International Visitor Fee Boost Could Fund U.S. National Parks
International travelers may soon find a new fee added to the cost of exploring America’s treasured national parks, as policymakers look for innovative ways to fund growing maintenance shortfalls and preserve the country’s iconic landscapes for generations to come.
U.S. Considers Foreign Visitor Surcharge for National Parks
The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled a proposal in its fiscal year 2026 “Budget in Brief” to introduce an additional entry fee for non-U.S. residents visiting national parks. Each year, approximately 14 million people from overseas experience destinations such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Parks. The suggested international visitor fee boost would add a significant revenue stream earmarked for park upkeep.
“With a relatively small increase in fees for visitors from abroad, you could raise a really significant amount of revenue that many parks really, really need—especially the ones that are bigger, attract more visitors and have seen booms in visitation over recent years,” Tate Watkins, a research fellow at the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), said in an interview.
Study Finds $25 Surcharge Could Raise $330 Million Annually
According to a 2023 report published by PERC, a $25 surcharge for foreign tourists would nearly double the National Park Service’s current fee revenue, generating roughly $330 million each year. This influx of funds could support much-needed repair projects, from fixing roads like Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park to addressing critical infrastructure maintenance across the system.
The report highlighted the sheer scale of the maintenance backlog facing the National Park Service—now exceeding $22 billion. Yellowstone National Park alone faces $1.5 billion in deferred maintenance, with annual routine needs costing around $43 million. Without increased funding, many parks struggle to provide safe conditions and maintain their world-renowned amenities.
International Pricing Is Common Practice Abroad
Charging higher fees to international visitors is not unusual elsewhere in the world. The PERC report cited examples such as Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, where foreign nationals pay $55 for entry—almost four times the $14 charged to local residents. This model aligns with a trend seen in popular nature destinations globally, supporting the argument that an international visitor fee boost for U.S. national parks could be both competitive and reasonable.
Traveler Takeaways: Minimal Impact on Trip Budgets
For those accustomed to luxury or adventure travel, the suggested $25 fee is relatively modest. Watkins emphasized that such surcharges typically account for less than 3 percent of a foreign traveler’s total U.S. park vacation expenses. “When you think of the types of visitors who are able to pay multi-thousands of dollars for a big, often bucket-list trip to some of the incredible sites that we have at our national parks, most wouldn’t blink at paying a little bit more, or even potentially a decent amount more,” Watkins noted.
For upscale travelers who expect exceptional services and pristine environments, supporting the financial health of national parks through such fees may also be seen as a way to help safeguard the experience for themselves and future visitors.
Political and Legislative Backdrop
The timing of the proposed international visitor fee boost arrives as the National Park Service braces for potential cuts. The U.S. Senate’s ongoing budget reconciliation bill could withdraw $267 million in unused Inflation Reduction Act funds previously allocated for park maintenance and modernization. Supporters argue that the new fee is a common-sense policy to offset these looming challenges and ensure stable funding in turbulent times.
Still, the debate around how to fund America’s public lands is heating up, with other moves in Congress generating concern among conservationists. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently announced plans to revive a proposal enabling the sale of public lands for development—a measure strongly opposed by public lands advocates and a majority of Utah residents, according to recent polling.
“This would start to sell off the fabric of the American West to pay for tax cuts. And if it starts here in Utah and adjacent western states, it can really spread anywhere across the West and into Alaska,” warned Steve Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. He called for more collaboration between state leaders and public lands advocates to maintain the integrity of America’s wilderness legacy.
Implications for Experience-Driven Travelers
For international audiences planning bespoke U.S. adventures—whether it’s guided glacier walks in Glacier Bay or private wildlife safaris in Yellowstone—the possible fee increase is unlikely to dampen demand or alter itinerary planning for those pursuing premium experiences. Rather, there’s a growing awareness that paying slightly more ensures continued access to awe-inspiring landscapes and the high-quality services discerning travelers expect.
“Most travelers who see America’s parks as part of the trip of a lifetime will likely view this as an acceptable contribution to keeping these places spectacular,” said a senior analyst at an international travel consultancy, who was not involved in the Interior Department’s report.
The Bottom Line
The proposed international visitor fee boost—if adopted—offers a pragmatic funding solution to the National Park Service’s growing challenges. Upscale travelers can take heart that modest increases will help preserve premier nature destinations while having little effect on overall trip budgets. As the U.S. weighs the future of its parks and public lands, global visitors may ultimately play a larger role in safeguarding America’s grandest outdoor experiences.
