A Scotland football supporter has revealed how he discovered just an hour before his flight to the United States for the World Cup finals that his travel authorisation had been suddenly revoked.
Michael Wright was set to travel with his brother for a 30th birthday trip to watch Scotland’s group stage matches against Haiti and Morocco, but his plans collapsed at Manchester Airport.
He explained that his travel status under the US visa waiver system changed abruptly from “approved” to “pending,” and then to “travel not authorised,” leaving him unable to board his flight while his brother proceeded alone.
Wright, originally from Greenock and currently based in Australia, said the situation left him devastated, adding that he had never experienced anything like it emotionally. He said he chose to let his brother continue the journey so he could still enjoy the tournament experience.
He also stated that he was not given a clear reason for the reversal and had received no explanation from US authorities regarding the change in his authorisation status.
UK travellers visiting the United States under the visa waiver programme must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is subject to continuous security and background checks.
Reports indicate that several football fans applying for ESTA ahead of the tournament have experienced last-minute changes in their application status, with some advised to seek emergency processing through US consulates.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney confirmed he had raised concerns with US officials and said efforts were being made to support affected supporters ahead of the tournament.
Wright, who emigrated to Australia several years ago, said he had originally applied for his ESTA months earlier and had travelled to the UK to prepare for the trip without expecting any issues.
He expressed frustration at the sudden reversal, saying he had maintained a clean immigration record and complied with all requirements during his time abroad.
US authorities have stated that ESTA approvals are continuously reviewed against security databases and that applicants must provide accurate information, including any relevant history, as part of the vetting process.
The unexpected cancellation left Wright facing significant financial losses from travel and accommodation arrangements, although he said he still intended to follow Scotland’s World Cup matches from abroad.
The incident has raised concern among travelling fans, as Scotland prepares to begin its World Cup campaign on 13 June.
