Ivan Ralph, a 57-year-old lawyer from Edinburgh, was devastated to discover that his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was revoked at the last minute, despite having traveled to the United States three times in the past year. His World Cup plans are now in jeopardy, and he is scrambling to obtain a criminal record check and a full visa.
Previous US Trips on Same ESTA
Ivan successfully traveled to Boston last summer, where he enjoyed a pint in his Scotland jersey. He also attended the Ryder Cup and the Masters in April this year, all without any issues at immigration. Now, as a member of the Tartan Army traveling support, his presence in the US has suddenly been viewed negatively.
Ivan said: 'I would have to say I was pretty upset when I saw that my ESTA status was suddenly changed to not authorised, given the fact I’ve travelled to America three times in the past year. It makes no sense.'
Impact on World Cup Plans
Ivan has spent tens of thousands of pounds on business class flights and World Cup tickets. He is supposed to host a table at a charity event in Boston this weekend, which he will now miss. His son Archie, 21, and daughter Katy, 32, will head to Boston ahead of him, hoping he can join them later.
Ivan suspects a historic motoring offence may be behind the last-gasp change of status and wonders if the World Cup has brought a higher level of screening. He has managed to arrange a visa interview in Belfast on Friday, but he must first receive an ACRO criminal background check. If granted, he will need to decide whether to collect his passport in Belfast or wait for it by post.
Other Fans Affected
Ivan is not alone. Other Tartan Army members have reported similar nightmares, with their ESTA status changed to pending or not authorised despite having no criminal record. It is believed that Donald Trump's tightening of borders may have led to stricter checks, with no exceptions for World Cup attendees.
US immigration rules require travellers to declare any previous convictions that caused harm to persons or property. Visa applications also refer to actions of moral turpitude, which might call into question honesty. Fans have not received explanations from US embassy officials and are simply told to apply for a visa interview.
Kenny Smith, a security firm boss from Inverness, shares Ivan's despair. His ESTA was withdrawn too late for him to make his flight on Thursday. The Daily Record has asked the US Embassy for comment but has received no response.
Ivan remains determined: 'I have follow my team tickets, so I will be three to the end and I’ll be hoping Scotland keep the dream going as long as possible.'
