What International Visitors Need to Know About the New $100 National Park Tour Fee

Last updated: May 12, 2026

If you’re planning a trip to one of America’s iconic national parks from abroad, there’s an important update we want to walk you through. As of January 1, 2026, a new federal surcharge of $100 per person applies to non-U.S. residents on guided tours operating inside the national parks listed below.

We know the last thing anyone wants when planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip is a surprise on the invoice, so we’ve put together this quick guide to help you understand what the fee covers, which parks it applies to, and how we’re working to make sure your experience is still worth every cent.

The Short Version

• Who pays: Visitors who are not residents of the United States.
• How much: $100 per person, per tour.
• When it started: January 1, 2026.
• Where the money goes: The fee is collected on behalf of the federal government and is separate from your tour cost.
• U.S. residents: Not affected. Pricing for U.S.-based guests remains the same.

The fee is NOT automatically added a checkout when a non-U.S. address is selected, the tour operator will check requirements and contact you if they suspect this fee will apply.

Why We’re Telling You Up Front

Transparency matters. We’d rather you see this line item now, on a calm afternoon while you’re planning, than be caught off guard at the booking page. Our team has also re-checked every itinerary on our site to make sure the value still stacks up: expert local guides, small group sizes, transportation where applicable, and access to the parts of these parks most visitors never get to see.

Parks Where the $100 Non-Resident Fee Applies

The fee currently applies to guided tours we operate in the following national parks:

• Acadia National Park (Maine)
  Rugged Atlantic coastline, granite peaks, and the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October through March. A favorite for visitors combining a New England trip with the great outdoors.
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
  Home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos — those otherworldly orange spires you’ve probably seen on postcards. Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater is the moment most guests say sold them on the trip.
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
  A vast subtropical wetland and one of the most biologically diverse places in North America. Our tours focus on the wildlife and ecology that make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
  Often called the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier offers alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Best paired with a few unhurried days.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
  The big one. Our guided tours go beyond the South Rim viewpoints to share the geology, history, and quieter corners that most day-trippers miss.
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
  Dramatic jagged peaks rising straight off the valley floor, mirror-still lakes, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the Lower 48. Pairs naturally with a Yellowstone visit.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
  Over 300 miles of trails, alpine tundra, and a chance to drive Trail Ridge Road — one of the highest paved roads in North America. A solid choice for first-time mountain hikers.
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
  Stand at the base of the General Sherman tree — the largest living thing on Earth by volume — and walk among groves that have been here for thousands of years.
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
  Geysers, hot springs, bison herds, and the most concentrated geothermal activity on the planet. America’s first national park, and still one of its most surreal.
• Yosemite National Park (California)
  Granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and meadows that feel pulled straight out of an Ansel Adams photograph. Best in late spring when the falls are at full force.
• Zion National Park (Utah)
  Towering red-rock canyons carved by the Virgin River. Our guided experiences include the lesser-known viewpoints alongside the classic hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the $100 charged per tour or per trip?

Per person, per tour. If you book multiple tours across different parks during your visit, the fee will apply to each booking.

Are children charged the same fee?

The federal fee currently applies to all non-resident guests over the age of 16. If guidance changes, we’ll update this page.

Does this affect park entrance fees?

No. This is a separate fee that applies to our guided tour experiences. National Park Service entrance fees are unaffected and are handled directly with the park.

Can I get a refund of the fee if I cancel?

If your booking is canceled within our standard cancellation window, the fee is refunded along with the rest of your tour cost. See our cancellation policy for full details.

How do I prove I’m a U.S. resident?

Booking with a verifiable U.S. address is sufficient for most reservations. In rare cases, our team may follow up to confirm residency. The ranger at the check-in at the park may ask for identification.

Planning Your Visit

Even with the new fee, a guided tour remains the most efficient way to see these parks — especially if you’re traveling from overseas and don’t want to spend your vacation researching shuttle schedules, permit lotteries, and trailhead parking. We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the part you came for.

Have questions about a specific itinerary, or want help building a multi-park trip? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to walk you through your options and make sure your trip starts on the right foot.