Newsletter

Confusion between two European border systems EES & ETIAS

Confusion is brewing as travellers navigate the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and prepare for the eventual introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

EES is already operational, ETIAS is not.

EES - The biometric border-management system was progressively introduced beginning Oct. 12, 2025 and became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It registers non-EU nationals travelling for short stays when they cross the external borders of 29 participating European countries.

Instead of relying on passport stamps, EES electronically records information including travellers' passport details and entry and exit dates, along with biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints where required.

There is no application or fee for EES. Registration takes place as part of the border-crossing process.

The rollout, however, has been accompanied by concerns over congestion and processing times at some European borders. 

The EU's formal 150-day flexibility period expired September 6, but nine countries — France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland — have since reportedly been permitted to delay full implementation of EES while technical and operational issues are addressed.

ETIAS serves a different purpose.

Once introduced, ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries, including Canadians. It is not a visa.

Travellers will apply online before departure, and the authorization will be electronically linked to their passport. According to official EU information, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. It will allow eligible travellers to make multiple short-term visits, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The application fee will be €20, with exemptions from the fee for travellers under 18 and over 70.

ETIAS approval will not guarantee entry. Travellers will still be subject to border checks when they arrive.

WestJet Double-Doubles Down with Tim Horton's

Tim Hortons’ coffee is cleared for takeoff. As Canadian brands increasingly search for ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded retail marketplace, the café giant is teaming up with WestJet.

Starting Nov. 30, a special in-flight brew from the café giant will be available on board the airline’s flights as part of a partnership between the two brands that will later include a loyalty program collaboration.

Dubbed the “flight roast,” Tim Hortons says the coffee features a unique blend specifically designed for passengers’ tastebuds at high altitudes, calling it distinct from the original and dark roast blends that customers are used to drinking at their restaurants.

Taste perceptions change at altitudes, so things like higher pressure, shorter brew times at a different temperature, all matter.

The second leg of the partnership is set to begin in 2027, when WestJet Rewards and Tims Rewards members will be able to link their accounts to earn points from both programs when they make eligible purchases at Tim Hortons.

There Is No Universal Way to Pay

There is no single “best” way to pay abroad because there is no universal payment culture. Every destination has developed its own habits, technologies and consumer preferences. Understanding them before you travel can save time, money and unnecessary stress.

Broadly speaking, today’s travellers will encounter three very different payment ecosystems.

Cash-First Destinations (Japan, Germany and many Southeast Asian countries). Cash is still essential for many everyday purchases. Carry enough local currency for transportation, meals and small purchases.

Card-First Destinations (UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Australia). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and cash is becoming the exception. However, carrying a small amount of local currency remains a good backup.

Mobile-First Economies (China). Mobile payment apps dominate everyday transactions, making advance preparation essential for foreign visitors. Carrying enough local currency for one day’s expenses is also recommended.

The smartest travellers prepare not only for what is familiar, but also for what will be different. Every destination has its own payment culture, technologies and consumer habits. Local bakeries, independent cafés, beer gardens, public markets, taxis, food stalls and family-owned businesses may still refuse electronic payments, especially for small purchases. Travellers who arrive with local currency enjoy the experience without interruption, while others often waste valuable vacation time searching for an ATM and paying unnecessary foreign withdrawal fees.

Payment Outages

Even if you understand the local payment culture, technology can still become the weakest link. According to the European Central Bank, 22% of consumers have experienced a technical issue while making a point-of-sale payment, and one in 10 digital transactions fails on the first attempt. We trust technology because it works most of the time, but when travelling, “most of the time” may not be enough.

When payment systems fail, travellers carrying local currency can simply continue their day.

Cards Are Convenient – Until They Aren’t

Cards are extremely convenient, but they are not foolproof. Transactions may occasionally be declined because of fraud prevention systems, differences in local payment practices or limited network connectivity.

Language can also become an unexpected obstacle, as payment terminals and ATMs often display messages only in the local language.

In some destinations, payment terminals require a live network connection to authorize international transactions, which may not always be available.

None of these situations is common enough to avoid using cards. They simply highlight one reality: when you travel internationally, you are no longer operating within the payment system you use every day at home. Carrying local currency is simply another way to stay prepared.

Local Currency Is a Form of Travel Insurance

Few people think about it this way, yet physical currency is a genuine form of insurance. Travel experts often recommend carrying enough local currency to cover at least 24 to 48 hours of essential expenses, including transportation, meals, tips, and unexpected situations. Think of it as the financial equivalent of carrying a spare tire. You hope you’ll never need it – but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Travel isn’t about choosing between cash and cards. It’s about knowing when each one works best.