IITA Provides FAQ Guidance for Inbound Operators Navigating National Park Rules

Date postedMarch 5, 2026
Public,

Uncertainty and confusion continues for commercial tour operators navigating new rules for national parks. From the differing requirements between road-based commercial tours (RBCT) CUAs for 16+ passenger vehicles and smaller commercial vehicles with 15 or fewer passengers to how the non-resident fees are handled throughout the park system, tour operators are struggling to get a handle on what will happen at park entrances.

The National Park Service national team is working to get answers and/or communicate answers that are waiting on approval from officials of the Department of the Interior. 

Without clear, written guidance from the NPS, IITA took the initiative to outline the issues with clear language in a FAQ format, so inbound operators aren’t simply in a waiting game. NPS officials reviewed and said IITA’s information is accurate. 

So, let’s start with CUAs.

Commercial Use Authorization permits for RBCTs:

Last year, the Washington Office of the National Park Service (NPS) standardized the Road-Based Commercial Tour (RBCT) CUA requirements and fees in an effort to create nationwide consistency. While the RBCT framework — including the $350 per park fee and the online application process — has been standardized, it has not been implemented systemwide. (The list of parks requiring RBCT CUAs is here.)

Each park superintendent still determines whether a CUA is required at their specific park. For parks that choose to require an RBCT CUA, the requirements, application process, and $350 fee are consistent.
Commercial tours that are operating in 15 and under passenger vehicles, may be required to obtain other CUA permits based on their activities within the park.  

Below are the key points inbound tour operators need to understand.

What Tour Operators Need to Know About National Park CUA Requirement

Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) programs are managed by the superintendent of each individual National Park — not by a central office in Washington. That means CUA requirements can vary from park to park, depending on the park’s resources, visitor flow, and management needs.

Bottom line: Just because one park says you don’t need a CUA does not mean another park will say the same — and vice versa. 

Every park has different geography and operational realities. For example:
  • Some parks have through-roads where operators simply pass through.
  • Others, like Bryce Canyon National Park, do not have through-roads, which affects how tours operate and may trigger a CUA requirement.
  • A park like Grand Teton National Park may determine that a company simply passing through without conducting tours does not need a CUA.
These decisions are made locally and are fully supported by National Park Service policy.

    The NPS definition of a Road-Based Commercial Tour (RBCT) CUA applies to:
    • One vehicle
    • 16+ passenger capacity
    • Travel on improved roadways
    • Only incidental services (on-board interpretation, visitor center stops, etc.)

    If you use smaller vehicles (15 passengers or fewer), parks have three options:

    1. Create a special CUA category for smaller road-based tours
    2. Require a different type of CUA if you offer additional services (like guided hikes)
    3. Determine that no CUA is required

    Again — this varies by park.

      RBCT CUA holders (16+ passenger vehicles)
      • Pay entrance fees based on vehicle size

      All other CUA holders (including most small vehicle operators)

      • Pay per-person entrance fees
      • Annual passes are accepted (covers passholder + up to 3 additional adults)

      Some parks have recently corrected past entrance fee practices to align with policy.

      The National Park Services has implemented a $100 non-resident surcharge (in addition to the standard entrance fee) for non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older 11 of the most visited national parks. 

      1. Acadia National Park
      2. Bryce Canyon National Park
      3. Everglades National Park
      4. Glacier National Park
      5. Grand Canyon National Park
      6. Grand Teton National Park
      7. Rocky Mountain National Park
      8. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park (often administratively grouped together)
      9. Yellowstone National Park
      10. Yosemite National Park
      11. Zion National Park 


      Non-residents may also purchase the new non-resident America the Beautiful annual pass for $250 for entry to multiple parks including the 11 without an additional surcharge. 

      How this applies to commercial group tours depends on your CUA category.

      NOTE: Currently there is no mechanism through which tour operators can buy America the Beautiful passes in bulk on behalf of their customers. Inform guests that park passes can be purchased online at Recreation.gov when applicable.

      Until a solution is implemented, the only options available are for passengers to purchases passes at entrances or online in advance at rec.gov. In both cases, if operators intend to cover the cost, they would need to reimburse customers.

      For RBCT CUA holders (16+ passenger vehicles)

      • Entrance fees are charged based on vehicle size, PLUS the $100 surcharge or non-resident annual pass per non-resident/international visitor on the tour. Annual passes cover up to 4 passengers per pass.

      For Other CUA Holders ( including most small vehicle operators )

      • Entrance fees are charged per person, PLUS the $100 surcharge or non-resident annual pass per non-resident/international visitor on the tour. Annual passes cover up to 4 passengers per pass.

      Recommended Action for Commercial Tour Operators

      • Confirm CUA requirements directly with each park on your itinerary.
      • Clarify whether your vehicle size and services trigger an RBCT or other CUA category.
      • Review entrance fee structure based on your CUA category and number of non-resident passengers.

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