Secretary Burgum Implements Tiered National Park Fees for International Visitors
PATRIOT Parks Act·December 9, 2025 – April 26, 2026
15 hours ago
Secretary Burgum Implements Tiered National Park Fees for International Visitors
Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced a new tiered fee structure for National Parks to fund conservation efforts. Under this plan, international tourists will pay $250 for an annual pass while the price for United States residents will remain at $80. Secretary Burgum described the move as a conservation win, though some critics have labeled the higher costs for foreign visitors as discriminatory. This administrative action follows legislative proposals in Congress aimed at addressing infrastructure repairs and staffing shortages. Senator Banks introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act to allow for higher entrance fees for international tourists. A similar measure, the PATRIOT Parks Act in the House, sought to apply surcharges to visitors on temporary visas to improve park services.
S. 2308National Parks: Extra Fees for International TouristsH.R. 4604National Park Fees: Extra Charges for International Tourists'Discriminatory' National Park fee plan slammed by Democrats turns into conservation win, Burgum says
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These are companion bills introduced in the House and Senate to establish a permanent law for tiered entrance fees. Both versions are currently waiting for a vote in their respective committees.
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'Discriminatory' National Park fee plan slammed by Democrats turns into conservation win, Burgum says
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