Academic Fee Waivers

Fee Waiver Information

National Park Service regulations allow academic institutions to obtain a waiver of park entrance fees, provided the visit is for academic or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use support those purposes.

A school group does not automatically qualify for a fee-waiver just because the visit is educational. Academic groups must demonstrate that they qualify for the waiver by meeting each of the three requirements listed below.

Application

All applications must be submitted a minimum of four weeks in advance to allow for processing time. Applications submitted less than four weeks may not be granted due to inability to verify documentation.

If you arrive at the park without the approved fee waiver, you will be required to pay. We cannot issue fee waivers upon request at the entrance station.

Download the Academic Fee Waiver Application here. [PDF 391KB]

Form Instructions:

• Complete form sections 1, 2, and 5.
• Complete section 5 regardless of the age of the students.
  • Fee waivers are not required for students under 16 years of age; however, teachers and chaperones will still be charged if you do not have a fee waiver.
  • To ensure all members of your group receive free entrance (including students over 16 years of age, teachers, and chaperones), complete the fee waiver application.
    

Submit all completed applications and required documentation to:

Email

pais_visitor_center@nps.gov

Mail

Padre Island National Seashore
Attn: Academic Fee Waiver
P.O. Box 181300
Corpus Christi, TX 78480