- Presidential Proclamation 10998 took effect on 1 January 2026, partially suspending visas for 19 countries including Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Pamela Mubanga was crowned Miss Universe Zambia on 8 October and has since withdrawn from the competition due to US travel restrictions.
- Contestants began arriving in Puerto Rico on 8 November for pre-pageant activities, putting pressure on others to secure their visas.
- Roseanna Hall posted a video stating she was supposed to leave for Puerto Rico but was struggling to get her visa approved.
- Zambia officially withdrew Pamela Mubanga, citing US travel restrictions as the reason.
- Miss South Sudan, Amylia Deng, expressed uncertainty about her participation, stating it was '50/50'.
- The Miss Universe finals are scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Visa restrictions have caused significant challenges for contestants from affected countries, including Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Five other African countries are reportedly facing similar difficulties due to the same travel restrictions.
- Roseanna Hall mentioned that she is aware of other African competitors facing the same visa challenges.
African Miss Universe contestants are facing significant hurdles due to US visa restrictions, impacting their participation in the upcoming pageant.10
Zambia's Pamela Mubanga has officially withdrawn from the competition, citing travel restrictions imposed by the US government. The Miss Universe organization in Zambia confirmed that her withdrawal was due to these restrictions rather than personal issues.12347
Mubanga, crowned Miss Universe Zambia on October 8, was set to represent her country at the 75th edition of the pageant. The organization stated, “Unlike situations where a contestant's visa is denied due to personal circumstances, Mubanga's situation is linked to the United States' presidential travel restriction affecting Zambia and other African countries.”
Zimbabwe's Roseanna Hall is also struggling to secure her visa, stating, “We have been back and forth, trying to get my visa approved.” She expressed solidarity with other contestants facing similar challenges, noting, “I am not alone in this predicament.”612
South Sudan's Amylia Deng, who recently made history as her nation's first representative, described her chances of attending as “50/50.” She commented, “We’re in the same situation.” Contestants began arriving in Puerto Rico on November 8 for pre-pageant activities, intensifying the urgency for those still awaiting visa approval.58
The US travel restrictions, enacted under Presidential Proclamation 10998, have severely limited visa issuance for nationals from several African countries, complicating travel plans for contestants.
“Zimbabwe's Roseanna Hall said she has spent weeks in South Africa trying to get approval, and at least 15 contestants have pulled out overall, some due to visa issues and others for franchise or personal reasons. The Miss Universe organization in Zambia stressed Mubanga's withdrawal was a direct consequence of the travel ban, not her paperwork.”
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