African representation at the 75th Miss Universe pageant has been thrown into uncertainty as US travel restrictions prevent contestants from some countries from travelling to the competition in Puerto Rico.
Zambia has withdrawn its representative, Pamela Mubanga, from the international contest, while contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan have expressed concerns about their participation because of difficulties securing US visas.
The Miss Universe Zambia organisation announced Mubanga's withdrawal, attributing the decision to US government travel restrictions affecting Zambia and other African countries.
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The 25-year-old registered nurse was crowned Miss Universe Zambia on October 8 and was expected to represent her country at the competition scheduled for November 24.
In a statement, the organisation clarified that her withdrawal was not caused by personal circumstances, documentation problems or organisational challenges.
“Unlike situations where a contestant’s visa is denied due to personal circumstances, documentation or organisational challenges, Mubanga’s situation is linked to the United States’ presidential travel restriction affecting Zambia and other African countries,” it said.
The organisation added that five other African countries were experiencing similar difficulties but did not identify them.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Roseanna Hall, is also uncertain about her participation after struggling to obtain a US visa.
Hall disclosed that she had spent several weeks in South Africa attempting to secure approval for her travel documents.
In a video shared on Instagram, she said she was supposed to have departed for Puerto Rico on the day she made the announcement.
“Officially, today is the day I was supposed to be leaving for Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of Miss Universe,” she said.
The Zimbabwean contestant also expressed solidarity with other African participants facing similar challenges.
“I am not alone in this predicament. Some of my African sisters are facing the same predicament, and I know exactly what they are going through,” she added.
The Miss Universe South Sudan representative also raised concerns about her country's participation, commenting on Hall's video: “It is 50/50 whether we will make it, Miss Universe.”
Zimbabwe is among 19 countries affected by partial US travel restrictions introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
The measures suspend the issuance of certain visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas to nationals of affected countries, while imposing restrictions on other non-immigrant visa categories.
The visa difficulties come as contestants arrive in Puerto Rico for registration, fittings and other activities ahead of the international competition.
The 75th Miss Universe pageant will take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the winner expected to be crowned on November 24.
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