Rising Fees for U.S. National Parks: The Visit USA Association’s Stand

The Visit USA Association (UK) has recently set into motion a petition against a proposed international visitor surcharge affecting entry to eleven iconic U.S. national parks. This move aligns with concerns from the travel industry about the potential impact on visitor numbers from the UK and beyond.

What’s Changing?

Starting January 1, 2026, international visitors will face a hefty charge of $100 per person, per park when entering some of the most popular national parks. This change comes on top of the already existing entrance fees that some parks require. For many travelers, this significant increase could alter their travel plans to the U.S., especially for those who view a visit to these parks as a bucket-list experience.

Additionally, the cost of the annual “America the Beautiful” pass for non-residents will jump from $80 to a whopping $250. This pass allows access to multiple parks, but the rise in fees could deter budget-conscious travelers from exploring the natural wonders of the United States.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new surcharge will apply to non-residents aged 16 and above. For those without the annual pass, this new fee will add an undesirable cost to their park visit. Currently, many national parks managed by the National Park Service are free to enter, while others charge a standard entrance fee. The parks impacted by this surcharge include:

• 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 Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park

The Petition by Visit USA (UK)

In light of these changes, Visit USA (UK) is calling on the UK travel industry to unite in support of the petition. The alliance hopes to raise awareness about how the Department of the Interior’s new fees could severely impact U.S. visitor numbers from the UK.

The organization is reaching out to all its members, asking them to share the petition with colleagues across the industry, including travel agents. A link will be provided for industry professionals to sign the petition, emphasizing the collective concern regarding the potential decline in visitor numbers.

Voices from the Industry

Kate Kenward, the chief executive of Visit USA (UK), has expressed the gravity of the situation for her membership. She noted that the national parks, particularly the eleven affected, are a significant driver of holiday bookings. For many travelers, these parks represent unforgettable experiences in the U.S.—experiences that are now on the verge of becoming less accessible due to financial constraints.

Kenward commented, “Our membership is concerned that UK consumers may change their holiday plans for 2026 and beyond.” This shift could significantly affect the flow of visitors from the UK, where over four million Brits visited the U.S. in 2024, a figure that Kenward noted was “holding steady” into 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Despite the current challenges, Visit USA is optimistic about the upcoming year. With major events such as the FIFA World Cup, the 250th commemorations of the U.S., and the 100th anniversary of Route 66 set to take place, they are hopeful for record-breaking visitor numbers. However, the newly proposed fee increases could undermine these aspirations, altering travelers’ booking plans and potentially leading to a decrease in the number of visitors.

The Economic Impact

According to the National Park Service, international visitors contributed over $7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 alone. This statistic underscores the importance of foreign visitors to the health of the U.S. tourism industry. By imposing higher fees, the Department of the Interior risks reducing the economic benefits that these visitors provide.

In summary, as the petition takes shape, the implications of the new visitor surcharge are becoming increasingly clear. Travel industry stakeholders in the UK are urged to reflect on how crucial the U.S. national parks are to international tourism and advocate for a reconsideration of the fee structures that could deter future visitors.