Iran has reopened its doors to vaccinated tourists following a 20-month-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iran's anti-virus task force has approved the reopening following the advice of the Ministry of Tourism, the ministry's website quoted an official as saying.

Iran had closed its borders to foreigners in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic as a precaution, exempting medical and business trips.

According to data disclosed by the ministry, Iran's tourism sector suffered a $1.2 billion deficit during the 2020-2021 season to protect its nationals from the pandemic ravaging the world.

The customs administration said the average number of international trips to and from Iran decreased by 80% in the period between March 2020 and March 2021.

"Tourists who have received two doses of anti-Covid vaccines and who can present a certificate for a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours can obtain a visa," ISNA news agency said.

Iran did not include travelers from countries the WHO views as 'high-risk.'

The number of daily COVID-19 cases in Iran has declined in recent weeks after peaking a few months back, and this is due to the large-scale vaccination campaign the Iranian authorities are carrying out.

Iran has about 5.1 million people who received the first COVID-19 vaccine dose so far, with 30.1 million having been fully vaccinated. Iran's population is 83 million.

Iran has allowed for Jummah (Friday prayers) to be held this week after a 20-month suspension.