World Cup hit by visa row

Some supporters heading to the Caribbean for next year's World Cup have reacted angrily to what they claim is an overt attempt to rip off tourists with the introduction of special visa requirements for the period January to May.

While the nationals of some countries taking part will be exempt - the UK, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and Netherlands for example - those traveling to the tournament from others places - such as Australia, New Zealand, India and Pakistan - will need to apply for the special Caricom visa which will cost US$100.

Officially, the idea behind the visa is to enable local border controls to be waived during the event and also to try to ensure that security is maintained at a high level.

Officials stated that visa application centres would be set up in London, Toronto , New York, Miami, New Delhi and Sydney. In addition, those who need visas and who were already in CARICOM states may apply directly to the special visa sites locally. They added that it was hoped to process all applications within three weeks.

However, critics are quick to point out that the move adds to already vastly inflated prices in the region as businesses look to cash-in on the seven-week tournament. In Australia, fans have lambasted what they called a cash grab. Tour operators, whose clients have paid thousands of dollars each to go to the Caribbean, are said to have been inundated with calls from angry customers.