On January 1, 2026, the Department of the Interior (DOI) officially launched the ‘America the Beautiful passes’ as part of an initiative to enhance public access to national parks. The new program introduces a fee structure that prioritizes U.S. residents, offering annual passes for $80, a significant reduction compared to the $250 fee for nonresidents. The policy highlights the goal of putting ‘American families first’ by making national parks more affordable and accessible, particularly for domestic visitors.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated in a press release that the changes aim to ensure U.S. taxpayers continue to enjoy the National Park System at an affordable price while international visitors contribute their fair share to fund the maintenance and improvement of these parks for future generations. The Department of the Interior also emphasized that the revenue generated from the pass sales will be invested directly back into the parks, supporting necessary upgrades, essential maintenance, and the enhancement of visitor services nationwide.
The initiative includes various special provisions, such as discounted passes for seniors, offering $20 annual passes or a lifetime pass for $80, and free passes for military members, veterans, and Americans with permanent disabilities. Additionally, all U.S. fourth-grade students can obtain a free pass during their school year through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Federal volunteers who commit 250 hours of service can also receive free passes. These measures aim to broaden access to national parks while managing costs and maintaining the quality of visitor experiences.
Nonresidents who do not obtain an annual pass will face a $100-per-person fee to enter 11 designated parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee. The 11 parks include popular destinations such as Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. Over 330 million people visited the national parks in 2024, according to the National Park Service (NPS), highlighting the significance of these areas in American tourism and recreation. The DOI noted that the nonresident surcharge represents only a small fraction of the total costs associated with international visits, including airfare, lodging, and transportation.
Pass revenue from online purchases will support the National Park System as a whole, while on-site purchases will primarily benefit specific parks. The program features elements such as photos of animals, parks, and notable historical figures like President Donald Trump and Theodore Roosevelt, the president most associated with the creation of national parks. The new fee structure also extends to two motorcycles, ensuring that all modes of transportation are covered under the pass benefits. The DOI’s spokesperson explained that these funds will help address the deferred maintenance backlog and ensure that the parks remain in good condition and operation for visitors, reinforcing the commitment to preserving these natural and historical treasures for future generations.