinerary-10-day-road-trip-in-arizona-hiking-kosher-dining/
- [GUIDE] Alternative Warm Weather Winter Break Kosher Destinations in North America https://yeahthatskosher.com/2022/12/guide-alternative-warm-weather-winter-break-kosher-destinations-in-north-america/
- Keeping Kosher in Seattle, WA & The Olympic Peninsula https://yeahthatskosher.com/2009/10/seattle-wa-and-the-olympic-peninsula/
