The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has announced changes to its fee-free entrance days and updated its pricing structure for international visitors, effective from 2026. These modifications are part of President Donald Trump's "modernisation" initiative for the park service.
Fee-Free Day Revisions
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth have been removed from the list of fee-free entrance days. Previously, these dates were designated as fee-free under the Biden administration.
For the 2026 calendar year, US residents will receive free access to national parks on specific dates: President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day (which coincides with President Trump's birthday), Independence Day weekend, the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Veteran's Day.
Non-US citizens will be required to pay entrance fees on all designated fee-free dates.
Pricing Structure Adjustments
The revised cost structure will differentiate between US residents and non-residents. Under the new rules, US residents will continue to pay $80 for an annual park service pass.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, stated that for non-residents, an annual pass will cost $250. Additionally, non-pass holders will pay $100 per person, in addition to the standard entrance fee, at 11 of the most visited parks.
Context and Rationale
These changes follow a July executive order from President Trump, which aimed to adjust the park service's cost structure to favor American citizens.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum commented on the policies, stating they "ensure that US 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 Department of the Interior estimated in its May budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year that surcharges for foreign visitors would generate over $90 million annually.
Related Administrative Actions
The Trump administration has previously issued executive orders affecting policies related to Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Earlier this year, an executive order was issued banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from federal agencies. This led to multiple agencies restricting celebrations of holidays perceived as DEI-related, including MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth. Both dates, however, remain national holidays.
In June, the Trump administration conducted a military parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the US Army's 250th anniversary, which occurred on Flag Day and President Trump's birthday.