Scotland fans face World Cup travel chaos as the US revokes approved ESTAs

Fans who had already booked flights and accommodation say their ESTA status changed from "approved" to "travel not authorized" without warning

Dozens of Scotland football fans are at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup in the United States after their previously approved ESTA travel permits were suddenly revoked this week. Fans who had already booked flights and accommodation say their application status changed from "approved" to "travel not authorized" with no explanation, leaving them scrambling for alternatives less than two weeks before Scotland's opening match on June 12, as reported by BBC Scotland News.

UK citizens traveling to the US for up to 90 days without a visa are required to apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). An approved ESTA is typically valid for two years and permits multiple short visits. However, multiple fans have taken to social media this week to report that their approved applications had been reversed without warning.

Fans facing thousands in losses

Scott Braid, 43, from Kirkcaldy, had planned to fly to Boston on June 12 with his wife and two children. He applied for his ESTA, received approval, and booked what he described as a "once-in-a-lifetime trip."

He told BBC Scotland News that on Tuesday, he received an unexpected email notifying him of a status update. His ESTA moved from approved to pending, and within two hours, it changed to "travel not authorized."

Braid said the situation is particularly frustrating because he held a previous ESTA that expired in 2024 and traveled to the US in 2023 without any issues. He said nothing about his personal circumstances had changed since then. He is now encouraging his family to go ahead with the trip while he attempts to secure a visa appointment in Belfast next week in the hope of joining them partway through.

Brothers Andrew and Nelson Speirs, also from Kirkcaldy, are dealing with the same problem. Nelson told BBC Scotland News they applied for their ESTA on December 14 and were approved the following day. The status remained unchanged until June 3, when it was updated to say they were not authorized to travel.

Nelson had planned to travel to Miami for Andrew's 40th birthday celebrations, with a total trip cost of £10,000. He told BBC Scotland News the news has left him "heartbroken," adding that he does not think it is fair to authorize someone and then reverse that decision after they have already committed financially.

The brothers showed BBC Scotland News screenshots from the ESTA website confirming the reversal. They have managed to secure an appointment at the US consulate in Belfast on June 11, 2026.

US officials point to stricter immigration enforcement

Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Lauren Bis said the tightening of ESTA approvals reflects the Trump administration's enforcement of immigration laws.

According to BBC Scotland News, Bis stated that all ESTA applications under the Visa Waiver Program are "continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases" and that travelers must provide "complete and truthful information, including all criminal history."

She warned that failing to disclose arrests or convictions amounts to misrepresentation and could lead to ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent ban from entering the United States. She also emphasized that an approved ESTA "does not guarantee admission."

Bis added that individuals found ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program due to criminal convictions or misrepresentation must apply for a US visa instead. She also noted that CBP does not track which travelers are heading to FIFA games and cannot comment on individual cases.

What affected travelers can do

Anyone who does not qualify for an ESTA must apply for a US visa, though this can be a lengthy process. UK citizens with certain criminal convictions or immigration issues are generally not eligible for the ESTA program.

In December 2025, the White House announced plans to add social media checks to the ESTA application process.

BBC Scotland News has approached the US Embassy in London and the US Customs and Border Protection for further comment.