Umbrella lovers who are feeling depressed after the eclipse should start checking their passport expiration dates.
According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, over parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and Portugal.
If you're looking to chase a total solar eclipse after the April event, you'll have to head overseas, as North America will only see a partial solar eclipse.
Here's what you need to know before packing your belongings.
Do you need a passport or visa to reach your best destination?
The path of the 2026 total solar eclipse will primarily pass through locations where Americans can travel visa-free with a passport as long as they plan to stay for less than 90 days.
Spain, Portugal, Iceland, and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel to U.S. passport holders.
Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel to much of Europe. This means that if you decide to travel to multiple countries as part of your eclipse adventure, you won't have to go through customs. The same is true if you are coming from other parts of Europe.
However, one big change for travelers from the US to Europe is that electronic pre-authorization will be required starting in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirements apply to all four open countries on the integrity pathway.
Depending on how the war in Ukraine unfolds, it's unclear whether traveling to Russia will be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it's unclear what the required documentation will look like by then.
Is it better to see it from the beach?
Beaches are a great place to view a solar eclipse, as there are few natural obstacles that obstruct observers' views of the sky. A total orbit in 2026 will pass over the coasts of Spain's north and southeast coasts, as well as Mediterranean islands such as Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. According to the National Solar Observatory, the eclipse will also pass over the coastal areas of Greenland and Iceland.
Cruising altitude:What was it like to watch a solar eclipse from an airplane?
Does Eclipse offer cruises or flights?
Most carriers haven't announced concrete plans yet, but it's almost certain.
Cruise ships also offer more viewing opportunities. According to a Princess Cruises spokesperson, Princess Cruises “created a custom itinerary on Sky Princess to place her ship near Spain on that date.” Reservations for this cruise will begin on the Princess website on May 23rd.
Cunard Line operates Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne, giving passengers the best spot to see.
“The ship can move”:Why you should watch the next solar eclipse from a cruise ship
Holland America Line is also planning multiple flights around the event, but details have not yet been announced. “Our customers have responded positively to our 2024 solar eclipse cruises, and we are planning three cruises in Europe that align with the path of the solar eclipse, leading up to the next total solar eclipse in 2026.” said Paul Grigsby, the airline's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning. previously told USA TODAY via email.
