If you’re an international visitor planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, here’s what you need to know: starting January 1, 2026, a new $100 per-person entrance fee applies to nonresidents ages 16 and older.
We know this new fee raises questions. Who exactly has to pay? How does payment work? What if you already have the America the Beautiful annual pass?
This guide answers all of those questions and more. And if you’re looking for the easiest way to experience Yosemite from San Francisco, check out our 1-day Yosemite tour! We handle the logistics so you can focus on the waterfalls, granite cliffs, and Giant Sequoias.
What Changed at Yosemite National Park on January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Yosemite National Park introduced a new $100 per-person entrance fee for international visitors ages 16 and older.
This represents a major shift in how entrance fees work at some of America’s most popular national parks. Previously, everyone paid the same standard vehicle fee—$35 per car, regardless of how many people were inside or where they were from. That fee still exists, but now nonresidents pay an additional $100 for every person on top of it.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks implemented the same fee structure in 2026, and the National Park Service may expand this to other high-traffic parks in the future.
For international visitors, the math adds up quickly. A group of four adults from outside the US now pays $400 in per-person entrance fees alone before even considering the vehicle fee. It’s a significant increase from the flat $35 that used to cover the entire car.
The National Park Service implemented these changes to address funding needs at the most-visited parks while keeping standard entrance fees the same for US residents.
Who Pays the Yosemite Nonresident Fee
The $100 fee applies specifically to nonresidents—anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
US citizens and permanent residents: You pay only the standard $35 vehicle entrance fee (valid for 7 days). Bring a valid US ID—your driver’s license works, or your US passport.
Non-US residents ages 16 and older: You pay $100 each person. If you’re driving yourself, you’ll also pay the $35 vehicle fee.
Children under 16: Free entrance, regardless of citizenship. A family of international visitors with two adults and two young kids would pay $200 total (just for the adults).
At the entrance gates: Park rangers will check identification to determine which fee applies to you. International visitors should have their passport ready. If you’re traveling with a mixed group—some US residents, some international—each person pays based on their residency status.
One important note: If you hold dual citizenship and one of those citizenships is US, bring your US identification. You’ll pay the standard resident rate, not the $100 nonresident fee.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass: Skip the $100 Fee
If you’re visiting multiple national parks, there’s a way around paying $100 each time you enter the park: the America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
This annual entrance pass covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Park. For international travelers planning to visit more than one national park during a US trip, the math often works in your favor.
The standard America the Beautiful annual pass costs $80 and covers entrance fees for US citizens and residents. International visitors will need the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass, which costs $250.
This version specifically covers the $100 nonresident fee at parks that charge it, plus standard entrance fees at all federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee. It’s valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
The pass admits the pass holder plus three additional passengers in your vehicle. If you’re traveling as a couple or a family of four, one $250 pass covers your entire group’s entrance to Yosemite and hundreds of other sites.
When the Annual Pass Makes Financial Sense
You break even at three visits. Three entries to parks charging the $100 nonresident fee would cost you $300 per individual without the pass. One $250 pass covers up to four people at all three visits—and it works at thousands of other sites too.
Common multi-park itineraries where the pass pays for itself:
- Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon (same trip, different days)
- Yosemite plus Grand Canyon or Zion on a Southwest road trip
- Multiple California national parks including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley
Even if you’re only visiting Yosemite, the pass makes sense for groups. Two adults visiting just once would pay $200 in entrance fees without the pass. The $250 pass costs $50 more but covers up to four people and remains valid if you return within 12 months.
Where to Purchase Your Pass
Digital pass: You can purchase the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass online at Recreation.gov. Once purchased, access your pass through the Recreation.gov mobile app, download it to Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, or print a PDF version. Show it on your phone or hand over your printed copy at Yosemite’s entrance stations—it works exactly like a physical pass.
At the park: You can also purchase an annual pass directly at Yosemite’s entrance stations when you arrive. Rangers can process your purchase and issue the pass immediately, which then covers your entrance that day.
What Your Entrance Fee Gets You at Yosemite
Your entrance to Yosemite—whether you pay the standard vehicle fee, the $100 per person fee, or use an annual pass—covers seven consecutive days of access to one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
Here’s what’s included once you enter the park
Access to Yosemite Valley: The park’s iconic valley floor with views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. You can drive through the valley, park at designated spots, and walk to viewpoints and trailheads.
All hiking trails: From easy valley floor walks to strenuous climbs like the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or the cable route up Half Dome (though Half Dome requires a separate permit due to limited capacity). Your entrance fee covers access to hundreds of miles of trails throughout the park.
Free shuttle service: During peak season (typically late spring through early fall), Yosemite’s free valley shuttle system runs regularly between major stops, eliminating the need to find parking at crowded attractions. The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) also provides public bus service from surrounding gateway communities into the park.
Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road: Scenic drives to high-elevation viewpoints (seasonal—Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close in winter due to snow).
Ranger programs and visitor centers: Free ranger-led walks, talks, and evening programs. The valley visitor center, museums, and exhibits are all included.
What’s NOT included:
Your entrance fee does NOT cover overnight accommodations, campground reservations, wilderness permits for backcountry camping, or parking reservations at particularly high-traffic trailheads during peak season. Some areas may require advanced reservations during summer months, but there’s no additional entrance fee beyond what you’ve already paid.
Timed entry: Unlike some popular national parks that require timed entry reservations during peak season, Yosemite generally does not require advance reservations just to enter the park. However, specific areas like the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias may have their own reservation systems during busy periods to manage crowding.
