The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that foreign tourists visiting iconic US national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will face additional fees starting in 2026. The Department of the Interior revealed that international visitors will be required to pay an extra $100 (£76) on top of existing entrance fees to access 11 of the most popular parks. Additionally, non-residents will need to pay over $250 for an annual pass, while US citizens and permanent residents will maintain their current fee of $80. The fee increase is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to prioritize American families by making national parks more accessible and affordable for US taxpayers. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these measures ensure US citizens continue to enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the parks for future generations. The new fees will coincide with the launch of an upgraded online booking system and improved access for motorcyclists. The department also announced eight ‘patriotic fee-free’ days in 2026 exclusively for residents, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day. This decision follows an executive order signed by Trump in July to raise entrance fees for overseas visitors, with the additional revenue earmarked for conservation and maintenance efforts. Despite these changes, the administration has proposed significant cuts to the National Park Service budget. US national parks have experienced record-breaking visitor numbers in recent years, with over 331 million visitors in 2024, marking an increase of at least 6 million from the previous year. Among the most visited parks are Florida’s Everglades, California’s Yosemite, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.