US visa limits threaten African Miss Universe contestants ahead of Puerto Rico final

Withdrawals and missing visas

Two African contestants will miss this year's Miss Universe competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of US visa restrictions, according to reports from 13 November 2026. Zambia has withdrawn its representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, who is 25 and works as a registered nurse, after she failed to secure a visa. Representatives from the Republic of Congo have also withdrawn after failing to obtain visas. Zimbabwe's Roseanna Hall has not yet received a visa to enter the US territory.

“She earned her crown, she earned her title, and she deserves the opportunity to represent the nation she proudly serves.”

Travel restrictions behind the decision

The restrictions stem from Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on 1 January 2026 and places Zimbabwe among 19 countries under partial US travel restrictions. The measures suspend visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas for nationals of affected countries and limit other non-immigrant visas. Last December the administration expanded the restrictions to more countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe, while keeping a full suspension of entry for nationals of the Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Zambian organizers said Mubanga's situation was linked to the travel restriction rather than to documentation or personal circumstances, and said five other African countries faced similar difficulties without naming them.

Hall's fight for a visa

Hall said in a video posted on Instagram that she had been back and forth trying to get her visa approved. She had spent several weeks in South Africa trying to secure it. Her statement on social media was direct.

“American visa challenges have delayed that journey, but the fight is not over.”

Hall said she was not giving up and that she was not alone, since other African contestants face the same problem. Contestants began arriving in Puerto Rico on 8 November for registration, costume fittings and other pre-pageant activities.

South Sudan and the schedule ahead

In South Sudan, organizers said contestant Adut Deng's participation remained uncertain despite months of efforts to secure travel documents and approvals. Organizers put the chances of the contestant arriving at 50 percent. The competition's 75th edition is expected to attract up to 120 contestants. A national costume competition is scheduled for 21 November, followed by swimsuit and evening gown segments the next day. The winner will be crowned on 24 November.