The Department of the Interior today announced new “America-first” entrance fees for national parks, commemorative annual passes featuring Donald Trump, and “residents-only patriotic fee-free days for 2026,” including Trump’s birthday.
From next year, entry fees for international visitors will more than triple.
Non-residents will be able to choose between purchasing a $250 annual pass or paying $100 per person “in addition to the standard entrance fee, to enter the 11 most visited national parks,” according to a press release from the department.
In a video posted to his X account, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said: “This year we’re making it easier and more affordable for every American to experience the beauty and freedom of our public lands.”
“Starting in 2026, United States residents will be able to purchase an annual interagency pass for only $80,” he said. The current, annual Interagency America the Beautiful Pass is already $80.
The purpose of raising prices for international visitors is to ensure “they make their fair share to help preserve and maintain these treasured places,” Burgum said.
Burgum also announced commemorative new designs for annual passes issued in 2026. The annual pass features portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump together, while the military pass includes a photo of Trump saluting troops.
The Interior Department announced five new “duty free days” that will take effect in 2026, bringing the total number of duty free days – for US residents only – to 10.
The new duty-free days include July 3, 4 and 5 – in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. These include September 17, which is Constitution Day, and October 27, the birthday of protectionist and former President Theodore Roosevelt. The final duty-free day is June 14, which Burgum dubs “Flag Day,” which is also, fittingly, President Trump’s birthday.
In his video, Burgum said the plan to increase fees for international visitors was focused on conservation. He said, “As Theodore Roosevelt once said, there can be no bigger issue in this country than conservation.” Under Burgum and Trump’s leadership, the Interior Department has lost nearly a quarter of national parks staff, proposed billions of dollars in cuts to public lands, opened up logging in national forests, defunded conservation organizations and proposed allowing oil and gas drilling off the coast of California.
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