ESTA problems saw boxer Tommy Fury denied entry to the U.S. for travel promotion over a fight against a YouTuber.
An ESTA, as explained by the U.S. Government, is needed for anyone traveling into the United States.
“ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
“Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions.
“ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.”
All those booking flights must be pre-approved. Once accepted, an ESTA lasts for two years.
Fury has had many over the years and is a frequent flyer to America,
However, on this occasion, Tyson Fury’s brother got stopped from entering the gate to fly for a press conference opposite a vlogger.
The ex-Love Island star was as shocked as anyone, having been in the country this year.
“I have no clue why they would not allow me to travel today, and neither does any of my team or my lawyer,” Fury pointed out.
“I’m trying to resolve it. I’m in the middle of training, guys. It was a massive shock to my team and me.
Tommy Fury denied entry.
“As soon as I entered the airport, I got pulled to one side. I was told by a Homeland Security officer that was there that my ESTA had been denied. I couldn’t travel to the USA for the reason that I apparently know.
“I’ve been training for a fight this whole time. That’s all I’ve been doing.
“I can stand here. I say I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong. And I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel to the USA,” he added.
His YouTube opponent’s team responded with their disappointment at the situation.
“Despite many assurances by Tommy Fury’s team that he was able to come to the U.S., and knowing that Tommy was in California just last month, we were surprised to learn that he had an issue at Heathrow Airport on Monday.
“As a result of circumstances out of our control, the scheduled press conference for Wednesday at MSG has been postponed.
“We are working with our partners at SHOWTIME and Madison Square Garden. We will share more information as soon as we are able.”
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
Editor of World Boxing News since 2010.
