Harmful Tips from ChatGPT: Tourists Rely on AI and Lose Their Trips

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Artificial intelligence has become widely accessible, and many tourists now use it instead of search engines or travel consultants. But the results can be disappointing: answers may be incomplete, outdated, or even fabricated. Popular tools like ChatGPT sometimes provide obsolete information as if it were current — or “hallucinate” entirely.

When AI Says “No Visa Needed”

VisasNews reported on a failed Puerto Rico vacation. Spanish influencer Meri Caldas relied on ChatGPT to check entry requirements. The AI told her that no visa was required. Convinced, she and her partner Alejandro Sid booked flights and hotels.

But at the airport, boarding was denied: travelers needed an ESTA authorization. Without it, entry to Puerto Rico (a US territory) is impossible.

In a TikTok video filmed in tears at the airport, Meri shared her story, admitting she usually prepared thoroughly but this time trusted AI. The clip went viral, sparking debate:

Critics called it irresponsible to rely solely on AI for international travel.

Others defended ChatGPT, suggesting the way the question was asked might have confused the system.

Experts later explained: while “no visa” is technically true for Visa Waiver countries, ESTA remains mandatory. Airlines cannot allow boarding without it.

A Fake Website Instead of Thailand

Another case appeared in the Telegram channel Prosamui. A tourist asked ChatGPT about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The AI described the process and even shared a link — which turned out to be a phishing website demanding $20.

Fortunately, the payment failed, and the traveler discovered that TDAC is free and can be filled out only on the official website. ChatGPT apologized for the error, but the incident showed how AI-generated links can expose users to scams.

Experts Warn: AI ≠ Official Source

The Times of India highlighted a growing trend: travelers trust AI too much and regret it later. Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), noted that he has seen many similar cases:

“AI is useful for inspiration, itineraries, and comparisons, but rules on visas, health, and documents must always be verified with official sources.”

Heniel Ruparel, founder of a travel tech platform, added that AI training data can be months or years out of date, while immigration rules change weekly. His company has already helped families who nearly lost their vacations because of wrong AI advice.

Travel agent Akash Rastogi also stressed the importance of precise queries and checking directly with embassies:

“Use AI for ideas, but verify rules with official sources and professional consultants before traveling.”

Conclusion

AI can be a useful assistant, but not a reliable authority on immigration and visa rules. Errors or omissions can cost travelers thousands of dollars and entire vacations.

Tourists should treat ChatGPT and similar tools as a first step only — always double-check with embassies, consulates, and official government portals before traveling abroad.

Prepared by Tatyana Borodina