Iceland’s Justice Minister Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir has announced that the country will open its borders to travelers from outside Europe who have been vaccinated against Covid-19, Iceland Review reports.

According to current regulations, Iceland’s borders are closed to all travelers outside the Schengen Area, EEA, EFTA, and EU, regardless of their vaccination status. Áslaug stated the change would take effect this week.

Áslaug announced the change following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 16. It could have a significant economic impact, as it opens the doors to tourists from the United States, UK, and China, three of Iceland’s largest markets for tourism in recent years.

Travelers to Iceland from the Schengen Area, EEA, EFTA, and EU are exempt from quarantine and testing if they present a certificate confirming antibodies or Covid-19 vaccination. It is assumed the same would apply to vaccinated travelers arriving from outside Europe.

Iceland’s Health Minister has said, meanwhile, that the country will adopt a color-coded system at its borders from May 1 allowing European travelers from defined low-risk countries to eschew quarantine upon arrival. Currently, all travelers to Iceland must present a negative PCR test certificate before departure as well as undergo testing at the border, a five-day quarantine, and a follow-up test. From May 1, however, Iceland will participate in a coordinated European Union approach to travel restrictions.