In a move that underscores the Trump administration's commitment to prioritizing American citizens, the U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a significant overhaul of the national park access fee structure.
Starting January 1, 2026, the cost of the popular "America the Beautiful" annual pass will remain at $80 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, while international visitors will see a hike to $250.
As reported by One America News, the department is also spearheading an effort to modernize access to the parks, transitioning the America the Beautiful passes to a fully digital format. To qualify for the $80 rate, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency will be required at the time of purchase and may be verified at park entrances.
In a move that offers a reprieve to U.S. residents, the current $80 annual passes purchased before December 31, 2025, will remain valid through their full 12-month term, even for dates in 2026 and beyond. This allows individuals to secure the lower rate one last time and avoid the residency verification process for new passes.
The Trump administration, in what it labels as the "most significant modernization of national park access in decades," is also introducing a $100-per-person surcharge for non-U.S. residents at the country's most heavily visited national parks. This is in addition to existing vehicle or per-person entry fees.
The year 2026 will also see the introduction of ten resident-only fee-free days, reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. These "patriotic" free-entry dates, including Presidents Day, Flag Day, Constitution Day, and the National Park Services 110th birthday, will allow Americans to visit any national park at no cost. However, international visitors will still be required to pay standard entrance fees on these days.
The changes are a testament to Trumps "commitment to making national parks more accessible, more affordable and more efficient for the American people," and are a direct result of President Trumps Executive Order 14314, titled Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks, signed earlier this year.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised President Trump's leadership, stating, 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 additional revenue generated from nonresident fees will be allocated exclusively for deferred maintenance and visitor-service improvements across the National Park System, which currently faces a maintenance backlog exceeding $22 billion.
The America the Beautiful pass offers unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by various federal agencies. Purchases can be made via Recreation.gov or park entrances before the years end, with digital options rolling out on December 1, 2025. Users can purchase, store, and display them on mobile devices with QR codes for faster entry, and link them to physical cards if needed.
This bold move by the Trump administration not only prioritizes American citizens but also ensures the sustainability of the National Park System for future generations. It's a testament to the administration's commitment to preserving the nation's natural beauty while ensuring that those who enjoy it contribute their fair share.
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