America’s iconic landscapes—from the majestic Grand Canyon to the geothermal marvels of Yellowstone—have long been a magnet for tourists from every corner of the globe. These vast and varied national parks are not only among the country’s most treasured resources, but also represent a symbol of freedom, beauty, and exploration for millions. But with a recent decision coming from the White House, major changes may be on the horizon for international visitors hoping to take in the sights.
The move, announced by the president during a high-profile rally, has already sparked debate among conservationists, tourism industry leaders, and travelers alike. At the heart of the issue lies one key question: what does it mean to put “America First” when it comes to access to public lands?
The Order That Could Reshape Access to America’s Natural Treasures
President Donald Trump, in a signature move aligning with his “America First” agenda, signed a new executive order that aims to shift the financial burden of maintaining U.S. national parks more heavily onto the shoulders of foreign visitors. The directive, announced on July 4th during a campaign-style rally in Iowa, gives clear instruction to the Department of the Interior: raise fees for non-U.S. residents entering national parks and prioritize U.S. citizens in recreational access.
The order tasks Interior Secretary Doug Burgum with developing a strategy to implement these changes. While details regarding the fee structure remain under development, one thing is clear: international tourists planning to visit any of the 63 national parks that charge entrance fees may soon face higher costs.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Trump framed the move as a patriotic step toward preserving the nation’s natural heritage for its own citizens.
“To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans. The national parks will be about America first,” Trump said.
Prioritizing Americans Over Global Visitors
Beyond increasing entrance fees, the executive order includes another, arguably more controversial directive: U.S. residents are to be given “preferential treatment” when it comes to all recreational access rules. This includes permit lotteries—systems in place at some parks for high-demand activities like river rafting in the Grand Canyon, hiking the Havasu Falls trail, or camping at Yosemite’s most coveted sites.
Such lotteries and permitting systems are already competitive, often requiring applicants to enter months or even a year in advance. Giving American citizens an edge in these processes may make it more difficult for foreign visitors to secure access to some of the country’s most sought-after natural experiences.
Critics argue this could harm the spirit of national parks, which were originally conceived as “America’s best idea” not only for Americans but for the world to admire and appreciate.
A Blow to Inclusivity?
In addition to the tangible policy shifts, Trump’s order also included the revocation of a memorandum signed by President Barack Obama in the final months of his presidency. That Obama-era directive had focused on increasing diversity and inclusivity in national parks—both in terms of visitors and within park staff.
The now-revoked memorandum encouraged outreach to underrepresented communities and emphasized making parks accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Critics of Trump’s executive order see the revocation as a symbolic rollback of that vision, potentially replacing it with a more exclusive one.
“This isn’t just about raising fees,” said Maria Fernandez, a senior analyst at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). “It’s about sending a message—one that shifts the purpose of national parks from being a global treasure to a national commodity.”
The Dollars and Cents of the Order
While the order emphasizes an “America First” approach, it doesn’t ignore the financial implications. According to the Department of the Interior’s own estimates, the surcharge for foreign visitors could generate over $90 million annually. This projection was included in the department’s 2026 fiscal year budget proposal released in May, even before the executive order was officially signed.
The additional revenue would presumably go toward addressing the National Park Service’s growing maintenance backlog—currently estimated at more than $22 billion. Roads, restrooms, visitor centers, and trails across the system are in dire need of repair and modernization, and advocates have long argued that underfunding has pushed the parks to a breaking point.
But whether targeting international visitors is the right strategy for fixing these financial gaps is still up for debate.
Industry Reaction: A Mixed Response
Tourism industry leaders, particularly those who specialize in guiding foreign visitors through U.S. national parks, have expressed concern that the order could deter travel and create unnecessary complications.
James Liu, CEO of WanderUSA Tours, which organizes cross-country road trips for European and Asian tourists, said the change could lead to cancellations and lower demand.
“The dream of experiencing America’s natural wonders is a huge part of the appeal of coming to the U.S.,” Liu noted. “Raising fees and limiting access for foreign travelers risks damaging an entire sector of our tourism economy.”
According to the U.S. Travel Association, international visitors spent nearly $155 billion in the U.S. in 2023, a significant portion of which went toward nature-based tourism. The ripple effects of restricting or making national park visits more expensive could be felt in hotels, restaurants, tour operations, and gear rental businesses near these locations.
At the same time, some domestic advocacy groups have expressed support for the measure. Organizations that promote American outdoor recreation for U.S. citizens argue that giving priority access to Americans is long overdue.
“There’s a limited amount of space and permits in these parks,” said Trevor Nash of the United States Outdoor Access Foundation. “If there’s going to be a lottery system, then yes—Americans should be at the front of the line for American parks.”
Encouraging Tourism—While Discouraging Tourists?
In what many have called a conflicting message, the executive order also contains language encouraging international tourism to U.S. national parks. It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promote outdoor recreation and tourism from abroad, even as it imposes new hurdles to that very experience.
“It’s a bit of a paradox,” said Anna Patel, a policy researcher with the World Heritage Nature Alliance. “On one hand, you’re telling the world, ‘Come see our beautiful parks,’ but on the other, you’re making it harder and more expensive to do that.”
Supporters of the order argue that even with higher prices, the experience is still worth it, and that increased funding will ensure those parks are well-maintained and better staffed. Critics argue that the dual message only adds confusion and undermines genuine international engagement.
Staffing Concerns Amid Ongoing Cuts
The timing of the order is also drawing attention. Since Trump first took office, his administration has made notable cuts to the National Park Service. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the agency has lost about 24 percent of its permanent staff since 2017.
Park rangers, interpretive guides, and maintenance workers have all felt the impact of hiring freezes and reduced budgets. This new order, while promising an influx of funds from foreign visitors, does not reverse the previous staffing reductions or promise specific reinvestment in staff recruitment or salaries.
“It feels like a band-aid,” said Fernandez of the NPCA. “You can’t just increase fees and expect the visitor experience to improve without also reinvesting in the people who make the parks run.”
What It Means for the Future of the Park System
Although the full effects of the order will take months or even years to unfold, its implications are already being debated across policy circles, media, and within the outdoor community.
For now, park fees remain unchanged for foreign visitors, but implementation is expected to begin once the Interior Department finalizes its strategy. Until then, travelers are left wondering just how much more expensive their dream vacation may become—and whether the experience will be as welcoming as they hoped.
Advocates for equity and open access are urging the administration to reconsider, suggesting a tiered pricing model instead of a blanket surcharge based on nationality. Others suggest that investing in corporate partnerships or philanthropic funding might yield more sustainable revenue than burdening international guests.
Final Thoughts: Preserving the Spirit of the Parks
At their core, national parks are meant to represent the best of what a country has to offer—not just in scenery, but in spirit. As Yellowstone celebrates its 153rd year and new parks are proposed in areas across the Southwest, the ongoing debate over access, equity, and funding is more relevant than ever.
Whether Trump’s executive order leads to meaningful improvements or unexpected fallout remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the future of America’s national parks—who gets to enjoy them, and at what cost—is being reshaped.
And as with all things in politics, the outcome will be decided not just by leaders, but by those who choose to raise their voices, book their tickets, and take the next road trip into the heart of America.
