Travellers using Photoshopped Covid test certificates to board flights as travel agents ‘sell negative results for £150’
TRAVELLERS are using fake coronavirus test certificates to board flights as some are charging £150 for forged result, it has emerged.
The brazen rule breakers have said they were able to board their flights after doctoring someone else's test and changing it to their name before printing it out and showing it to staff at UK airports.
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Many airlines are now requiring proof of a negative coronavirus test before travellers can board a plan to certain countries.
A small industry of selling false negative certificates is also cropping up with travellers reportedly ready to cough up £50-£150 for the bogus documents.
NHS Covid-19 tests are only currently available for front-line workers so travellers must get a private test which can cost up to £150.
One Blackburn man told how he was given a negative test by a friend and then he changed the name to his own and printed it out.
He used it to travel to Pakistan - which requires international travellers to present a negative test taking within 96 hours of travel.
The man said he was able to travel to Pakistan with his fake test.
The man, who did not want to be named, told the : "People are doing this as you can't get a Covid test if you have to travel to Pakistan in case of an emergency.
"It is difficult to get one unless you are a key worker.
"If you put down you have symptoms then you don't get the test. How can you travel then?"
Those who also want fake negative tests are able to pay for it, it is claimed.
In Bradord, some are charging £150 for a fake certificate for last-minute travellers and others in Blackburn ware reportedly charging £50.
Another traveller said: "We needed a Covid-19 test for a family member and I spoke to one travel agent and he said, 'Get it done and even if it comes out positive we will provide a negative one for you for £50'."
Official government advice states: "Some airlines require passengers to have recent Covid-19 test results in order to fly.
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";You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country.
"You should arrange to take a private test. Contact your travel company for the latest information."
The Sun Online contacted the Civil Aviation Authority for a comment.