Tartan Army stalwarts who were blocked from travelling to the USA by visa red tape were rejoicing last night after being fast-tracked for entry into the States.
The Daily Record championed the case of loyal fans like Kenny Smith, of Inverness, and Ivan Ralph, of Edinburgh, who were told at the last minute their Esta visa waivers were cancelled. The bombshell meant they were looking certain to miss the opening match against Haiti – or perhaps miss out altogether.
But after our stories revealed the outrageous treatment by immigration officials at the US Embassy, an “expedited” turnaround was put in place – and fans have thanked the Record for stepping in.
It is believed that direct contact was made by both John Swinney’s office and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander to the UK’s ambassador to the US, leading to emergency visas being added to passports within hours of interviews.
Fans have expressed joy at getting over to the World Cup – even if the hassle has cost them thousands of pounds in extra flight costs and trips to consulate offices in Belfast and London.
Kenny Smith’s relief
Security firm boss Kenny Smith, who also plays guitar with Scots folk rock band Torridon, said he was overjoyed at the fast-tracking. He had given up on his chances of making the trip.
Kenny – who spoke to the Record prior to boarding his transatlantic flight – said: “I’m still pinching myself that the visa was turned around so quickly after the horrible time I’ve had sorting out something that was totally avoidable. I’d needed an official police check and a visa interview and it looked like I was heading into next week, long after the Haiti game, if at all.”
After travelling to London to sort out the visa, Kenny was amazed to be handed it on the same day. He faced another blow after racing to Dublin only to miss his connection to Boston. But he still reckons he can get to the Haiti match in time.
He added: “The whole carry-on has probably cost me £2,500 plus a load of stress but I will soon forget that if I can get myself to a Boston bar with a cold pint in my hand.”
Kenny said the immigration official he spoke to was very apologetic and acknowledged that the problem could have been avoided.
He said: “I was led to believe that Douglas Alexander was involved with a direct phone call to the British Ambassador to the USA but my own MP Jamie Stone was also very helpful. The Daily Record also really boosted the cause and I hope that helped loads of other fans get over the World Cup too.”
Ivan Ralph’s joy
Ivan Ralph, who runs a law firm in Edinburgh, was also overjoyed at the quicker than expected turnaround after his own Esta was revoked at the last minute.
Ivan, 57, said: “I am truly elated at this and I confess that I had tears in my eyes when I was told that I would be getting the visa in time to fly over on Saturday in time for the match. I could have done without the drama but it looks like it will end well if I get to the Haiti match, which now looks very possible.”
Ivan had travelled to Belfast and handed over his passport during his visa interview. He said: “I asked if there was any slight possibility of getting it back on the day and they suggested it might happen. I took a trip into the city for a coffee and then decided to lurk around the Embassy. I soon got a phone call to say I was good to go and everything has seemed a lot rosier since then.”
Wider impact
It is believed that hundreds of fans were affected by the last minute cancellation of Esta visa waivers, which are meant to make the travel process for tourists easier. Donald Trump’s stiffer immigration controls are believed to have influenced the sudden change in status of Estas granted months earlier.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said on Thursday: “As soon as this issue became apparent last Monday I spoke to the Minister for North America, and we have initiated work across government to ensure we are doing everything we can to help. I have also spoken to the British Ambassador to the United States today, who is in touch with the US authorities.
“Thousands of members of the Tartan Army have gone through the US visa system successfully, but we will continue to work with the US authorities to help resolve this issue as quickly as possible. After 28 long years, it’s understandable why so many Scotland fans want to be able to cheer on Steve Clarke’s squad in person.”
