Why are national parks rangers asking for proof of residency?
Eve Chen- New "America-first" pricing policies at popular national parks are causing confusion and delays.
- Non-U.S. residents are now charged an extra $100 per person to enter certain parks.
- The cost of an annual pass for non-residents has also increased from $80 to $250.
New "America-first" pricing policies are reportedly causing confusion and delays at some of the country's most popular national parks.
On Jan. 1, parks including Grand Canyon and Yellowstone began charging non-U.S. residents an extra $100 per person to enter, unless they have an America the Beautiful annual pass for public lands. That's $100 for each non-resident over the age of 15, not per vehicle or travel party.
The cost of annual passes also jumped for non-residents, from $80 to now $250, while prices for Americans remained flat.
The changes were announced in late November. However, The Washington Post and The Guardian report that some visitors are still arriving unaware and unprepared, and park employees are put in what they call the "awkward" position of asking about residency status and explaining changes, amid potential language barriers.
"We have heard that it's backing up lines more than usual and we have heard reports of visitors turning around and choosing not to visit the park," Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said in a statement to USA TODAY. The Coalition is comprised of thousands of current, former and retired National Park Service employees and volunteers. "This policy is also an additional burden on National Park staff, who are still grappling with a 24% reduction in the permanent workforce since last January."
A spokesperson for the Interior Department told USA TODAY, "As with any policy clarification or expansion, there can be a short adjustment period as visitors become familiar with how existing verification practices apply to specific fee categories. Parks continue to monitor entrance operations and adjust staffing and traffic flow as needed to maintain efficient access."
Why did national park prices increase for foreign tourists?
In July, President Donald Trump issued an executive order tasking the Secretary of Interior with coming up with a "strategy to increase revenue and improve the recreational experience at national parks by appropriately increasing entrance fees and recreation pass fees for nonresidents" while also allowing "more Americans to visit national parks."
When increases were announced in November, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said they were designed to keep park access affordable for U.S. taxpayers, "who already support the National Park System."
The Interior Department added, "The updated fee structure reflects the significant investment made by U.S. taxpayers to support these public lands, while still welcoming international visitors who help sustain local economies and share in our nation’s natural and cultural heritage. This policy reflects the Administration’s belief that America’s public lands should be enjoyed by everyone who visits our country lawfully and responsibly."
Which national parks are affected?
The parks charging higher fees are:
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
- Everglades National Park in Florida
- Glacier National Park in Montana
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California
- Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park in California
- Zion National Park in Utah
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are technically different parks, but they operate as one.
How much does it cost to get into national parks?
Not all parks charge for entry. You can look up park-specific fees on the National Park Service's website.
For U.S residents, entry fees top out at $35 per private vehicle.
Unless they have an annual pass, international visitors are subject to that same fee on top of non-resident fees at affected parks.
What counts as proof of residency?
The following documents may be used for proof of residency:
- U.S. passport
- U.S.-government issued driver's license or state or territory ID
- Permanent resident card (green card)
Additionally, U.S. residents and citizens with permanent disabilities may use a U.S. birth certificate to obtain an Access Pass.
Can you get into national parks for free?
U.S. residents may enter any national park for free on the following "patriotic fee-free days" in 2026:
- President’s Day: Feb. 16
- Memorial Day: May 31
- Flag Day/President Donald Trump’s birthday: June 14
- Independence Day weekend: July 3–5
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service: Aug. 25
- Constitution Day: Sept. 17
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday: Oct. 27
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Some groups are eligible for free entry year-round:
- Fourth graders and family members traveling with them
- U.S. military service members and their dependents, U.S. veterans and dependents and Gold Star families
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents with disabilities
- Volunteers who’ve spent at least 250 hours on volunteer activities and projects at federal recreation sites