Scotland Fans ESTA Cancelled Before World Cup 2026: What to Do and Financial Rights

## What is ESTA? ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. UK citizens travelling to the United States for tourism or short visits of up to 90 days without a visa must apply through ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme. An ESTA is typically valid for two years once approved. ESTA approval allows a traveller to board flights to the US, but it does not guarantee entry. US Customs and Border Protection retains final authority to admit or refuse passengers on arrival. ## What happened to Scotland fans? Multiple Scotland supporters reported that their ESTA status changed from "approved" to "travel not authorised" in early June 2026, with some changes occurring as late as 2 and 3 June. The changes happened with no explanation provided in the notifications. Affected fans had booked flights, accommodation and match tickets based on their approved ESTA status. Some reported potential losses of several thousand pounds in non-refundable bookings.

## What can affected fans do? Anyone whose ESTA has been revoked has the following options: **Apply for a US tourist visa (B-2):** This is a longer process requiring an in-person appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate. The nearest appointments for Scotland-based applicants were reported to be available in Belfast. Visa processing times vary but standard non-immigrant visa appointments in the UK currently have waiting times of several weeks, though emergency appointments may be available. **Contact the US Embassy:** The US Embassy in London is at 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US. The embassy can advise on emergency visa appointment availability. **Contact your travel insurer:** Check whether your policy covers ESTA revocation as a reason for cancellation. Most standard travel insurance policies cover cancellation due to visa refusal, though ESTA revocation may be treated differently - check the specific wording of your policy. **Contact your card provider:** Bookings made by credit card may have chargeback rights if the travel was cancelled due to circumstances beyond the traveller's control. This depends on the card provider and the terms of individual bookings. ## Insurance claims Travel insurance policies vary widely. Key questions to ask your insurer: - Does the policy cover visa or ESTA refusal as a cancellation reason? - Is there a time limit for notifying the insurer after the ESTA status change? - Does the policy cover non-refundable match tickets as well as flights and hotels? The Financial Ombudsman Service can adjudicate disputes between consumers and their travel insurers where an informal complaint has been rejected. Contact details: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk