(Nexstar) – Following a record-breaking year, the National Park Service is facing a potential budget cut of over $1 billion for the upcoming year. The interior department has mentioned that new fees introduced for certain visitors could generate more than $90 million. This comes from the budget proposal for 2026.
“As a nation, I think we’re underestimating the value of international visitors,” remarked Chief Doug Burgham during a recent House Committee on Natural Resources hearing.
Currently, only 106 out of 475 sites managed by the National Park Service charge an admission fee. Some well-known parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion require $35 per vehicle. Although walking or biking guests typically face lower fees—around $20 at these parks—an annual pass, which isn’t available at all fee-charging parks, costs $70. Additionally, some parks mandate reservations for access to specific areas.
Interestingly, international visitors currently pay lower fees than U.S. residents when visiting national parks.
During the hearing, Burgham pointed out that in other countries, visitors often pay more than locals. For instance, in the Galapagos Islands, non-Ecuadorian adults are charged $200 for admission to Galapagos National Park, while locals only pay $30.
Countries worldwide also often allow citizens discounts at popular attractions. For example, residents of the European Union can access various museums for free, and entry to the Taj Mahal costs tourists significantly more than local citizens.
Charging non-residents more isn’t just a foreign practice—it’s happening in the U.S. as well. For instance, Hawaii is introducing a “Green Fee” to help fund environmental initiatives, while Chicago’s outdoor museum gives discounts to residents. Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Disney parks offer deals for locals.
“It might be possible to generate $1 billion without deterring visitors,” Burgham suggested. He didn’t elaborate on how those extra funds could be collected. An analysis indicated that if the same number of international visitors—around 14.6 million—returns to U.S. national parks in 2026, a fee increase of about $6 per person could meet budget goals.
The Department of the Interior has yet to respond to inquiries about the proposed additional fees.
The budget proposal indicates a significant reduction from the current level, making it one of the largest cuts in the history of the National Park Service, according to the National Park Conservation Association. “This is essentially a full-on attack on America’s national parks,” stated Teresa Pierno, its president and CEO.
