African Miss Universe Contestants Face Visa Delays

Several contestants from the African continent, including Zimbabwe's representative, are facing the possibility of missing the upcoming international beauty pageant in Puerto Rico due to ongoing difficulties in obtaining travel documentation. Roseanna Hall, who holds the title of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, is among those affected as she attempts to secure a US visa to attend the 75th edition of the competition. Contestants have already begun gathering in Puerto Rico for early registrations, fittings, and preparatory events ahead of the grand finale scheduled for November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.

In a video shared on her social media channels, Hall detailed her struggles, explaining that she has spent the last few weeks based in South Africa while trying to get her paperwork cleared. She noted that she shares her concerns with several other peers from the continent who are experiencing similar obstacles. The representative for South Sudan also voiced uncertainty regarding her participation, indicating a fifty-fifty chance of making it to the event. Meanwhile, Zambia has officially withdrawn its delegate, Pamela Mubanga, from the competition entirely due to the travel measures.

Strict US visa rules threaten the participation of African beauty queens at the international pageant.

According to statements from the organization in Zambia, Mubanga's withdrawal stems directly from international travel measures rather than any personal or organizational shortcomings. Zimbabwe is one of nineteen nations impacted by partial travel restrictions established under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which came into force at the start of 2026. These measures suspend visitor, student, exchange, and immigrant visas for nationals of targeted territories while also placing limits on additional non-immigrant categories.

Mubanga, a twenty-five-year-old registered nurse who won her national crown in October, will no longer travel to the territory. The Zambian organization noted that at least five other nations across Africa are encountering comparable hurdles, though they were not publicly identified. Despite the setbacks, Hall remains hopeful about her prospects, maintaining her efforts to reach Puerto Rico as pre-pageant activities continue to unfold.

Why it matters

Hall has been seeking a US visa in South Africa as other African beauty queens face similar hurdles. The enforcement of these travel restrictions highlights how regulatory measures can directly impact cultural representation and participation in major global events.