Iceland is reopening its borders to Brits this week, provided they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Until now, the country had kept borders closed to UK residents except for essential travel, with restrictions including quarantine and a need to show a negative Covid test result before travel, as well as further Covid tests for the first few days of their stay.
Now the Icelandic government has revealed that from March 18 (Thursday) those who have been vaccinated will be able to visit without needing to quarantine or undergo Covid testing.
Those who can provide proof of prior infection will also be exempt.
The country had previously opened to vaccinated tourists for countries in the EU/EEA, but is now opening up to those outside of the Schengen area such as the UK and USA.
Vaccine certificates will only be considered valid if they have been approved by the European Medical Agency.
For those who are not vaccinated, restrictions such as needing to quarantine and show a negative Covid test result will remain in place.
However from May 1 the country will allow visitors from what it deems 'low risk areas' to be exempt from quarantine if they can show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, according to the Icelandic government website.
Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit Iceland, said: "We are excited to safely reopen our borders to fully vaccinated British citizens, as well as those who are no longer susceptible to the virus. Tourism is a very valuable industry for Iceland, as it contributes to our economy and culture.
"With the support of approved vaccines, the targeted measures taken by Icelandic officials, experts, scientists, and the general population to continuously keep the infection rate down, as well as a focused reopening plan designed to keep the Icelandic people and tourists healthy, we are now able to safely extend an exemption to UK travellers."
The news brings yet another wave of hope for UK holidaymakers who want to head abroad this summer.
There are already a number of countries planning to welcome Brits for holidays from May including Greece, Portugal and Turkey, with some requirements such as needing a Covid vaccine or showing proof of a negative Covid test result.
Currently it remains illegal for Brits to travel abroad for holidays as part of national lockdowns across the UK. However, it's hoped that under England's roadmap for easing out of lockdown, foreign travel could be set to resume from May 17, subject to a review from the government in April.
You can find more updates for Iceland in the Foreign Office travel advice.
Will you be going on a holiday abroad if travel restrictions lift this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
