SCOTTISH football fans have been warned that approved travel permits do not guarantee entry to the United States just days before the World Cup begins.
Dozens of supporters say their electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) has unexpectedly changed from “approved” to “travel not authorised”, with no explanation.
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for the US Department of Homeland Security, said the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws and that Esta applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases.
“The Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws. Under the visa waiver programme, all Esta applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases.
“Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history. Failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation and can lead to Esta denial, revocation, or a permanent bar from entering the United States. An approved Esta does not guarantee admission.”
The number of affected supporters is unknown. Some say their status has changed to “pending” and they have been told to wait up to 72 hours, leaving many in limbo days before travel.
Scott Braid, an engineer from Kirkcaldy, and Kenny Smith, a security company director from Inverness, are among those affected. Both say they have no explanation for their revoked Estas.
Braid, 43, was due to fly to Boston on June 12 with his wife and two children. He applied in April and was approved within 24 hours.
He said his status changed to “pending” and then to “not authorised” within hours. The US embassy could not give a reason.
He said he has spent about £8000 on travel and accommodation and hundreds more on match tickets.
“I’m really, really devastated,” he said. “It’s all I can think about and I am struggling to sleep because I am thinking, ‘Have I done everything I can do to try and fix this?’
“But the frustrating thing is the lack of answers. They just won’t tell you what the reason is.”
He added: “There’s just really no time left to get that through in time. I’ve got an appointment in the embassy in Belfast next Thursday. That’s the day before I fly. But what they’ve said is when you have your interview, it takes three to five days to process, and then they have to send the visa out to you.”
Smith, 45, had an Esta approved in November and travelled to New York that month. As it was valid for two years, he booked World Cup travel costing more than £10,000.
His Esta was revoked this week. He was told no reason would be given and it could be a mistake or random.
He applied for a visa but was initially offered an appointment after the tournament. With help from the embassy, it was moved forward, leaving him a “50-50 chance” of making his flight.
Smith said he wondered whether his involvement in folk-rock band Torridon could have triggered concerns about working without a visa.
“I am part of a folk-rock band called Torridon, so I just wonder whether they looked at my profile, saw a guitar and thought, ‘This guy’s not got a working visa. We reckon he’s coming over to make some money',” Smith said.
The White House announced plans in December to include social media checks in the authorisation process, leading to speculation this could be behind the revocations.
Hamish Husband, of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said fans have been cautious on social media.
Husband, who is flying to the US on Thursday, said fans were facing a list of barriers before the tournament.
“First it was the high hotel prices and the increase in transport prices to the stadiums.
“This week we were told fans won’t be allowed to take refillable water bottles, despite the tremendous heat. It just seems that every week there’s another negative message, whether it’s from Fifa, the organisers, hotels or transport providers.”
