Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha, is preparing for an emotional reunion with his mother in Miami, Florida, ahead of his nation's crucial World Cup fixture against Uruguay this Sunday. The development comes after his mother, Ana Candida Evora, confirmed that arrangements have been successfully made for her to travel to the United States. Vozinha, aged 40, had openly shared his disappointment following his man-of-the-match performance against Spain, stating that his mother had been unable to attend the tournament due to the significant cost associated with obtaining a US visa.
The breakthrough in Ms. Evora's travel plans was announced by US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He stated that all visa fees had been waived, consistent with official policy, and that travel arrangements were now being finalised for the mother and son to reunite. Mr. Jeffries emphasised the sentiment behind the decision, posting on social media that "No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history." He credited a collaborative effort between Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cape Verde, and FIFA for making the reunion possible.
Ms. Evora, speaking from her home in Sao Vicente, expressed her immense happiness at the unexpected turn of events. "I'm very happy," she told reporters, adding, "This is happening so fast, but I'm quite happy anyway. I'm going to see my son playing in the World Cup, God willing. I'm going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I'm going to give him a hug after the game." A US State Department official later confirmed that their visa team in Praia was in close contact with her, providing the necessary services.
The issue of visa costs has been a notable barrier for some fans and family members attending the World Cup in the US. Cape Verde is among five countries whose citizens are typically required by the US government to pay a refundable visa deposit, reportedly around £11,000. However, an exemption was introduced in May for fans holding valid match tickets. Vozinha's heartfelt comments after the goalless draw against Spain, where he spoke of crying for his late grandparents and his mother's absence due to visa expenses, resonated widely and contributed to the public attention on his family's situation.
Vozinha, who plays club football for Chaves in Portugal's second tier, has become a cult hero following his stellar performance against Spain, which saw him attract millions of new followers on social media. His journey to the World Cup is particularly poignant, having started professional football relatively late at the age of 25. At 40 years and 12 days, he also became the oldest player to feature in a nation's debut World Cup match. Cape Verde will face Uruguay on 21st June, followed by Saudi Arabia on 27th June in Group H.
For UK travellers considering a trip to the United States, the visa process can vary. Most British citizens can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days, provided they have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) approval. An ESTA application costs $21 (approximately £16.50) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires. It's crucial to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before travel, though earlier is always advisable. For those ineligible for the VWP, a visa application through the US Embassy or Consulate is required, which can be a more lengthy and costly process. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises all travellers to check the latest entry requirements well in advance of their trip and to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any potential sports activities.
Source: BBC