Families and groups of football supporters are being priced out of attending this summer's World Cup in the US due to exorbitant travel costs. The tournament, which kicks off on 14 June, promises to be the most inaccessible World Cup in history, with fans facing spiraling costs for flights, accommodation, and travel documents.
According to a report by the World Cup's official travel partner, travel costs to the US for the World Cup are significantly higher than in previous tournaments. The average round-trip flight from the UK to the US is now over £1,200, a 20% increase from the same time last year. The cost of accommodation, including hotels and hostels, is also skyrocketing, with prices ranging from £80 to £200 per night.
Furthermore, the costs of travel documents, including passports and visas, are also adding to the financial burden. A new US visa policy has been introduced, which requires fans to pay a £130 fee for a visa, in addition to the standard passport renewal fee.
UK fans are being forced to pay a hefty price to attend the tournament, with many being priced out of the event altogether. 'It's the most inaccessible World Cup there's ever been,' said a spokesperson for UKPulse Media. 'Many fans are being forced to choose between attending the World Cup or paying their mortgage.'
US authorities have confirmed that they are working to reduce the costs associated with attending the World Cup, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to make the tournament more accessible to UK fans.
In the meantime, families and groups of supporters are being forced to think creatively about how to attend the tournament, with many opting for alternative travel arrangements, such as flying into nearby cities or relying on package deals.