WASHINGTON — The U.S. National Park Service has announced revisions to its fee-free days, omitting Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list. This decision comes shortly after an announcement from the Trump administration regarding increased entrance fees for foreign visitors, which is expected to take effect in 2026.

Under the new regulations, the park service will instead honor other significant dates, including June 14, which coincides with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday. The Biden administration had previously designated both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as days without entrance fees.

Most of the free admission days are centered around patriotic observances, which include Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, Constitution Day, and Veterans Day. Additionally, the park service marks August 25, the anniversary of its founding, and October 27, the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, as fee-free days.

Visitors who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will continue to be subject to entrance fees and additional non-resident charges on these free days. Currently, about 100 of the nation’s roughly 400 parks charge fees, with costs varying by location.

In a recent update, officials revealed that non-residents will face a $100 fee at a selection of popular parks. Moreover, an annual pass, typically priced at $80 for U.S. residents, will rise to $250 for international visitors starting in 2026. These new fees align with a broader strategy from the administration, aiming to generate over $90 million annually from foreign visitors.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these adjustments ensure that American taxpayers maintain affordable access to parks while international visitors contribute to their upkeep. The U.S. Travel Association noted a significant influx of foreign tourists in national parks, with more than 14 million international visitors recorded in 2018.

Despite a decline in the proportion of international visitors to some parks, such as Yellowstone, which saw a drop from 30% to nearly 15% between 2018 and 2024, the park service continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining revenue for ongoing conservation efforts. These shifts in policy reflect a commitment to balancing the interests of local constituents with the growing demand for resources from abroad.