Trump’s Executive Order Raises National Park Entry Fees for International Visitors

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 3, 2025, mandating increased entry fees for international visitors to U.S. national parks. The order, aimed at generating additional revenue for infrastructure improvements, also seeks to make park access more affordable for U.S. residents. However, the directive has drawn criticism for simultaneously revoking an Obama-era memorandum promoting diversity and inclusion in federal recreational areas.

Fee Increases Target International Visitors

The executive order directs the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, to implement new pricing structures for national park entry fees and recreation passes specifically targeting non-U.S. residents. According to the order, these adjustments are designed to ensure that international tourists contribute more significantly to the preservation and enhancement of America’s national parks.

Currently, many parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, do not charge an entry fee due to historical agreements and federal laws. However, the new order could lead to increased costs for parking or specific recreational passes. The America the Beautiful Pass, which provides access to all national parks and federal recreational lands, may also see price hikes for non-U.S. residents. As reported by Knox News, this pass currently costs $80 annually but is available for free to certain groups, including U.S. military personnel, veterans, and individuals with permanent disabilities.

In Washington state, parks such as Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park already have varying entry fees ranging from $15 to $30 for standard passes. Additional revenue generated from these increases will be reinvested into improving park infrastructure and visitor experiences, according to the order. However, details about the exact timeline and scale of the fee adjustments remain unclear.

Revocation of Diversity and Inclusion Memorandum

In addition to the fee changes, Trump’s executive order rescinds a 2017 Obama-era memorandum titled “Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters.” This memorandum had focused on broadening the federal workforce and improving access to parks for underserved populations. Critics argue that the revocation signals a step back in efforts to ensure equitable access to America’s natural treasures.

“From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories,” Trump stated in the order. He emphasized the importance of preserving these opportunities for future generations while ensuring that international visitors share the financial burden of maintaining these sites.

Impact on National Parks and Tourism

The executive order is expected to impact millions of international visitors annually. According to the nonprofit U.S. Travel Association, over 13 million overseas travelers visited U.S. national parks in 2016, with that number projected to grow in subsequent years. The fee hikes may discourage some international tourists, potentially affecting local economies that rely on tourism revenue.

As noted by Kitsap Sun, several parks in Washington state, including North Cascades National Park and San Juan Island National Historic Park, do not currently charge entry fees. However, the new policy could pave the way for additional charges in the future, depending on how the order is implemented. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has stated that the changes aim to make national parks more accessible for U.S. residents while ensuring global visitors contribute to their upkeep.

Free Admission Days and Future Outlook

Despite the fee increases, the National Park Service continues to offer several free admission days each year. In 2025, these include dates such as August 4 (Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). These initiatives aim to maintain accessibility for all visitors, regardless of financial constraints.

While the fee adjustments are intended to bolster infrastructure and improve visitor experiences, the revocation of the diversity memorandum raises concerns about inclusivity and equitable access. As the National Park Service evaluates how to implement the new directives, the long-term impact on both domestic and international visitors remains to be seen.

America’s national parks are cherished landmarks, and the changes introduced by this executive order highlight the ongoing debate over balancing preservation, accessibility, and inclusivity in managing these natural treasures.