While many U.S. national parks face overcrowding, entrance fees and timed reservations, visitors once had six free admission days each year. Those included Martin Luther King Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Beginning January 1, Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth have been removed from the free admission calendar. Foreign tourists will also face significantly higher fees, with $100 charges at major parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier.

Annual passes for foreign visitors will cost $170 more than for U.S. residents, raising concerns about reciprocity as other countries consider similar pricing for American tourists.