Visa Revocation Shatters Scotland Fan's World Cup Plans
A Scotland football supporter, Michael Wright, discovered just an hour before his flight to the United States that his travel authorization had been revoked, preventing him from attending the World Cup finals.
Michael had planned a special 30th birthday trip with his brother, including tickets to Scotland's group stage matches against Haiti and Morocco.
However, at Manchester Airport, he was forced to send his brother through security alone after his visa status changed from "approved" to "pending" and finally to "travel not authorised."
Michael, originally from Greenock but currently residing in Australia, expressed his distress to BBC Scotland News:
"I don't think I've ever felt that bad."
"I sent my brother through security because I still wanted him to go and enjoy his holiday. And I didn't want him to see me ready to break down."
UK citizens traveling to the US for up to 90 days without a visa must apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). However, numerous fans reported on social media that their application status changed unexpectedly in the days before the World Cup began on Thursday.
Some supporters have been instructed to make urgent visits to the US Consulate in Belfast to obtain visa approval.
First Minister John Swinney has contacted US officials regarding the issue and pledged to assist those affected.
"I have asked officials to convey our hope that they can resolve this so that Scotland's fans do not miss out."
Michael emigrated to Australia nine years ago and applied for his ESTA in March. He returned to Greenock for two weeks with family before preparing for his US trip, confident about his visa status.
He said:
"In my eyes, there's no valid reason for them to decline it."
"I live in what most people would say is the second hardest country in the world to get a visa. I've been living there nearly 10 years, reapplying for visas and completing police checks.
"They (the US authorities) granted it originally so I'm not sure why they've decided to look back into it."
When and where are Scotland's World Cup games?
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary of US Homeland Security, told the BBC that the stricter ESTA approvals stem from enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration.
"Under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases," she said.
"Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history."
Michael described the last-minute visa revocation as emotionally difficult and financially costly.
He stated:
"You're talking about £4,500 to £5,000 and the only thing I'm ever going to get the money back on is the match tickets.
"But at this point I don't even want to take the money back on them – I'll probably just give them away."
Despite the setback, Michael remains optimistic about his World Cup experience.
"I made the trip home and spent about two-and-a-half weeks back in Scotland with all the family who I obviously don't get to see every day.
"Now I'll just go back to Australia and watch the games with my mates."
A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office commented:
"The US government sets ESTA and visa requirements. We encourage applicants to follow instructions set out by the US Embassy.
"We continue to engage closely with the US embassy regarding entry requirements for British nationals traveling to the World Cup."
What is an ESTA?
Travelers to the US must complete an application form, pay a fee, and receive approval before travel. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years and permits multiple short visits.
UK citizens with certain criminal convictions or immigration issues are typically ineligible. In December, the White House announced plans to include social media screening as part of the application process.
Those who do not qualify for an ESTA must apply for a US visa, which can be a lengthy procedure.
Scotland's World Cup campaign begins on 13 June.
BBC Scotland News has sought comments from the US Embassy in London and US Customs and Border Protection.
