That Grand CanyonYellowstone or Yosemite National Parks – foreign tourists will have to pay more to visit major parks in the US next year. This was announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Parks Administration. From January onwards, when visiting the eleven most popular national parks, there will be an additional fee of 100 US dollars (currently 86 euros) per person on top of the normal entrance fee.
Annual passes may be a cheaper alternative for many people
As an Interior Ministry spokesperson explained, the surcharge does not apply to children; it only applies from the age of 16. Normal entry fees for national parks average around 35 dollars per car. Alternatively, foreign visitors can purchase an annual pass for $250. This applies to all passengers in the car, he explained. But if you travel by bus or on foot, you will definitely have to pay $100.
This will implement US President Donald Trump’s decision from last July, he said. At the time, he linked the announcement to his slogan “America First,” which states that the United States and America must always come first.
For US citizens and US permanent residents, an annual National Park pass costs just $80 starting in January. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the new regulations ensure affordable access for U.S. taxpayers and allow international visitors to help preserve and improve the park for future generations.
These parks are impacted by the additional costs
Many of the national parks most popular with tourists are affected: Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Zion National Park.
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