Know Before You Go
PLEASE NOTE: While we always encourage responsible recreation, this year, visitors are being asked to step up their efforts and be even more mindful of their presence and impact while enjoying the outdoors.
VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Visiting Glacier in 2026
- Glacier National Park will not require vehicle reservations in 2026.
- Beginning July 1, parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours. Learn more here.
- Park shuttles in 2026 will operate as a reservation-only express service on Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass, leaving from both the west and east sides of the park. Shuttle tickets are sold exclusively through Recreation.gov (or by calling 877.444.6777) for a $1 processing fee per ticket. Learn more here.
- Two Medicine Campground will be closed due to construction.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Status
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open for the 2026 season.
Construction Delays + Closures
- Read about construction delays and closures in 2026 here.
Current Operations
- Campground reservations must be made in advance on recreation.gov. Most campsites are reservable approximately six months in advance and several campsites in each campground can be reserved four days in advance to accommodate visitors with more spontaneous itineraries. Read more here.
- Visitors who plan to use a private boat will need to report to an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection station. Read more here.
- The Apgar Visitor Center is open daily mid-May through mid-October. The St. Mary Visitor Center is open daily late May through mid-October. Read more here.
- Buy your national park entrance pass in advance here.
International Visitor Information for the Park
Non-residents of the United States should be aware of additional entrance requirements and fees when planning a trip to Glacier National Park.
Non-Resident Annual Pass: The America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass is available for $250. This pass covers one private vehicle, two motorcycles, or the passholder plus three additional adults at sites that charge per person rather than per vehicle. Other America the Beautiful passes are reserved for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
Free Entrance Days: Complimentary entrance days apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International visitors are still responsible for standard entrance fees unless they hold a Non-Resident Annual Pass.
Non-Resident Entrance Fee: Visitors age 16 and older who reside outside the U.S. are required to pay a $100 non-resident fee in addition to the standard park entrance fee, unless admitted under a qualifying annual or America the Beautiful pass. Learn more here.
Commercial and Guided Tours: The $100 non-resident fee also applies to international visitors participating in commercial tours, Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) trips and concessionaire-led tours, unless covered by a Non-Resident Annual Pass. Learn more here.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO MONTANA
Traveling to Montana from another country? A warm welcome is waiting for you. We want your journey to start off smoothly, so here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for your arrival and understand what to expect when entering the country.
Before You Travel: Be Prepared
Make sure your passport is valid. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, unless you are a citizen of an exempt country.
Do you need a visa or ESTA?
- If you're from a country in the Visa Waiver Program, apply for ESTA online before your trip.
- If not, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
Visa applicants will need to:
- Fill out a visa application (form DS-160).
- Pay the application fee.
- Bring your documents, including your passport, a photo and any supporting materials, to your visa appointment.
Speed up entry if eligible:
If you are eligible, enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry. You may be able to use the Mobile Passport Control app for faster processing at certain U.S. airports.
When You Arrive: What to Expect at the U.S. Border
Be ready to answer a few basic questions from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. For example:
- Why are you visiting?
- Where will you stay?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Have you visited the U.S. before?
Helpful tips for a smooth arrival:
- Be honest, clear and polite.
- Have printed copies of your travel plans (flights, hotel bookings, etc.).
- Be prepared to discuss your previous visits to the U.S. if asked.
- Stay calm and respectful during the process.
What You Must Declare
All travelers must complete a customs declaration using the Customs Declaration Form 6059B and declare items like:
- Food, plants or other agricultural products.
- Cash over $10,000 USD.
- Items beyond personal use (like gifts or souvenirs in bulk).
Additional Resources
Resources and information provided by U.S. Travel Association.
PARTNER INFORMATION & TRAVEL UPDATES
