US Visa Restrictions Leave African Miss Universe Contestants in Doubt, Zambia Withdraws Its Entrant

Because of US visa restrictions, representatives of several African countries, including Zimbabwe and South Sudan, face uncertainty over taking part in this year’s Miss Universe contest.

The BBC reported on Friday (November 13) that the winner of the 75th Miss Universe will be announced on November 24. Roseanna Hall was due to represent Zimbabwe at the contest, being held in Puerto Rico, a US territory. But she has still not received a visa to travel there.

In a video posted on Instagram, Roseanna Hall said, ‘We are trying again and again to get my visa approved.’ She said she was supposed to travel to Puerto Rico to take part in the 75th Miss Universe contest, but without a visa the journey has become uncertain.

Hall said she has been staying in South Africa for the past few weeks trying to obtain the visa. She said, ‘I am not alone in this situation. Many of my African sisters are facing the same problem. I understand what they are going through.’

Besides Hall, the representative of South Sudan is facing the same situation. Commenting on Roseanna’s video, the South Sudanese representative said their chances of taking part in the contest now stand at 50-50.

Contestants began arriving in Puerto Rico from November 8 to take part in registration, dress fittings and other preparatory activities.

Zimbabwe is one of 19 countries facing a partial travel ban under US Presidential Proclamation 10998. Under the restrictions, in force since January 1, 2026, the issuance of tourist, student and exchange programme visas and immigrant visas to citizens of the countries concerned has been suspended. Restrictions have also been imposed on other non-immigrant visas.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s representative, Pamela Mubanga, has been withdrawn from the contest because of the US travel ban. Mubanga, 25, a registered nurse by profession, was chosen as Miss Universe Zambia on October 8.

In a statement, the Miss Universe Zambia organisers said Mubanga could not take part not because of personal problems, missing paperwork or organisational complications, but because of the US presidential travel ban. The statement also said at least five African countries have faced the same kind of problem.

The final round of the contest will be held on November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.