Roseanna Hall is not the only African contestant to be affected by US visa restrictions
Several African beauty queens risk missing the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico due to difficulties obtaining travel permits amid United States immigration restrictions.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Roseanna Hall, is among those affected, raising concerns over her participation in the international event, where the next winner is expected to be announced on November 24.
Hall disclosed on Instagram that efforts to obtain approval from American authorities had involved repeated attempts, leaving her uncertain about travelling for the ceremony.
She was scheduled to depart for the Caribbean island on the day she made the announcement but had yet to receive the necessary documentation.
Zambia has already pulled out its candidate, Pamela Mubanga, following challenges arising from Washington’s restrictions on travellers from certain nations.
Mubanga, 25, who works as a registered nurse, earned the national crown on October 8 and was expected to compete against representatives from other parts of the world.
According to a statement from the Miss Universe Zambia organisation, her withdrawal was directly connected to government-imposed entry limitations rather than personal visa complications or administrative shortcomings.
The statement further indicated that five additional African nations were experiencing comparable difficulties, although their identities were not disclosed.
Zimbabwe is among 19 countries affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998, which came into force on January 1, 2026.
The directive limits access to visitor, educational, exchange and immigrant visas for citizens of the listed states, alongside restrictions covering other temporary travel categories.
Hall revealed that she had spent several weeks in South Africa pursuing the necessary clearance, while expressing solidarity with fellow African participants confronting similar obstacles.
The South Sudanese delegate has also voiced doubts about her ability to attend, suggesting that her chances of making the trip remained uncertain.
Despite the setbacks, Hall has maintained hope of securing authorisation, insisting that her campaign to represent Zimbabwe at the global showcase was continuing.
Contestants started arriving in Puerto Rico on November 8 for registration, wardrobe preparations and preliminary engagements ahead of the grand finale.
The concluding ceremony is scheduled to take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong