Scotland Fans Face Travel Permit Issues Ahead of World Cup
Scotland football supporters have expressed devastation after last-minute changes to their travel permits may prevent them from attending the World Cup in the United States.
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 who submitted applications reported on social media that their status changed this week from "approved" to "travel not authorised."
Some have informed BBC Scotland News that these changes could result in significant financial losses, with Scotland's first World Cup match scheduled in less than two weeks.
Individual Experiences of Revoked Travel Authorizations
Scott Braid, 43, from Kirkcaldy, planned to fly to Boston on 12 June with his wife and two children. After receiving ESTA approval, he booked what he described as a "once-in-a-lifetime trip."
"Out of the blue on Tuesday, I got an email that said there's been an update on your ESTA status."
He explained that his status first changed from approved to pending, then two hours later to "travel not authorised."
"Since I've done that ESTA there's been absolutely no changes to my circumstances,"Scott added.
"That's the frustrating thing, not knowing why this has happened."
Scott noted that he had a previous ESTA valid until 2024 and traveled to the US in 2023 without issues. Despite the setback, he is encouraging his family to proceed with the trip, hoping to join them later after securing a visa appointment in Belfast next week.
Similar Issues for Brothers Andrew and Nelson Speirs
Brothers Andrew and Nelson Speirs, also from Kirkcaldy, experienced the same situation. Nelson stated they applied for ESTA on 14 December and were approved the following day. Their status remained approved until 3 June, when it was updated to "travel not authorised."
"It's not given us very much time to do anything about it,"Nelson told BBC Scotland News.
"I don't think it's fair, they shouldn't authorise somebody to go then take it back. We didn't book anything until we were authorised."
The brothers had planned to travel to Miami for Andrew's 40th birthday celebrations, with total costs amounting to £10,000. Nelson described the news as "heartbreaking."
They provided BBC Scotland News with screenshots from the ESTA website showing their applications were initially approved but later updated to revoked status.
They have since secured an appointment at the US consulate in Belfast on 11 June.
What is an ESTA?
To travel to the United States, applicants must complete a form, pay a fee, and receive approval prior to travel. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years and permits multiple short visits.
UK citizens with certain criminal records or immigration issues are typically ineligible. In December, the White House announced plans to incorporate social media checks into the ESTA application process.
Those who do not qualify for ESTA must apply for a US visa, a process that can be lengthy.
Scotland's World Cup campaign begins on 12 June.
BBC Scotland News has contacted the US Embassy in London, Homeland Security, and US Customs and Border Protection for comment.
