The Scottish Secretary has confirmed that he is actively engaging with US authorities on behalf of Scottish football fans who have been denied entry to America for the World Cup. Douglas Alexander pledged that the UK Government is working to resolve cases where fans had their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permits revoked, just days before Scotland's opening match against Haiti in Boston.
ESTA Issues for Scotland Fans
An ESTA is typically required for UK citizens traveling to the US without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Some members of the Tartan Army reported last-minute revocations, forcing them to seek emergency appointments at the US Embassy in London.
Mr Alexander stated that he has spoken with the British ambassador to the United States, who is coordinating with US authorities. He said: "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." He added: "I have also spoken to the British ambassador to the United States today, who is in touch with the US authorities. Of course, visa and entry requirements are a matter for the United States, but I can assure fans that I am making representations on behalf of those affected to ensure their cases are resolved as quickly as possible."
Thousands of Fans Affected
While thousands of Tartan Army members have successfully navigated the US visa system, the recent revocations have caused distress. Mr Alexander noted: "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."
Last week, the BBC reported that acting assistant secretary of homeland security Lauren Bis attributed the tightening of ESTAs to "the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws." She explained that "under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases. Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history." She warned that "failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation" and could lead to "ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent bar from entering the United States."
The UK Government continues to work with US counterparts to expedite resolutions for affected fans.
