Most countries that have reopened their borders require travellers to present a negative PCR test on arrival. These must be taken in a stipulated time frame before departure.
A new trend has emerged, where negative COVID-19 test results are sold to people wanting to travel internationally. These illicit documents have been reported by authorities in France, Brazil and the UK.
People who have either tested positive for the coronavirus, or have not taken a test at all, are also seeking out these forged documents.
Most countries require negative COVID-19 results before a visitor can enter.
French officials arrested six men and one woman for reportedly selling false test certificates to travellers for between $180 (R2,813) and $360 (R5,627) at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris last week, reports Fox News.
These documents have also been found for sale on the internet for up to $200 (R3,126). These certificates can be forged to show prospective travellers’ details, such as the required dates and times of the test.
These illegal activities put others at risk of contracting COVID-19. It may also lead airlines to revert to stricter measures, such as only accepting tests done at the airport or at certain approved laboratories.
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