Iceland opens borders to all vaccinated tourists

Iceland has now swung open its doors to welcome all vaccinated travellers.

Beginning 18 March, all arrivals with proof of vaccination will be admitted, extending the policy worldwide from the previous rule allowing in only vaccinated travellers from the European Schengen zone.

It now allows citizens from major source markets the UK and US..

"Our experience and data so far indicate very strongly that there is very little risk of infection stemming from individuals who have acquired immunity against the disease, either by vaccination or by prior infection," said Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist Thórólfur Gudnason.

"When people are protected against the same disease, with the same vaccines that are produced by the same companies, there is no medical reason to discriminate on the basis of the location where the jab is administered."

Entry will be granted for those who have received vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which includes the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines.

Until now, a five-day quarantine period and a test at the border are required, except for EU vaccinated residents.

"The world has been through a lot in the past 12 months, and we are all hoping for a slow and safe return to normalcy. This also includes the resumption of the opportunity to travel," said Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.