At a Glance
- 8 free admission days for U.S. residents in 2026
- International visitors pay $100 at 10 parks unless they have a pass
- Pass costs $250 for nonresidents, $80 for Americans
- Why it matters: These changes alter the cost of visiting national parks for non-U.S. travelers and shift free days to only U.S. residents
In 2026, the National Park Service will overhaul its admission policy, expanding free days for U.S. residents while imposing new fees on international visitors.
New Free Admission Days
The list now includes Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/Trump’s birthday, Independence Day weekend, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and Veterans Day.
- Feb. 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day and Trump’s birthday
- July 3-5: Independence Day weekend
- Aug. 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service
- Sept. 17: Constitution Day
- Oct. 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
International Visitor Fees
Starting in January, non-U.S. guests will face a $100 per-person fee at 10 of the most-visited parks unless they hold an America the Beautiful pass.
| Visitor Type | Entrance Fee | Pass Price |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident | Free on 8 holidays | – |
| International | $100 per person at 10 parks | $250 (pass) |
| U.S. Resident | – | $80 (pass) |
The change comes after 331.8 million visits last year, of which 14.6 million were international tourists.
Key Takeaways
- The National Park Service expands free admission to eight holidays for U.S. residents.
- International visitors face a $100 fee at 10 parks unless they purchase a $250 pass.
- U.S. residents can buy an $80 pass for nationwide access.
These adjustments reflect a shift in the National Park Service’s revenue strategy and could influence travel plans for millions of visitors.
