The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced the most significant modernization of national park access in decades, introducing digital America the Beautiful passes, refreshed annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access and a new fee structure that differentiates rates for U.S. residents and international visitors. The updated system will take effect on January 1, 2026.
A key component of the overhaul is a sharp increase in national park entry costs for non-residents, aimed at ensuring international travellers contribute more toward the maintenance of the National Park System. From 2026, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass will cost $250 for non-residents, compared with $80 for U.S. residents.
In addition, non-residents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person surcharge to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to existing entrance fees. These parks are Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.
According to the Department, the new resident-first fee structure is designed to prioritise affordability for American families. Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, said, “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The modernisation initiative also includes a full transition to digital America the Beautiful passes. All pass types, including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access, will be available on Recreation.gov, allowing visitors to purchase and use their passes instantly, store them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards. Updated digital validation tools and streamlined staff training are expected to reduce entry wait times across the National Park System.
As part of the upgrades, the Department unveiled new patriotic-themed artwork for all annual passes, which will appear across both digital and physical versions.
The Department also announced resident-only fee-free days for 2026, coinciding with national holidays and historic milestones, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend and the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Motorcycle users will also benefit from expanded access: beginning in 2026, all America the Beautiful passes will cover two motorcycles per pass, improving affordability for riders and families travelling on two wheels.
Revenue from the higher non-resident fees and other policy changes will be reinvested into national park improvements, including facility upgrades, essential maintenance and enhanced visitor services nationwide.