Scotland Fan's Visa Drama Ahead of World Cup Kick-Off
A Scotland supporter, Kenny Smith from Inverness, is urgently trying to reach Boston after his US visa was approved just before Scotland's World Cup opening match.
Smith was among many fans whose Esta travel permits were withdrawn without explanation last week. However, his travel was approved at the US embassy in London on Friday morning. Despite this, airport delays caused him to narrowly miss his connecting flight in Dublin.
He will spend the night in Dublin and aims to arrive in Boston at 14:45 EST on Saturday, only hours before the kick-off at 21:00 (02:00 BST).
"Now it is mission critical," he said.
Smith, who is the lead singer with folk rock band Torridon, described the situation as "unbelievable".
"It took ages to get the bags off. I missed my check-in by 15 minutes," he said.
He added,
"I am booked on tomorrow and due to arrive in Boston around 14:45."
Smith joined the queue at the US embassy at 07:30, where several Scotland fans were also waiting.
At the visa desk, the official who approved his visa expressed regret over his ordeal.
"I am so sorry you had to go through this."
Smith recalled his emotional response:
"I could have cried - and I did later. I said 'I could cuddle you just now'.
He said a fist bump would do so we fist bumped on the screen and off I went.
I have never had a feeling like it in my life. I am going to Boston."
Smith described the experience since his visa was revoked last week as a "rollercoaster" that caused him chest pains.
As a security firm boss, he said the system failed him but he finally succeeded due to support from politicians and fellow fans.
"I can't keep track of the messages. It has been absolutely incredible."
He hopes other Scotland fans facing similar issues will also receive approval to travel to the US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
Smith's Longstanding Support for Scotland
Smith has followed Scotland home and away since he was 16 years old.
He was too young to attend the 1998 World Cup in France and vowed to attend the next one, which he never imagined would be almost three decades later.
Scotland's World Cup Fixtures
Scotland will face Haiti in their opening match at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, followed by a match against Morocco at the same venue at 23:00 BST next Friday.
The final group match will take place in Miami on 24 June at 23:00, where Scotland will play against five-time winners Brazil.
Other Fans Affected by Visa Issues
Earlier this week, another Scotland fan, Michael Wright, told BBC Scotland News that he found out just an hour before flying that his travel permit had been revoked.
Wright had to send his brother through security gates at Manchester Airport alone after his visa status changed to "travel not authorised".
Other members of the Tartan Army have reported potential losses of thousands of pounds in travel costs due to the ESTA changes.
Understanding ESTA
To travel to the United States, applicants must complete a form, pay a fee, and receive approval before travel.
An approved ESTA is typically valid for two years and allows multiple short visits.
UK citizens with certain criminal convictions or immigration issues are usually ineligible.
In December, the White House announced plans to incorporate social media checks into the ESTA application process.
Those who do not qualify for an ESTA must apply for a US visa, which can be a lengthy process.
