The National Park Service (NPS) has announced fee changes for international (non–U.S. resident) visitors at 11 of the most visited NPS parks in the United States, including Grand Canyon National Park. These changes will take effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The information below reflects current, verified details for visitor reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Needs to Pay the Non-U.S. Resident Fee?
- Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are subject to a $100 non-resident fee. Children 15 and under are exempt from both the $100 non-resident fee and the standard Grand Canyon entrance fee, depending on the mode of transportation. (All other NPS sites in Arizona are not subject to this non-resident fee.)
- The fee applies to:
- Non–U.S. residents entering the park on commercial road-based tours (CUA), and
- Non–U.S. residents entering the Grand Canyon individually/by car without an America the Beautiful Non–U.S. Resident Annual Pass.
- The fee applies to:
- Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are subject to a $100 non-resident fee. Children 15 and under are exempt from both the $100 non-resident fee and the standard Grand Canyon entrance fee, depending on the mode of transportation. (All other NPS sites in Arizona are not subject to this non-resident fee.)
- I’m visiting the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) via a Commercial Tour or Motorcoach, will this fee apply to me?
- Yes. The $100 non-resident fee applies to every non–U.S. resident visitor aged 16 and older on commercial road-based tours, in addition to the standard commercial tour vehicle fee.
- Bookings Already Made: The fee is based on the date of entry, not the booking date. Tours entering the park on or after January 1, 2026, will be subject to the non-resident fee, even if booked earlier.
- Verification: Tour operators are expected to verify residency prior to a guest’s arrival.
- How will U.S. resident and non-US resident status be verified?
- U.S. resident status will be verified by checking an ID (e.g. driver’s license).
- Foreign visitors will state their age; there is no need for visitors to carry passports or birth certificates for age or residency verification.
- What is the America the Beautiful Pass for non-US residents and how does it work?
- The America the Beautiful Non–U.S. Resident Annual Pass covers all entrance and non-resident fees for:
- The pass holder, and up to three additional individuals aged 16 and older.
- Non–U.S. residents who hold this pass will not be charged the individual non-resident fee when entering participating parks, whether visiting independently or as part of a commercial group.
- Passes may be purchased through the NPS website or in person at Grand Canyon National Park.
- The America the Beautiful Non–U.S. Resident Annual Pass covers all entrance and non-resident fees for:
- Where can visitors buy or upgrade passes?
- WIthin the park, park passes can be purchased or upgraded at the South Entrance Station, Desert View/East Entrance Station, and at Mather Campground.
- Mather Campground is staffed 8:00am - 12:30pm, and 1:30pm - 5:00pm
- The Grand Canyon Visitor Center near Mather Point DOES NOT sell passes or manage park fees.
- More information on park fees and passes, including purchase locations outside the park can be found here.
- WIthin the park, park passes can be purchased or upgraded at the South Entrance Station, Desert View/East Entrance Station, and at Mather Campground.
*America the Beautiful passes purchased in 2025 are not affected by the fee change and will remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Helpful Links:
Entrance Pass Information - National Park Service
Nonresident Fee FAQs - National Park Service
Commercial Tours & Non-resident Fees FAQs - National Park Service