In The News
National parks announce ‘America-first’ fee surges for international tourists
By Yahya Salem – CNN
Nov 26, 2025
“…as of January 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost non-US residents $250 to obtain, more than triple the standard $80 which US residents will continue to pay.”
“Foreign tourists who don’t purchase the pass will pay a $100-per-person fee, in addition to the standard entrance fee, to enter 11 of the most visited national parks…”
“This announced price hike comes amid a decline in international tourism to the US, fueled by changes to tariff policies and crackdowns on immigration.”
The Interior Department’s statement also highlighted “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” for next year which includes Memorial Day, Fourth of July Independence Day weekend and June 14, “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
“resident-only patriotic fee-free days”
Good news folks-
We are rationing out free access to federal lands you paid for the same as the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan.
Will big cash/aid to foreign governments for war related projects continue to flow?
People who visit from distant lands probably don’t want or need the annual pass. Ditto for some who live here too. The day pass will be good enough.
The article fails to mention that people who want the day pass will now be required to show papers to establish citizenship?
Some of us may want to travel about inside the USA as anonymous persons.
The Oak Bay Starfish Take
American popular & political culture insists on dividing people up into groups- then assigning a separate value to different groups.
Step over here and show us your papers before entering the park.
How many passengers are in the vehicle? All US citizens? Please pull over into the inspection lane for a brief interview and REAL ID check.
Trade, Travel and Friendship
Some might say trade, travel and friendship (as much as possible) are good for the economy. This approach may help to avoid misunderstandings and wars.
Welcoming Visitors – USA Style – 2026
Friends and family or an exchange student visiting from Canada, Japan or Europe?
You’d like to have a good visit when you travel to see them. Plan to roll out the welcome mat when they visit here next summer.
A trip to a national park might be a chance to leave the pressures of the world behind for a few hours. Now, it will be a stop and ID event? Sort of like trying to enter a military facility?
A giant flag ritual at the next ball game will make it all good.
Possibly of interest: