# 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.
- Title: African beauty queens blocked by US visa rules · BBC News
- Summary: Miss Universe contestants from Africa cannot travel to Puerto Rico for the pageant because of US travel restrictions on their countries.
- Keywords: miss universe, zimbabwe, zambia, south sudan, puerto rico, us visa restrictions, presidential proclamation 10998, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cklyw3neqg2wo
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: miss universe, zimbabwe, zambia, south sudan, puerto rico, us visa restrictions, presidential proclamation 10998, news, world
## 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Zambia has withdrawn its representative Pamela Mubanga, crowned Miss Universe Zambia on 8 October, from the competition because of US travel restrictions.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
## Key takeaway

African Miss Universe contestants face visa denials under US travel restrictions, forcing some to withdraw from the pageant in Puerto Rico.