A disabled woman who accidentally admitted to being a drug user faced missing a £7,000 cruise to America.
Claire Ward, who has tetraplegia, is due to visit New York on September 24 as part of a "holiday of a lifetime".
The 48-year-old's excitement for the trip turned to horror when the US Department of Homeland Security refused her Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, which is required for entry to the country.
She said: "I put my details in and never in a million years did I think it would be refused.
"It's a trip of a lifetime. Because of my disability it's most likely the last chance I'll get to go on holiday with my husband again."
Claire assumed her application was turned down because she was disabled, as she had ticked 'yes' to the question that reads: "Do you have a physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict; or do you have any of the following [communicable] diseases?"
Tetraplegia is a term that describes the inability to voluntarily move the upper and lower parts of the body.
Areas of impaired mobility typically include the fingers, hands, arms, chest, legs, feet, and toes.
ESTAs can also be turned down if an applicant has a criminal record or has travelled to countries including Libya, North Korea, and Iraq - neither of which apply to Claire.
After speaking to a representative from Princess Cruises - the company she is travelling with - she was told she should not have ticked the 'physical and mental disorder' box, given its second clause.
Thankfully the US authorities were understanding and granted her approval.
Claire, who uses a wheelchair, wants to raise awareness about the "confusing" wording, according to the Nottingham Post.
She said: "The ordeal has caused me a lot of upset. I read the question to the letter - I have a physical disorder. I thought I was going to lose £7,000."
Her partner and carer, Pete Klauzer, whose application was instantly accepted, said the ESTA process was not fit for purpose.
"You click one box and you are rejected," said the 55-year-old.
"The stress that comes from that - it was pretty bad. We paid a lot of money for the cruise and insurance.
"It's awful how much stress, upset and anxiety it caused. The wording on the website is obtuse, it doesn't reflect what they are really asking you.
"Basically, if you admit to having a disability, America will not let you in."
