African Miss Universe contestants face growing uncertainty as United States visa restrictions threaten their participation in the 2026 international beauty competition.

The restrictions have already affected representatives from several African countries. Consequently, some contestants now face difficult decisions about travelling to the event.

Zimbabwe’s representative, Roseanna Hall, currently lacks a United States visa. Her situation raises questions about whether she can compete in this year’s pageant.

Zambia has taken a different approach. The country withdrew its representative, Pamela Mubanga, a 25-year-old registered nurse.

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s contestant remains uncertain about her participation. She described her chances of attending as “50/50.”

Why African Miss Universe Contestants Face Travel Restrictions

The uncertainty connects to Presidential Proclamation 10998, which introduced new United States entry restrictions. The proclamation took effect on January 1, 2026.

It affects nationals from 19 countries, including Zimbabwe and Zambia. These restrictions have created additional travel challenges for contestants hoping to attend the competition.

For beauty queens who spend months preparing, the situation creates more than a travel inconvenience. It threatens opportunities to represent their countries internationally.

The Miss Universe competition attracts global attention through fashion, cultural representation, public speaking, and personal advocacy. Therefore, missing the event can affect a contestant’s visibility and professional opportunities.

Zambia Withdraws Pamela Mubanga

Zambia’s decision to withdraw Pamela Mubanga highlights the practical consequences of the restrictions. The 25-year-old registered nurse will not represent her country at the competition.

Her withdrawal also raises questions about how international pageants can support contestants facing travel barriers. After all, national selection alone cannot guarantee participation when visa restrictions interfere.

Zimbabwe’s Roseanna Hall faces a different challenge. She still hopes to participate, but her missing visa leaves her position uncertain.

South Sudan’s representative also faces an unresolved situation. Her “50/50” assessment reflects the uncertainty surrounding her potential journey to the competition.

When and Where Will the 2026 Miss Universe Final Take Place?

Organizers have scheduled the 2026 Miss Universe final for November 24. The event will take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Contestants began arriving on November 8 ahead of the final. However, visa restrictions continue to complicate participation for some African representatives.

Puerto Rico’s location within the United States creates an important travel consideration. Contestants who need United States entry authorization must address those requirements before travelling.

Fashion, Representation, and the Importance of Global Visibility

Miss Universe gives contestants an international platform to showcase their countries, personalities, and cultural identities. Fashion also plays an important role throughout the competition.

From national costumes to evening gowns, contestants use clothing to communicate heritage and individuality. These moments often create memorable highlights beyond the final results.

That connection between fashion and self-expression extends beyond beauty pageants. Readers who enjoy statement outfits and contemporary style can explore our collection.

For African Miss Universe contestants, participation means more than wearing a crown. It offers an opportunity to represent their communities before a worldwide audience.

As November 24 approaches, attention remains on the contestants facing visa uncertainty. Their situations also highlight how international travel policies can influence cultural and entertainment events.

African beauty queens preparing for the 75th Miss Universe competition are facing uncertainty as US travel restrictions threaten to disrupt their participation. Among those affected are representatives from Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Sudan, with some contestants still struggling to secure the necessary travel documents ahead of the international event in Puerto Rico.

The situation has placed several contestants under pressure, raising concerns about whether they will be able to represent their countries on one of the world’s biggest beauty pageant stages.

Roseanna Hall Fights to Represent Zimbabwe

Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Roseanna Hall, is among the contestants working to secure permission to travel to Puerto Rico. Despite preparing for the competition, she has yet to obtain the visa required for her journey.

In a video shared on Instagram, Hall explained that she and her team had been making repeated efforts to get her visa approved. She also revealed that she had spent several weeks in South Africa while trying to resolve the situation.

Hall was expected to leave for Puerto Rico ahead of the pageant’s registration, fittings and other official activities. However, the delay has left her participation uncertain.

Still, she has continued to express hope that she will make it to the competition, sharing the message: “The fight to get Zimbabwe to Puerto Rico continues.”

Zambia Withdraws Its Representative

Zimbabwe is not the only country affected. Zambia has withdrawn its representative, Pamela Mubanga, from the competition because of the US travel restrictions.

Mubanga, a 25-year-old registered nurse, was crowned Miss Universe Zambia on October 8 and had been preparing to represent her country internationally.

In a statement, the Miss Universe Zambia organization explained that her situation was connected to the wider travel restrictions rather than an individual visa or documentation issue.

The organization also indicated that several other African countries were experiencing similar difficulties, although it did not identify them.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe South Sudan has also expressed uncertainty about her participation. Responding to Hall’s Instagram video, she described their chances of making it to Puerto Rico as uncertain.

How US Travel Restrictions Are Affecting Contestants

The difficulties are linked to Presidential Proclamation 10998, which introduced travel restrictions affecting nationals of several countries from January 1, 2026.

According to the report, Zimbabwe and Zambia are among the countries facing partial restrictions. The measures affect the issuance of several visa categories, including visitor, student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas.

For international beauty contestants, these restrictions create an additional challenge because participating in a competition abroad requires more than preparation, sponsorship and national selection. They must also meet the destination’s entry requirements.

What This Means for the 2026 Miss Universe Competition

The 75th Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the final set for November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum.

For contestants such as Hall, the uncertainty goes beyond missing a glamorous international event. It also affects their opportunity to represent their countries, showcase their cultures and connect with audiences around the world.

African representatives have continued to prepare despite the uncertainty. However, their participation will depend on whether the outstanding travel issues can be resolved in time.

Beyond the competition itself, these contestants represent the diversity, confidence and creativity that make international pageants significant cultural events. Their fashion choices, national costumes and stage presentations also bring global attention to African designers and emerging style trends.

At DeckByDean, readers can explore contemporary fashion inspiration and statement pieces that celebrate confidence and individuality. Discover styles for your own wardrobe when you visit our shop.

As the competition approaches, attention remains on whether the affected African contestants will be able to reach Puerto Rico and take their places on the Miss Universe stage.