Earlier this week, Iceland opened its borders to visitors from the U.S., the U.K and the rest of the EEA/Schengen area provided that they have taken a full dosage of any of the COVID 19 vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency. They will also admit travelers who have recovered from COVID-19. 

“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 via an official statement. “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” he continued. 

Those who present that they have recovered from COVID 19 must have the appropriate documentation to prove it. Documentation on prior infections must be in accordance with the requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist.

Additionally, starting May 1st Iceland will also begin using an ECDC risk assessment color code at its borders which will allow for safer travel. Arrivals from ‘low-risk areas’ (color coded in green and yellow) will not be required to quarantine if they can present a negative PCR test at the border. 

Previously, Iceland required a negative PCR test in order to allow anyone in the country. This included an additional five-day quarantine period and a second test at the border. Europeans who were vaccinated by then or who had been previously infected were exempt from the measures. 

Those who reside outside of the EEA/Schengen area are still restricted from traveling into the country, however they will be able to enter the country with a valid COVID vaccination beginning March 26.