UPDATES to National Parks International Visitor Fees

Date postedDecember 11, 2025
Public,

This is an update to this previous article.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a new international visitor / nonresident surcharge for entry to 11 major U.S. National Parks beginning January 1, 2026. Since the announcement, we’ve heard from operators, DMOs, and partners across the globe who are deeply concerned—and, in many cases, already experiencing anxiety from international consumers. 

Many details are still pending, however, following is what we've learned thus far from the National Park Service. And here's a downloadable version of the FAQs. 

FAQs

1. What is the new fee structure for international visitors/non-U.S. residents for national parks?

  • International visitors and non-U.S. residents will pay a $100 per-person surcharge in addition to the entrance fee for 11 national parks:
    • Grand Canyon National Park
    • Yellowstone National Park
    • Yosemite National Park
    • Zion National Park
    • Rocky Mountain National Park
    • Acadia National Park
    • Bryce Canyon National Park
    • Everglades National Park
    • Glacier National Park
    • Grand Teton National Park
    • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • For all other national parks, the standard entrance fee applies without a surcharge.
  • International visitors/nonresidents may purchase the America the Beautiful (ATB) pass for $250 for entry to multiple parks for a full year.

2. How will visitors be able to pay the International Visitor Surcharge and/or the ATB International Pass?

  • NPS has not yet released a full implementation plan. Key known elements include:
    • The ATB International Pass will be available for purchase on Recreation.gov. If the pass is not purchased in advance online, visitors may purchase it at the entrance to the first park they visit.
    • The $100 International Visitor Surcharge will need to be collected in person at entry points, not through Recreation.gov.
    • Operational details — especially for group tours — have not been announced.

 
3. Will the $250 ATB International Pass allow entry for all occupants of non-commercial vehicles? What about non-vehicle entry points?

  • Yes. Like the current ATB Pass, the International ATB Pass will cover all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle.
  • The pass will also allow entry for:
    • Up to 4 individuals on foot or bicycle, and
    • Up to 2 motorcycles.

4. How will the ATB International Pass and $100 entrance surcharge work for group tour travelers and road-based commercial tour (RBCT) CUA holders?    

  • The ATB International Pass will allow entry to multiple parks for the passholder only for international visitors/nonresidents traveling on commercial group tours.
  • The per vehicle entrance fee for the commercial tour bus will still apply.
  • Group tour travelers who don’t have the ATB pass will be required to pay the $100 surcharge for entry to the 11 designated parks.
  • NPS anticipates that tour leaders will provide a manifest listing their international passengers with accompanying international ATB passes (copies of passes) and/or will pay the per passenger surcharge for those passengers without the ATB pass.

 
 
5. Can inbound tour operators purchase passes on behalf of their customers?

  • NPS indicated that approved providers will be allowed to purchase passes for clients, as is the case today; however, the process may change, and there is no guidance on that as yet.

 

6. Will ATB Passes purchased in 2025 remain valid for 12 months (i.e. through the expiration date) without requiring the surcharge?

  • Yes. Any pass purchased in 2025 will remain valid for a full 12 months from the date of issuance and will not require an added surcharge in 2026.

 

7. How will individuals prove residency when purchasing a pass online?

  • Passes purchased online at recreation.gov will include a statement advising purchasers that they must present a valid photo ID matching the name on the pass upon entry.
  • If the visitor does not produce a matching ID upon arrival, they will be required to pay the balance of the International ATB Pass fee at the gate.

 

8. How will parks accommodate electronic passes in areas without Wi-Fi?

  • Passes may be downloaded to digital wallets, and they are printable.
     

9. Will surcharge revenue remain with the respective park?

  • Passes or surcharges paid on-site will be subject to the 80/20 allocation rule, with the park retaining 80% of revenue.
  • Revenue from ATB passes purchased digitally flow into the national revenue pool.

10. When can we expect additional implementation details?

  • NPS has not provided a timeline.

 

Given the complexity, especially for group tours, the industry urgently needs guidance. IITA will continue to work with policymakers at the Department of the Interior and industry partners on operational details and to advocate for clarity, fairness, and collaborative planning with DOI and NPS.

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