Visit USA (UK) is urging the industry to sign a petition against newly announced fees that it says will put British tourists off visiting popular US National Parks.
The US Department of the Interior announced two weeks ago that new fees of $100 per international visitor per park would be introduced from 1 January 2026. The fee will apply to visitors aged 16 and over at 11 of the most popular US parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Everglades and Bryce Canyon.
The others are Acadia National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park.
The £100 fee is in addition to the standard private vehicle, motorcycle or per person entrance pass charge for each park.
At the same time, the cost of an America the Beautiful annual pass for non-residents will rise from $80 to $250.
Visit USA (UK) CEO Kate Kenward said: “This news has hit our membership hard, as the National Parks, and especially these eleven, are a major driver for holiday bookings, representing a bucket list USA experience.
“Our membership is concerned that UK consumers may change their holiday plans for 2026 and beyond, which could impact our UK visitor numbers to the USA.
“Over 4 million Brits visited the USA in 2024, and this number is holding steady for 2025 as we reach the end of the year.
“Next year, with the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th commemorations and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, we are hoping for a record-breaking year, but this latest news has the potential to affect booking plans and visitor numbers.
“We are asking the travel industry to join together to show their concern and to request that the US Department of the Interior reconsider its plan and to investigate alternative methods to ensure the financial sustainability of the National Parks.”
The petition says: “We are dismayed by the recent decision of the Department of the Interior to impose a new surcharge on international and non-resident travellers visiting its national parks.
“This increase in fees, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, could significantly deter international visitors who seek to experience the natural beauty of the USA.
“This fee contradicts the very ethos of national parks – spaces meant to be enjoyed by all, regardless of borders.
“According to the National Park Service, in 2022, international visitors contributed over $7 billion to the US economy, supporting thousands of jobs.”
Sign the petition here.
