The plans will come into effect from Saturday (4 December) after the country’s Federal Council decided to remove all countries from its quarantine list.

British skiers heading to the Alps this winter had already been handed a lifeline after it was confirmed arrivals transiting Switzerland, but spending less than 24 hours in the country, would not be subject to quarantine.

“In order to continue to prevent the new omicron variant from entering the country as far as possible, a stricter testing regime will now apply for all arrivals into Switzerland,” the Swiss Federal Council said in a statement.

“This testing requirement also applies to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the disease.”

The new rules state that, in addition to taking a PCR test before travelling, those entering Switzerland must take a second test - PCR or rapid antigen - between the fourth and seventh day after arrival and testing costs must be paid for by the traveller.

“This test ensures that infected persons who have contracted the virus shortly before or during travel are detected,” the statement added.

“Non-vaccinated third-country nationals wishing to enter the Schengen area from countries or regions at risk will be refused entry to Switzerland for short-term stays without gainful employment of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days - apart from certain exceptions (hardship cases).”