Key facts
- Michael Wright, a Scotland fan living in Australia, had his US ESTA revoked an hour before his flight.
- Dozens of other Scotland fans have reported similar issues with their ESTA applications ahead of the World Cup.
- Wright estimates his losses at £4,500 to £5,000 due to revoked travel plans.
- First Minister John Swinney has engaged with US officials over the matter.
- US authorities stated that ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases.
A Scotland football fan, Michael Wright, discovered his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had been revoked just an hour before his flight to the United States for the World Cup. Wright, who lives in Australia and had applied for his ESTA in March, faced the change from an approved status to 'travel not authorised,' forcing him to send his brother to the tournament alone.
Wright expressed his distress, stating he had no valid reason for the change and had lived in Australia for nearly a decade, successfully managing visa requirements. He estimated his losses at between £4,500 and £5,000. He noted that the US authorities had initially granted his ESTA, making the subsequent revocation puzzling.
Reports indicate that dozens of Scotland fans have experienced similar last-minute changes to their ESTA applications leading up to the World Cup. Some have been directed to visit the US Consulate in Belfast for visa approval. Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, confirmed he had contacted US officials to help resolve the situation for affected fans.
US Homeland Security stated that ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases, emphasizing the need for truthful information, including criminal history. The US government sets ESTA and visa requirements, and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advised applicants to follow US Embassy instructions.