The National Park Service has announced several updates to entrance passes and fees beginning January 1, 2026. These updates include changes to pass design, nonresident fee structures, and eligibility guidelines.
The current America the Beautiful Annual Pass remains valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, including full validity throughout 2026 if purchased now. You can view the current pass here: America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
1. Updated America the Beautiful Pass Design & Annual Pass Options
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass remains available to everyone for $80 and provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for 12 months from the month of purchase.
2. New Pass and Fee Structure for Non-U.S. Residents
Beginning in 2026, non-U.S. residents will have two options when entering parks:
Nonresident America the Beautiful Pass
- Price: $250
- Available to everyone — including U.S. residents
- Covers entrance fees at federal recreation sites for 12 months
- Otherwise provides the same access features and benefits as the resident pass (covers pass holder and passengers in a private vehicle; covers pass holder + 3 adults at per-person fee sites; valid for two motorcycles entering together).
Nonresident Fees at Select Parks
If a nonresident does not purchase the $250 nonresident pass, a nonresident fee will apply at the following high-traffic parks:
- $100 per person (age 16+), in addition to the standard entrance fee ($30–$35)
This fee applies at:
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
3. Free Entrance Day Eligibility Changes
Beginning in 2026, entrance fee–free days will apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Non-U.S. residents must pay standard entrance fees and nonresident fees on these dates.
2026 Free Entrance Days:
- February 16 — Presidents Day
- May 25 — Memorial Day
- June 14 — Flag Day
- July 3–5 — Independence Day Weekend
- August 25 — 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17 — Constitution Day
- October 27 — Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
- November 11 — Veterans Day
4. Motorcycle Coverage Update
Beginning in 2026, all America the Beautiful passes will cover entrance for up to two motorcycles at participating federal recreation sites.
5. Senior, Military, Access, 4th Grade & Volunteer Passes
Eligibility and pricing for these passes remain unchanged. Details on these programs can be found here: Special Pass Information.
- Senior Annual Pass – $20
- Senior Lifetime Pass – $80
- Military Annual Pass – Free
- Military Lifetime Pass – Free
- Access Pass – Free
- 4th Grade Pass – Free
- Volunteer Pass – Free (250 service hours)
6. Obtaining a Pass
Passes can be purchased directly from US Park Pass. We ship domestically and worldwide. Typical delivery times are:
- 2–5 business days for U.S. orders after fulfillment
- 7–10 business days for international orders
- FedEx 2-Day and FedEx Overnight options are available at checkout
For international travelers: We recommend purchasing your pass at least 3 weeks before your trip to ensure on-time arrival.
You can order the current America the Beautiful Annual Pass here: Purchase the Annual Pass .
Beginning in January 2026, customers will also be able to redeem a digital version of their pass. US Park Pass will email instructions as soon as the digital redemption system is available.
Information About the Current Annual Pass
The current America the Beautiful Annual Pass is priced at $80 and remains valid for a full 12-month period from the month of purchase. Passes purchased now will remain valid throughout 2026.
Summary of 2026 Updates
For Non-U.S. Residents
- $250 nonresident Annual Pass (open to everyone, including U.S. residents)
- $100 nonresident fee + standard entrance fee at 12 parks if not using the pass
- Free entrance days do not apply
For U.S. Residents
- No change to Annual Pass pricing
- Free entrance days continue to apply
- All existing specialty passes remain unchanged
These updates reflect changes to National Park Service entrance fee structures and pass eligibility effective January 1, 2026.
