Business Daily – "Are passengers ready for digital borders?"

BBC World Service | February 25, 2026
Host: Rick Kelsey

Overview

This episode of Business Daily delves into the growing prevalence and implications of electronic travel authorizations (ETAs), like the US ESTA and the new digital borders being implemented across Europe and the UK in 2026. The discussion explores the challenges and surprises facing travelers, the impact on the travel industry and business travel, the risks of scams, and the broader debate over convenience versus security. Personal stories, expert analysis, and industry perspectives help listeners understand what’s changing and how to navigate this evolving global travel environment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Shift to Digital Borders

• Travelers Face New Requirements: Many countries, including the UK and across the EU, are now requiring electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) from visitors who previously only needed a passport.
• Personal Accountability: The onus is on the traveler to secure the correct documentation before departure – failure to do so may lead to denied boarding and significant financial loss.

2. Real-life Traveler Experiences

• Last-Minute ETA Panic:
  • Owen Ephraim, a British video producer, recounts a frantic experience nearly missing his transatlantic flight due to an overlooked ESTA requirement.
  • Quote:

    “I had to apply for one whilst in the queue to check in ... I was really lucky because I had got through immigration and ... they announced on the tannoy last call for Owen Ephraim ... I ran to the gate ... and just made the flight. They shut the doors as I got on the plane. So yeah, squeaky bum time.” – Owen Ephraim (06:45)

• Financial Pitfalls:
  • Claire Irwin, travel editor at The Sunday Times, highlights how travelers are caught off-guard and face non-refundable losses if paperwork isn’t complete.
  • Quote:

    “No matter what insurance you've taken out, if you turn up without the right paperwork ... the only person who's out of pocket there is you.” – Claire Irwin (03:51)

3. The Impact on Businesses and Industry

• Responsibility to Inform:
  • While individuals are ultimately responsible, there is an industry duty for airlines and tour operators to better educate and remind travelers about new requirements.
  • Quote:

    “If I was running an airline or a tour operator ... you’ve got a duty of care there to remind them of exactly what's needed to fulfill their greatest expectations.” – Claire Irwin (04:57)

• Confusion Among Airline Staff:
  • Even travel industry staff sometimes misunderstand changing rules, causing further issues at airports.

4. The Risk of Fraud and Overcharging

• Scammers & Third-party Sites:
  • New visa systems have led to a proliferation of scam websites and expensive third-party services, often misrepresenting themselves as official.
  • Quote:

    “They never mentioned any fees. I just assumed that it was going to be the same fees as before. But I ended up paying £100 which the first time ... cost me £20.” – Jasmine Gallant (08:28)

  • Advice:

    “Use the government website. Use the legitimate government website. Do not use any other website because you don't need to.” – Julia Lobuside (15:19)

5. The Rationale for ETAs: Security vs. Revenue

• Security Enhancement:
  • Authorities claim digital borders help vet visitors before arrival, keeping out “bad actors” more effectively.
  • Quote:

    “This is all about anyone that doesn't need a visa ... How do we control security from that point of view?” – Julia Lobuside (12:37)

  • “The easiest way to solve a problem with somebody coming into your country and doing something you don't want them to do is by not letting them come at all.” – Stuart McDonald (19:42)

• Revenue Generation:
  • Acknowledged traveler frustration over the perception that this is also a way for governments to make money, with fees ranging from $10 to $30.

6. Changing Global Landscape and Rapid Expansion

• Explosive Growth:
  • Stuart McDonald notes the rapid adoption, with dozens more countries adding ETAs annually.
  • Quote:

    “In 2024, there were an additional 10 countries ... In 25, another 31 ... In 2026 ... at least 35 more countries ... It is a huge global trend that doesn't show any signs of letting up.” – Stuart McDonald (17:01)

• Travel Habits Disrupted:
  • Particularly for North Americans and Britons, accustomed to “borderless” travel, this marks a significant shift in expectations.

  • “This is going to be a shock ... used to just going to the airport and going ... it is absolutely going to cause ripples across the entire travel ecosystem.” – Stuart McDonald (02:07/16:33)

• Post-Brexit and Post-pandemic Effects:
  • The complexity is exacerbated by recent political and global health changes altering rules faster than consumers can track.

7. Solutions and Future Directions

• Education & Communication:
  • Increase traveler education both at point of booking and via official reminders.
• Streamlining via Technology:
  • Platforms such as Sherpa partner with airlines to make compliance easier through integrated tech and better user experiences.
  • Quote:

    “We're very much on the side of the traveler ... trying to make things easier, to make it more efficient and effective for carriers as well.” – Stuart McDonald (18:58)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• The Emotional Toll:

  “It's just a little bit like, would you want me to come or not? Do you want my money or not? ... Just let me in, that's all.” – Claire Irwin (02:36)

• Practical Warning:

  “If you're paying more than $20 dollars, you're probably on a copycat site and not the US government's official application form.” – Rick Kelsey (11:39)

• Shift in Mindset:

  “It's not borderless travel like it used to be. We can't just rock up on a plane with our passport. We just have to think beforehand.” – Julia Lobuside (01:48/14:24)

Important Timestamps

• 01:18: Introduction of digital border theme
• 02:07: “This is going to be a shock... going to cause ripples” – Stuart McDonald
• 03:29: Claire Irwin’s travel documentation warnings
• 06:45: Owen Ephraim’s near-missed flight story
• 08:28: Jasmine Gallant’s experience with overcharging/fraudulent site
• 11:39: Rick Kelsey on ESTA fraud and copycat warnings
• 12:37: Julia Lobuside on the purpose of ETAs
• 14:16: Post-Brexit and post-pandemic travel changes
• 17:01: Stuart McDonald on global expansion of travel authorizations
• 19:42: McDonald on governments’ motives and security

Conclusion

The advent of digital borders is fundamentally changing how global travel works, for both business and leisure. The episode underscores the critical need for travelers to proactively check documentation requirements, educate themselves about official channels, and avoid scams. At the same time, governments and travel companies are urged to do more to support and inform consumers. The broader message is clear: digital borders are here to stay, and adapting to them is now part and parcel of travel life.