National Parks update: Changes for non-U.S. residents
Jonathan Changus, Director of External Affairs
Jan. 9, 2026
With the new year comes a change in how non-U.S. residents access 11 of the most popular national parks, including three California icons – Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
As of Jan. 1, 2026, entrance to these parks costs $100 per nonresident (ages 16+), in addition to the standard $35 private vehicle fee. The $100 entrance fee, however, does not apply to California’s seven other national parks.
The fee applies to park visitors whether they are part of a tour group, or traveling independently.
The new America the Beautiful Nonresident Annual Pass is available for $250 at recreation.gov, and includes access to all 63 parks across the nation. This pass is a game-changer for international visitors:
- Immediate savings: A family of four (with one child over 16) visiting Yosemite would normally pay $335 for a single visit. The $250 pass saves them $85 on day one.
- Multi-park access: The pass covers entrance and vehicle fees at all U.S. National Parks for a full year.
- Best for: Any group of three or more adults, or any single traveler visiting more than two major parks.
For a deeper dive into the entrance fee changes, refer to Visit California’s FAQ.
