Scottish Fans Face Visa Issues Ahead of 2026 World Cup

A soccer enthusiast from Scotland finds himself unexpectedly blocked from traveling to the U.S. for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. This abrupt change occurred just days before he planned to witness Scotland’s return to the tournament stage after a long absence since 1998.

Kenny Smith’s Frustration

Kenny Smith, a musician and business owner based in Inverness, expressed his profound disappointment during an interview. For Smith, this was a rare chance, a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ that slipped through due to his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) status changing to ‘Travel Not Authorized.’

Initially approved for travel in November and valid until 2027, his ESTA was unexpectedly revoked. This sudden change forced him into ‘an urgent and costly visa application process.’ Smith is not alone; several other Scots share this predicament.

Hopes for a Welcome Reception

Smith voiced hopes that the U.S. would show hospitality to Scottish fans, noting President Donald Trump’s familial ties to Scotland. Smith’s family also has roots in Scotland’s Western Isles, leading to his belief that there might be some consideration.

Kenny Smith said, “Donald Trump has such a close connection to Scotland…I’d have thought maybe he’d want one of his cousins given special entry.”

Smith criticized the perceived lack of reciprocity, highlighting how Scotland has welcomed Americans, including Trump, warmly.

Visa Challenges for the Tartan Army

The “Tartan Army,” a nickname for Scottish fans, has faced similar travel restrictions. Reports suggest several were cut off from attending Scotland’s match against Haiti, which drew attention from Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney. He reached out to U.S. authorities, hoping for a resolution.

Michael Wright, another fan, shared his ordeal. His ESTA status shifted multiple times, and just an hour before departure, it switched to ‘travel not authorized.’

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Response

DHS guidelines indicate that ESTAs can be denied for various reasons, including past criminal records or previous overstays. The spokesperson mentioned heightened vetting under the Trump administration, requiring complete and truthful application details.

Smith, who claims no criminal history, encountered no explanation for his status change, incurring significant costs and stress. Attempts to secure a visa appointment succeeded only after intervention by his local Member of Parliament, scheduled now post-Scotland’s first game.

Smith’s estimated cost for this trip approaches £20,000, with non-refundable hotel and flight bookings adding to the financial burden. His travel insurance doesn’t cover visa issues, exacerbating the challenge.

Smith’s Call for Accountability

Smith contends that the U.S. should apologize publicly and consider reimbursement for fans inconvenienced by visa issues. He emphasized that while personally unruined, others might not fare as well.

Smith said, “Someone has to stand up and say, ‘It was our fault. We’re really sorry.’”

The Scottish government is actively addressing these issues alongside affected fans. Jamie Stone, Smith’s local MP, has been instrumental, bringing up the matter in Scotland’s parliamentary forum.

Stone commented on the need for swift resolution, highlighting the uniting power of sports and expressing optimism for cooperation among U.S., UK, and Scottish authorities to resolve the situation expediently.