African Miss Universe candidates face difficulties obtaining an American visa and could be left out of the competition

The problem is related to travel restrictions imposed by the Donald Trump government on African countries.

One of those affected is Roseanna Hall, representative of Zimbabwe. She has not yet obtained a visa to travel to American territory and is in South Africa, where she is trying to obtain authorization.

In a video published on social media, the model said that she has been negotiating with the authorities to be able to participate in the competition.

"Today is the day I was supposed to leave for Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of Miss Universe. But unfortunately, due to the partial ban on Zimbabwe and other nations by the United States, we have made several attempts to get my visa approved," says the model.

"The government of Zimbabwe, citizens, stakeholders, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organization and board have worked tirelessly with me to try to get this visa approved, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts thus far," he continues.

The candidate said that she is not the only one in this situation and that other African representatives face the same problem. Miss Universe South Sudan, Amylia Deng, also expressed uncertainty about her participation.

Zambia's representative, Pamela Mubanga, 25, has already withdrawn from the competition due to difficulties in obtaining a visa. In a statement, the Miss Universe organization in the country stated that the decision was a consequence of travel restrictions imposed by the United States, and not individual documentation or organizational problems.

According to the statement, five other African countries also face similar difficulties, but were not identified.

The restrictions are provided for in Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed by Trump and in force since January 1, 2026. The measure establishes limitations on the entry of citizens of 39 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority documents. Zimbabwe and Zambia are on the list.

For countries subject to restrictions, the order suspends the issuance of visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas, in addition to imposing limitations on other categories of non-immigrant visas.

The candidates began arriving in Puerto Rico on November 8 to participate in preparatory activities, such as registrations, rehearsals and clothing fittings. The proximity of the competition increases the pressure on participants who are still awaiting authorization to travel.

The final of the 75th edition of Miss Universe is scheduled for November 24, at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, in San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico.