Starting next year, foreigners who do not live in the U.S. will have to pay more expensive admission fees when they visit national parks in the U.S. In particular, 11 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, which are frequented by Korean tourists, will receive an additional 100 dollars in addition to the basic admission fee.
According to the New York Times and other reports on the 25th, the U.S. Department of the Interior, which governs national parks, plans to raise admission fees for overseas tourists visiting national parks in the U.S. from January 1 next year.
The Interior Department said that only U.S. citizens and permanent residents will maintain the existing $80 for annual passes that allow unlimited visits to national parks for a year, and non-residents will increase it to $250 for non-residents.
In particular, 11 national parks with the most visitors receive an additional $100 in basic admission fees if they visit without using an annual pass.
They include Arcadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teaton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. The general admission fee for the Grand Canyon is currently around $20 (about 30,000 won) on foot.
Free admission, which has been implemented on major holidays, also applies only to citizens and permanent residents. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said, “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. American taxpayers will continue to use the park at an affordable price.”
Foreign media believe that the policy is part of the Donald Trump administration’s America First policy. After coming back to power, President Trump is introducing various policies to raise tariffs and restrict foreigners’ employment and study abroad.
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
