Business Daily Are passengers ready for digital borders?
Feb 25, 2026
Stuart MacDonald, travel industry executive and former Expedia Canada founder, explains tech solutions that simplify electronic travel authorisations. Julia Lobuside, representative of Advantage Travel Partnership, outlines why digital border controls exist and who should inform travellers. They discuss missed authorisations, scams, security benefits, and who bears responsibility for keeping travel paperwork current.
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Travel Firms Should Send ETA Reminders
- Travel companies should proactively remind customers about required travel authorizations and documentation before departure.
- Julia Lobuside says simple emails or texts would prevent many last-minute failures at check-in and immigration.
Runner Makes Flight After Last-Minute ESTA Panic
- Owen Ephraim nearly missed his flight after learning at check-in he needed an ESTA and had to apply in the queue.
- He waited about two hours for approval, was rushed through security and made the flight as the doors closed.
Airline App Link Led To Costly ETA Scam
- Jasmine Gallant clicked a link in her airline app and paid £100 for a UK ETA instead of the £20 government fee.
- Her agent later sent the correct link but the overpriced payment couldn't be recovered.