If you’re planning to visit one of the 11 most popular national parks in the U.S., staff might ask a question that could be disquieting: Are you an American citizen? The updates to visitor verification and fees was announced in November by the Trump administration, which said that beginning Jan. 1 it would implement “America-first” entry fee policies. When you present your pass, or if you purchase one at a park entrance, staff must ask for your identification and determine your citizenship status. You will only be asked your citizenship status, by way of ID verification, when buying or using an annual pass, officials say. The agency’s updated policy is that all digital-pass holders must show a photo identification matching the name on the pass.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 01, 2026 08:09 UTC