New Surcharges for International Visitors at US National Parks

Beginning January 2026, the National Park Service is implementing a targeted US$100 surcharge for non-US residents aged 16 and older. This fee applies specifically to 11 designated park destinations and is charged in addition to standard entrance fees.

The surcharge is not a universal fee for all US parks. It specifically targets high-traffic sites, including:

  • Yellowstone
  • Yosemite
  • Grand Canyon
  • Zion
  • Everglades

To mitigate these costs, international travelers can purchase the "America the Beautiful" Non-Resident Annual Pass for US$250. This pass covers applicable entrance charges and non-resident fees. For vehicle-based entry, it covers the passholder and all passengers; for per-person sites, it covers the passholder and up to three additional adults.

Hawaii's "Green Fee" and Accommodation Tax Shifts

Hawaii has officially increased its state transient accommodations tax from 10.25% to 11% as of January 1, 2026. This 0.75 percentage point increase is part of the "Green Fee" initiative, designed to fund environmental and community projects.

For a taxable accommodation base of US$2,000, this increase adds US$15 to the state tax portion of the bill. However, travelers should note that this is only one component of the total cost, as county-level taxes and general excise taxes still apply.

Cruise Ship Exception: While the 11% hotel tax is active, the Hawaii Department of Taxation has suspended the enforcement of cruise-related provisions following a court order. Taxpayers are currently instructed to stop reporting cruise-fare income or paying the related transient accommodations tax until further notice.

Urban Transit and Hotel Levies: New York and Toronto

Travelers visiting major metropolitan hubs face a complex layer of occupancy taxes and transit fees that often differ from the advertised "sticker price."

New York City (NYC): Hotel costs in NYC are comprised of several layers:

  • A 5.875% occupancy tax.
  • A sales tax of 8.875%.
  • A daily room charge (up to US$2 for rooms costing US$40 or more).
  • A state hotel unit fee of US$1.50 per day.

For most standard rooms, this totals approximately 14.75% of the room rate plus US$3.50 per night. Additionally, drivers entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone (south of and including 60th Street) face a US$9 peak charge via E-ZPass, or a US$2.25 overnight rate.

Toronto and Vancouver: In Canada, tax rates are fluctuating. Toronto's temporary Municipal Accommodation Tax of 8.5% expired on July 31, 2026, returning to a 6% rate for stays beginning August 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Vancouver maintains a 2.5% Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax through January 2030, which sits alongside an 8% provincial sales tax and a 3% regional district tax.

Funding and Infrastructure Impact

The Hawaii Green Fee is projected to generate approximately US$129 million over 18 months. These funds are earmarked for 91 projects across 11 different departments. While the budget is approved, the actual impact depends on the completion of these environmental and infrastructure projects.

Summary of 2026 Travel Costs

Location Fee/Tax Type Rate/Cost Applicability
US National Parks Non-Resident Surcharge US$100 Non-US residents (16+) at 11 parks
US National Parks Non-Resident Annual Pass US$250 Covers entrance & non-resident fees
Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax 11% All taxable accommodations
New York City Hotel Occupancy/Sales Tax ~14.75% + US$3.50/night Most rooms $\ge$ US$40
Manhattan Congestion Toll (Peak) US$9 Vehicles entering Relief Zone
Toronto Municipal Accommodation Tax 6% Stays starting Aug 1, 2026
Vancouver Major Events Tax 2.5% Short-term stays through Jan 2030

Key Takeaways

  • Check Residency Status: Non-US citizens visiting 11 major US parks must budget an extra US$100 per adult unless they hold a US$250 annual pass.
  • Verify Final Hotel Totals: In NYC and Hawaii, advertised rates often exclude significant occupancy taxes and daily unit fees.
  • Track Expiration Dates: Toronto's tax rate dropped from 8.5% to 6% in August 2026; always verify the date of stay.
  • Cruise Exemption: The Hawaii accommodation tax increase currently does not apply to cruise fares due to legal suspensions.

FAQ

Does the US$100 National Park fee apply to all parks? No. It only applies to 11 specific destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone.

Is the Manhattan congestion toll a tourist tax? No, it is a transit fee for all eligible vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone, regardless of residency.

How much did Hawaii's hotel tax increase? The state transient accommodations tax rose by 0.75 percentage points, moving from 10.25% to 11%.

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