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Nonresidents face higher fees under updated park access plan
The Interior Department will introduce new digital passes, revised pricing, and expanded motorcycle access starting Jan. 1, 2026.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 27, Nov 2025
- 00:43 EST
- 8
Representative image / AI generated
Nonresidents will pay sharply higher entry and pass fees at national parks starting Jan. 1, 2026, under a new access system announced Nov. 25 by the Department of the Interior. The changes, described by the agency as the most significant update in decades, include digital versions of all America the Beautiful passes, new artwork, and expanded motorcycle access.
The Interior Department said the new resident-focused structure is designed to keep park access affordable for U.S. visitors while increasing costs for international travelers. The Annual Pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without an annual pass will also pay a $100 per-person entry fee at 11 of the most visited parks, in addition to standard entrance fees.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. He added that the new policies ensure U.S. taxpayers “continue to enjoy affordable access,” while international visitors contribute more to maintain and improve the National Park System.
The agency said parks will begin accepting fully digital America the Beautiful passes on Recreation.gov. Digital versions of the Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access passes can be purchased and stored on mobile devices and linked to physical cards. Interior officials said digital validation tools and updated staff training will speed entry across the system.
The department also released new graphics for annual passes, describing them as modernized designs honoring national landscapes and heritage. These designs will appear on both digital and physical versions.
Resident-only fee-free days will continue in 2026, including President’s Day on Feb. 16, Memorial Day on May 25, and Independence Day weekend from July 3–5. The list also includes the National Park Service’s 110th birthday on Aug. 25 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Motorcycle riders will see expanded access. Each America the Beautiful pass will now cover two motorcycles, a change officials say will reduce per-rider costs.
The Interior Department said revenue from the new pricing structure will be directed to facility upgrades, needed maintenance, and improved services across the park system.
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