For park visitors on a guided tour like Dylan’s Tours, logistics like parking, timing, and navigating to the best spots are already handled—your guide knows exactly when and where to go to make the most of your seven-day entrance window.
How Dylan’s Tours Handles the New Park Fees
For U.S. residents and citizens: Yosemite entry is included in your tour price. Please bring valid U.S. ID (driver’s license or passport).
For non-U.S. residents (ages 16+): A $100 National Park entry fee applies, plus a small admin fee. A payment link will be sent after booking, or you may pay the guide in cash.
If you have a Non-Resident America the Beautiful Pass: Non-U.S. residents (16+) with a Non-Resident America the Beautiful Pass do not pay the $100 fee. The $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
Your Day in Yosemite: What to Expect
When you book Dylan’s Yosemite and Giant Sequoias tour, you’re getting a full-day guided experience designed to maximize your time in Yosemite Valley while handling every logistical detail. This is what a full Yosemite day trip looks like, from early departure in San Francisco to sunset return.
Early morning departure (6:00-6:30 AM):
Your day starts with hotel pickup, or you can meet us at our shop at 782 Columbus Avenue. Your expert guide welcomes you aboard with water and snacks, then you’re off. We make a breakfast stop where you can grab coffee, pick up lunch for the park, and prepare for the day ahead while your guide shares what’s coming.
Entering Yosemite National Park (10:30 AM):
Your first stop is Tunnel View (also called Inspiration Point). This is the moment your camera works overtime—El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one sweeping vista. Your guide gives you time to take it in, snap photos, and understand what you’re looking at.
Free time in Yosemite Valley (12:30-2:00 PM):
You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore on your own. Grab lunch at the Valley Lodge food court, hike the trail to Lower Yosemite Falls, wander through Sentinel Meadow, or browse the gift shop. Your guide provides recommendations based on your interests—whether you want a quick hike, the best photo spots, or a quiet place to sit and absorb the scenery.
El Capitan and Valley View (2:00-2:45 PM):
Next, you’ll stop at El Capitan Meadow where climbers tackle the 3,000-foot granite face. Bring binoculars if you have them—you might spot climbers halfway up the wall. Then it’s on to Valley View, where the Merced River winds through the valley with granite peaks towering above.
Giant Sequoias hike (2:45-4:30 PM):
The highlight for many park visitors: a hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. These are the largest living creatures on the planet, and no photo does them justice. You’ll have time to walk among them, touch their bark, and understand why Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
(Note: This hike is conditions-dependent and may not be available October through May due to snow. When trail conditions are unsafe, we substitute with other attractions.)
Return to San Francisco (4:30-9:00 PM):
You’ll descend the Sierras as the sun sets, with a dinner stop along the way. Your guide drops you back at your pickup location.
Spending a few days in the city before or after Yosemite? Check out our guide to the 50 best things to do in San Francisco!
Why Choose Dylan’s Tours
With over 20 years of experience and 4,300+ five-star reviews, Dylan’s Tours is known for showing people the real San Francisco through the eyes of expert local guides. Our tours are shaped by lived-in knowledge of the city, thoughtful routes, and guides whose humor, storytelling, and local insight consistently stand out in guest reviews.
Looking for a San Francisco experience that feels authentic and well-paced, led by guides guests love? Our tours bring together the city’s highlights and local stories with guides who keep things engaging, informative, and smooth from the first stop to the last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children under 16 pay the national park fees?
No. Children under 16 enter free, regardless of citizenship. Only non-U.S. residents ages 16 and older pay the $100 per person entrance fee.
What if I have dual citizenship?
If you hold dual citizenship and one of those citizenships is U.S., bring your U.S. identification (driver’s license or passport). You’ll pay the standard resident rate, not the $100 nonresident fee. The park rangers determine fees based on the ID you present at the entrance.
Can I pay the fee in advance?
Yes. When you book Dylan’s Yosemite tour, we’ll send you a secure payment link after booking where you can prepay the $100 fee online (plus a small admin fee). This is the easiest option—payment is confirmed before your tour date. Alternatively, you can pay $100 cash for each person directly to your guide at pickup.
Does the America the Beautiful Pass cover my whole group?
The $250 Non-Resident America the Beautiful Pass covers the pass holder plus three additional passengers in your vehicle. If you’re traveling as a couple or a family of four, one pass covers your entire group’s entrance to Yosemite and hundreds of other federal recreation sites. The pass is valid for 12 months from purchase.
Does this fee apply at other national parks?
Beginning in 2026, the $100 per-person fee for nonresidents applies at Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. The National Park Service may expand this to other high-traffic parks in the future, but as of now, these are the only three parks charging the nonresident surcharge.
How long is my entrance pass valid?
Your entrance to Yosemite—whether you pay the $100 per-person fee or use an annual pass—covers seven consecutive days of access to the park. For Dylan’s Tours guests, your full Yosemite experience happens in one day, but your entrance remains valid if you decide to return within the week.
Should I buy the annual pass or pay per visit?
If you’re visiting multiple national parks during your U.S. trip, the $250 annual pass often makes financial sense. You break even after three visits to parks charging the $100 fee. For a single visit to Yosemite with a group of two or more people, the pass can still save money compared to paying $100 each to enter.
Book Your Guided Yosemite Tour Today
This one-day Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco is offered by Dylan’s Tours in collaboration with Extranomical Tours, bringing together experienced operators to deliver a seamless, well-paced day inside one of America’s most iconic national parks.
Consistently rated as one of the best Yosemite tours from San Francisco, this experience is known for its expert guides, thoughtful itinerary, and inclusion of the Giant Sequoias—making it a complete Yosemite introduction in a single day.
Book your Yosemite tour with Dylan’s Tours today!
