Key Points
- Announce ten fee-free days for U.S. citizens and residents only at all 63 national parks starting in 2026, excluding nonresidents from free entry.
- Implement a two-tiered fee system from January 1, 2026, charging nonresidents higher annual and daily entrance fees compared to U.S. residents.
- Require visitors to show photo ID verifying U.S. residency or citizenship to qualify for resident fees, with nonresidents paying significantly higher rates.
America’s national parks have always stood as symbols of natural wonder and democratic access, drawing millions each year to their wild expanses and storied trails. But as 2026 approaches, a new era of park visitation is dawning—one marked by significant changes to entry policies, fee structures, and planning logistics, reshaping the experience for both U.S. residents and international travelers.
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced that in 2026, there will be ten days when entry to all 63 national parks will be free—but with a crucial caveat: these “fee-free days” are now limited to U.S. citizens and residents. Nonresidents will still be required to pay the regular entrance fee, plus any additional nonresident surcharges, according to the NPS website. The change marks a clear departure from previous years, when free-entry days were available to all visitors regardless of nationality.
According to USA TODAY, the free-entry days in 2026 are set for February 16 (Presidents Day), May 25 (Memorial Day), June 14 (Flag Day), July 3–5 (Independence Day weekend), August 25 (the National Park Service’s 110th birthday), September 17 (Constitution Day), October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday), and November 11 (Veterans Day). Notably absent from the list are Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, both of which had previously provided free access. In a nod to both patriotism and presidential legacy, Flag Day—coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s birthday—has been added to the roster.
But the changes don’t stop at free-entry days. As Los Angeles Times reported, beginning January 1, 2026, the NPS will implement “America-first” entry fee policies, as announced by the Trump administration in November 2025. “U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks,” the administration stated. This policy shift has introduced a two-tiered fee system that’s already sparking debate.
For U.S. residents, the cost of an annual pass—which covers entrance to thousands of recreation areas—is $80. Nonresidents, however, now face a much steeper price: $250 for the same annual pass. If a non-U.S. resident wishes to purchase a day-of entrance, they’ll be charged an additional $100 on top of the regular admittance fee, which typically ranges from $20 to $35. The financial gap is even wider at the 11 most popular national parks, where staff are now instructed to ask, “How many people visiting are not U.S. citizens or residents?” according to an internal NPS directive obtained by The Washington Post.
Elizabeth Peace, spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, clarified that these questions are posed only to determine eligibility for entrance fees or passes. “National Park Service staff are not checking immigration status, citizenship, or residency beyond what is necessary to confirm eligibility for a specific entrance fee or pass,” Peace told Los Angeles Times. She added that staff have “long required” visitors to show photo identification matching the name on their interagency pass. Acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. passport, state-issued driver’s license or ID, or a permanent residency card. For the Access Pass, which is reserved for residents with a permanent disability, a U.S. birth certificate may also be used. Those unable to provide a U.S. government-issued ID must purchase the more costly nonresident annual pass.
The National Parks Conservation Association has voiced support for efforts to increase funding for the parks but warned against creating barriers that would deter visitors. “Charging international visitors more is not uncommon globally,” said Theresa Pierno, president of the association, in a letter to the Department of the Interior. “But any such policy must be designed thoughtfully to ensure it doesn’t cause barriers or even longer lines at entrances.” The new verification process, she noted, has already led to longer wait times at park gates, a concern compounded by a 24% reduction in NPS staff since January of last year.
For travelers, these changes mean that planning a national park trip in 2026 requires more diligence than ever before. As Filmogaz notes, the logistics of visiting national parks are becoming “more airline-like” during peak seasons, with timed-entry and reservation systems expanding to manage crowds. Even if you’ve paid your entrance fee or purchased a pass, you may still need to secure an advance time slot for certain parks or popular corridors within them. Some of these reservations are free but come with a nonrefundable processing charge, and they can sell out quickly—so setting calendar reminders and booking well in advance is now essential. Gate lines may also move more slowly as staff verify eligibility and explain the new rules, making early arrival more important than ever.
International visitors, in particular, are advised to budget for higher upfront costs, especially if they plan to visit multiple marquee parks in a single trip. The new per-person surcharge at the most-visited parks can significantly increase expenses, and the eligibility checks at entry points may add to travel time. The NPS recommends confirming entry rules and pricing close to your departure date, as implementation details can evolve and may vary by park or season.
Winter and shoulder season travelers face their own set of challenges. While a January visit can offer quiet trails and dramatic landscapes, it also brings a higher risk of closures due to storms, snow, or limited services. As Filmogaz points out, “Looks clear in town” doesn’t always match conditions at elevation, so building buffer days into your itinerary and having backup plans for indoor activities or low-risk alternatives is wise. Many parks operate on reduced schedules or close certain roads and visitor centers entirely during the off-season.
Despite these logistical hurdles, the parks themselves remain as dynamic as ever. In early 2026, park staff at a major dinosaur-focused site spanning Colorado and Utah unearthed new fossil material, a reminder that discovery and scientific advancement are ongoing within the national park system. Exhibits and ranger talks can change as new finds are prepared and displayed, offering fresh experiences even for repeat visitors.
For those seeking to avoid crowds and higher costs, experts suggest exploring lesser-known park units—such as monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas—which often provide big rewards with smaller crowds. Building a trip around a region’s smaller parks, anchored by a single flagship destination, can be a smart way to maximize both value and enjoyment.
As the NPS continues to adapt its policies in response to shifting political priorities, budget pressures, and visitor demand, one thing remains clear: a little extra preparation goes a long way. By confirming entry requirements, planning for seasonal variables, and staying flexible, travelers can still enjoy the breathtaking beauty and quiet wonder that have made America’s national parks a treasured destination for generations.
Even as access rules evolve and costs rise, the spirit of discovery and awe persists—inviting all who enter, resident or visitor, to find their own place in the landscape of America’s wild heart.
