TL;DR
Dozens of UK citizens have reported their US ESTA travel authorisations being changed from approved to not authorised in the days before planned flights, including Scotland fans heading to the World Cup. The two practical routes are (a) book a B1 or B2 visa interview at the US Embassy in London or the consulate in Belfast, or (b) cancel the trip and pursue refund and travel insurance routes. ESTA decisions cannot be appealed.
Last reviewed: 5 June 2026
A growing number of UK citizens have reported that their US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) status has changed from approved to "travel not authorised" in the days immediately before planned trips. Cases reported to BBC Scotland News include Scotland football fans due to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some of whom face sunk travel costs in the thousands of pounds.
Key Facts
- Visa Waiver Programme status: UK is a participating country
- ESTA application fee: $40
- Maximum stay under ESTA: 90 days
- ESTA validity once approved: typically 2 years
- Appeal route for ESTA refusal: none, apply for a B1 or B2 visa instead
- UK embassy options: US Embassy London, US Consulate Belfast
- Visa appointment wait: variable, can run to weeks
What an ESTA revocation means
An ESTA is an authorisation to travel, not a visa. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can update an ESTA status at any point, including after approval and before travel. A status change to "travel not authorised" means the traveller cannot board a flight to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.
There is no formal appeal route against an ESTA decision. A traveller in this position must either apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa via the US Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast, or postpone the trip.
Booking a B1 or B2 visa interview
Visa appointments are arranged through the US Embassy and Consulate booking system. The non-immigrant visa application fee is $185, payable in addition to the ESTA fee already paid. An in-person interview is normally required. Waiting times vary and can extend to several weeks depending on demand.
Travellers should bring proof of intended return to the UK, evidence of ties (employment, family, property), proof of funds, and full travel itinerary including any non-refundable bookings.
What about money already spent on flights and hotels
Flights booked through a UK airline or travel agent may be eligible for refund or rebooking depending on the carrier’s policy. Card chargeback under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may apply where the travel was paid by credit card and the trip cannot proceed.
Travel insurance policies vary widely on cover for visa or entry refusal. The policy wording is the determining document. Travellers should request a written explanation of cover from the insurer before submitting a claim.
Practical next steps
Travellers who receive an ESTA status downgrade should: (a) screenshot the status notification immediately, (b) apply for a B1 or B2 visa appointment without delay, (c) contact the airline and accommodation providers in writing to ask about flexibility, and (d) review the travel insurance policy wording for visa refusal cover.
Editor’s note: Affected travellers should act quickly. Embassy interview slots fill in periods of high demand, and refund windows on flights and hotels are time-limited. Keeping a written record of every status change and provider response is essential for any later refund or insurance claim.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not constitute legal, immigration or financial advice. Travellers affected by an ESTA decision should consult the official guidance at travel.state.gov, the US Embassy in London, or an authorised immigration adviser before taking action.
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal an ESTA refusal or cancellation?
No. ESTA decisions cannot be appealed. The route forward is to apply for a non-immigrant visa, normally a B1 for business or a B2 for tourism, through the US Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast.
How much does the US visa cost?
The non-immigrant visa application fee is $185, payable to the US Embassy and Consulate. This is in addition to the $40 ESTA fee already paid.
Will my travel insurance cover the loss?
It depends on the policy wording. Some travel insurance policies include cover for entry refusal or visa issues, others exclude it. Request a written cover position from the insurer before submitting a claim.
Can I claim against the airline if I cannot fly?
Refund rights depend on the carrier’s terms and conditions and the fare type purchased. Card chargeback under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply where the trip was paid by credit card and the travel cannot proceed.
Sources
- US Customs and Border Protection, Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (cbp.gov)
- US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom (uk.usembassy.gov)
- BBC Scotland News, ESTA cancellation reports, 4 June 2026
- Consumer Credit Act 1974, Section 75 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, US travel advice (gov.uk)
