Zambia withdraws Miss Universe contestant over US travel restrictions

Zambia withdrew its representative from the Miss Universe pageant over US travel restrictions, while Miss Zimbabwe is still awaiting a visa ahead of the final scheduled for November 24 in Puerto Rico.

Hilal Times Editorial DeskNovember 13, 2026, 06:37 PMUpdated: November 13, 2026, 07:03 PM

Zambia withdraws Miss Universe contestant over US travel restrictions

Travel restrictions imposed by the United States threaten the participation of several African contestants in the 75th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, whose winner will be crowned in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, on November 24.

The Miss Universe Zambia Organization announced the withdrawal of its representative, Pamela Mubanga, 25, a nurse who was crowned on October 8. It said her situation was linked to a US presidential decision restricting travel from Zambia and other African countries, adding that five other African countries face similar difficulties, according to the BBC.

Miss Zimbabwe Rosanna Hall after being crowned

“I am not alone in this predicament”

Miss Zimbabwe Rosanna Hall, who spent weeks in South Africa trying to obtain a visa, said in an Instagram video: “I am not alone in this predicament; some of my African sisters are facing the same situation.” Miss South Sudan said her chances of participating were “50 percent.”

Zimbabwe is among 19 countries subject to partial restrictions under US Presidential Proclamation No. 10998, in force since January 1, 2026, which suspends the issuance of visitor, study, exchange and immigrant visas to citizens of the countries covered. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, the contestants need a US visa to enter it.

Photos: BBC, Wikimedia