Since January, non-U.S. residents have had to pay an additional fee to visit national parks and to obtain an annual public lands pass, which is more than triple what residents pay. The Trump administration framed the policy as a way to boost revenue for the parks, but opponents have objected on the grounds of unfairness and possible impacts to local economies dependent on tourism.
Now, a small tourism business is fighting back. On Monday, Across Arizona Tours filed a complaint against the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Agriculture (DOA), and the National Park Service (NPS), alleging that the tiered fee system is illegal.
The Policy
At the directive of the Trump administration, the DOI announced a change in fees in November 2025. Non-U.S. residents would pay $250 for an America the Beautiful Pass, the annual pass that provides entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. It costs $80 for residents.
Additionally, international visitors would pay $100 per person (on top of the normal $35 vehicle entrance fee) at 11 popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier. In January, the new fees kicked in, and the Trump Administration estimated in September that they had brought in $22.5 million.
The Lawsuit
What Damages Does the Company Claim?
Across Arizona Tours offers van-based tours to sites like Grand Canyon National Park and Horseshoe Bend. In a complaint filed on Monday, the company claimed that fee increases for international visitors have significantly reduced its business.
“Given the potential for hundreds of dollars of additional fees for a family visiting, many potential customers have chosen to forgo visiting the Grand Canyon entirely … Co-owner Carole Stapleton has spoken to 80 to 90 potential nonresident customers who decided not to reserve a tour with the company, most of whom indicated that their decision was related to the increased fees,” the lawsuit read.
If a non-resident couple wanted to take one of the company’s Grand Canyon tours, they would have to pay the tour cost ($226 per person) plus an additional $200 in entrance fees.
The company used to regularly provide tours to international students attending nearby Arizona State University, but “has stopped providing the tours altogether due to the new residency requirements.” The company also claimed that the NPS expects tour operators to verify their customers’ residency status, which has caused delays and administrative burdens.
What Is the Legal Argument?
The law at the heart of this case is the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which allows agencies like the NPS and U.S. Forest Service that fall under the DOI and DOA to set fees for visitors to federal lands and waters.
The company’s representation, the Pacific Legal Foundation, claims that the FLREA allows these departments to establish a fee, but not a tiered fee structure. The lawsuit claims that the DOI exceeded its authority.
While Congress did make residency a requirement for those looking to receive discounted passes on the basis of age, disability, and veteran status, the “FLREA does not otherwise mention residency requirements.” Essentially, under the FLREA, the lawsuit argues that the DOI and DOA can’t change fees based on a person’s residency status.
The named defendants in the lawsuit, which include DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, DOA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron, have 60 days to respond.
The Context
The extra fees for international visitors has sparked controversy. Many outdoor access and conservation groups, including the National Parks Conservation Association, have criticized the policy as disorganized and poorly implemented, and unfair. “The NPCA believes fees should never become a barrier that keeps people from experiencing America’s most iconic places,” a press release stated.
Another critique argues that the money from the extra fees won’t be enough to cover budget shortfalls to the NPS, which has a deferred maintenance backlog of $24 billion. Instead of charging non-residents more, these groups argue that the government should adequately fund the agency.
Data shows that foreign visitors are increasingly eschewing the U.S. The number of visitors from Canada, the single largest source of foreign tourists, is down 27% from 2024. Of course, the increased visitor fees are one of many possible reasons for that drop, including simmering political tensions between the two countries over tariffs and trade.
Visitor numbers to Grand Canyon National Park have dropped 8% compared to this time last year. The park is still reeling from the effects of its largest-ever wildfire, 2025’s Dragon Bravo Fire, and recent deadly flash floods caused severe damage to park infrastructure.
The Pacific Legal Foundation sees the case as a referendum on the authority of agencies like the DOI and DOA and a watershed moment for the tourism industry. “A win for Across Arizona Tours would confirm that the agencies can’t impose fees Congress never approved and ensure that the businesses, jobs, and tourism built around America’s national parks won’t be collateral damage in the process,” it said.
GearJunkie reached out to the DOI for comment via email. “Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, U.S. residents, who already fund the National Park System through federal taxes, are continuing to enjoy affordable pricing, while foreign tourists are paying higher entrance fees to help maintain our parks and improve visitor experiences. This administration will continue to put American families first — making parks more accessible, more affordable, and more efficient for future generations,” a spokesperson responded.
