What this means for you
Non-Resident Annual Pass: A new 'America the Beautiful - Non-Resident Annual Pass' is available to purchase for $250 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. It waives the $100 per-visit fee at participating parks and covers the passholder plus up to three additional adults (16+). The pass in non-refundable, non-transferable, and requires a valid photo ID.
- You are responsible for having a valid park entry option for tours that enter U.S. National Parks or Monuments.
- Park officials will require proof of U.S. Citizenship or residency at entry, including a U.S. passport, U.S. state-issued driver's license or ID, or Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card") to waive the non-resident entrance fee. Fees are assessed and collected directly by NPS. Fees are not included in the tour price and cannot be controlled or waived by tour operators.
- You can satisfy the entry requirements by either:
- Buying an eligible pass in advance (online), or
- Paying the required fees at the park entrance (when available)
- Paying at the entrance may add time at the gate and can affect the day's schedule. We strongly recommend arranging your entry option before the day in the park to keep the tour on time.
How to Purchase the America the Beautiful - Non-Resident Annual Pass:
In Person:
- Available at 1,000+ federal recreation sites
- Immediate pickup https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm
Online - Physical Pass by Mail:
- Delivery may take up to three weeks
- A physical pass is required; receipts are not accepted https://store.usgs.gov/2026-non-resident-annual-pass
Connectivity Reminder: Cell service is limited or unavailable in many national parks. Passengers utilizing the Digital Pass should ensure the pass is accessible offline by:
- Saving it in the Recreation.gov app
- Adding it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
- Printing a backup copy
- Carrying the physical pass if purchased
America the Beautiful
Non-Resident passes purchased before January 1, 2026, remain valid for 12 months from the original purchase date and will be honored under their original terms.
Important Note: To ensure a smooth experience for all travelers, please note that standard park entrance fees are non-refundable, as they are prepaid for the entire group. This remains the case even if you hold a personal park pass.
Helpful Official Resources
- National Park Service (NPS) entrance fees and passes vary by park. Please review official NPS guidance before travel. (National Park Service)
- NPS non-resident fee FAQ and participating parks list (2026). (National Park Service)
- Pass purchase options (including digital/online options where available) (Recreation.gov)
FAQ
Do I need to pay National Park entrance fees?
Many national parks require entrance fees or an eligible pass. Fees vary by park. (National Park Service) SWAT will pay the standard National Park entrance fees.
I’m not a U.S. resident. Is there an additional fee?
Beginning in 2026, certain parks charge an additional nonresident fee for non-U.S. residents age 16+. (National Park Service)
What exactly do “entrance fees” and “nonresident fees” mean?
Entrance fees are the standard park entry fees. Beginning in 2026, some parks also charge a nonresident fee for non-U.S. residents age 16+ (in addition to entrance fees) unless you have the appropriate pass.
Can SWAT collect or pay these nonresident fees for me?
SWAT does not set these fees and cannot collect or process them in advance. You are responsible for meeting park entry requirements by purchasing either the America the Beautiful pass or paying at the entrance.
What if I plan to pay at the entrance station?
That’s allowed when the park offers gate payment, but it can slow entry and may affect the day’s schedule. We strongly recommend arranging your entry option before the tour day.
Where can I check official requirements?
See the official NPS entrance fee and pass resources. (National Park Service)
Which parks on my tour are affected by the 2026 nonresident fee?
The nonresident fee applies only at certain parks (not all parks). The list can change, so please check the official NPS guidance before travel. The list as of this posting:
-
Acadia
-
Bryce Canyon
-
Everglades
-
Glacier
-
Grand Canyon
-
Grand Teton
-
Rocky Mountain
-
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
-
Yellowstone
-
Yosemite
-
Zion
What pass should I buy if I’m a non-U.S. resident?
If you plan to visit multiple parks, the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass may be the simplest option, and it saves you money if you are visiting more than one park. It’s available for purchase through official channels.
Can I buy a pass online or on my phone?
Yes. Digital America the Beautiful pass options are available through Recreation.gov (availability and acceptance can vary by location). Be aware that cell signal isn’t always available at these parks, so it is prudent to purchase the pass when you have signal before your departure.
What if I plan to pay at the gate instead of buying a pass?
That’s usually possible when the park offers entrance-station payment, but it can slow entry and affect the day’s schedule. We strongly recommend arranging your entry option in advance. (Also: some parks are moving toward cashless collection, so plan to pay by card/mobile where applicable.)
Do children need to pay the nonresident fee?
For our international friends, the required fees apply only to visitors aged 16+.
Are these fees refundable if I cancel my tour?
No. National Park fees/passes are governed by the issuing agency and your purchase channel, not SWAT. If you purchase a pass directly, your refund eligibility is determined by that seller’s terms.
Where are the official links to check fees and buy passes?
-
NPS nonresident fee info:https://home.nps.gov/aboutus/nonresident-fees.htm
Pass options and digital passes: https://www.recreation.gov/pass