From BBC News · · 1m 10s
African beauty queens blocked by US visa rules
Miss Universe contestants from Africa cannot travel to Puerto Rico for the pageant because of US travel restrictions on their countries.
In brief
Miss Universe contestants from Africa cannot travel to Puerto Rico for the pageant because of US travel restrictions on their countries. African Miss Universe contestants face visa denials under US travel restrictions, forcing some to withdraw from the pageant in Puerto Rico. Originally reported by BBC News.
Zimbabwe's contestant stuck without visa
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Roseanna Hall cannot travel to Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of the pageant on 24 November because she has not obtained a US visa.
“We have been back and forth, trying to get my visa approved”
Zambia withdraws its representative entirely
Zambia has withdrawn its representative Pamela Mubanga, crowned Miss Universe Zambia on 8 October, from the competition because of US travel restrictions.
Nineteen countries face partial US restrictions
Zimbabwe is among nineteen countries subject to partial US travel restrictions introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on 1 January 2026.
The restrictions block multiple visa categories
The measures suspend visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas to nationals of affected countries, and impose restrictions on other non-immigrant visa categories.
Other African contestants also in limbo
Miss Universe South Sudan expressed uncertainty about participation, saying it is fifty-fifty whether she will make it. Five other African countries face similar difficulties.
“It is 50/50 whether we will make it, Miss Universe”
What matters most
African Miss Universe contestants face visa denials under US travel restrictions, forcing some to withdraw from the pageant in Puerto Rico.
