New 2026 National Park Entrance Policies for International Visitors

At TrekWest, we want your journey to the Grand Canyon to be as seamless as possible. Effective January 1, 2026, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has implemented a new fee structure that affects international travelers at 11 of the most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon.

We understand that these additional costs can be a surprise when planning your dream vacation. While these fees are set by the federal government to support park infrastructure and conservation, we are here to help you navigate these changes so you can focus on the incredible views ahead.

The International Visitor Surcharge

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder), the following fees now apply at the Grand Canyon:

• Individual Surcharge: A $100 per person fee for all international visitors aged 16 and older.
• Standard Entry: This surcharge is in addition to the standard park entrance fee that is included the price of your tour .
• Exemptions: Children aged 15 and under are exempt from the $100 surcharge. U.S. permanent residents are also exempt but must provide proof of residency (such as a Green Card) at the gate.

Note for our Guests: These fees are collected by the National Park Service. If you are joining us on a tour, please be prepared to provide proof of residency if you are a U.S. citizen/resident to avoid the surcharge. If you are a foreign national you will pay your surcharge at the gate, and or alternatively present your “America the Beautiful” non resident pass.

The “America the Beautiful” Non resident Pass: Your Best Value

If you plan to visit more than one National Park during your trip to the USA, we highly recommend the America the Beautiful Pass. This is the official “Interagency Pass” that serves as your all-access ticket to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country available for purchase online.

How it Works for International Visitors:

In 2026, a specific Non-Resident Annual Pass was introduced for $250. While the upfront cost is higher than the resident version, it offers significant benefits:

• All-Inclusive Entry: It covers the standard entrance fees and the $100 international surcharges at all participating parks.
• Group Coverage: One pass typically covers the pass holder plus up to three additional adults (16+) in a single vehicle.
• Nationwide Access: Beyond the Grand Canyon, use it at iconic spots like Zion, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Bryce Canyon, as well as lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
• Validity: The pass is valid for 12 full months from the month of purchase.

By choosing the annual pass, a group of two international travelers visiting just two “surcharge” parks (like Grand Canyon and Zion) would already save money compared to paying individual daily fees. If you have this pass present on your tour, you will not be charged the surcharge in addition to the fee already included in your tour.

Helpful Tips for Your Arrival

• Digital vs. Physical: You can purchase a Digital Pass via Recreation.gov for instant use on your phone, or buy a physical card at the park entrance.
• Carry Identification: To ensure you are charged the correct rate, U.S. residents should have a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) ready to show at the gate.
• Ask Your Guide: If you have questions about which pass is right for your specific itinerary, please reach out to us! We want to make sure you get the best value out of your Southwest adventure.