Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026, Roseanna Hall, has been stuck in South Africa for a week due to US visa restrictions. Her plans to travel to Puerto Rico for the 75th Miss Universe pageant have been delayed. The pageant's coronation night is scheduled for November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan. Contestants were set to arrive on November 8 for registration and fittings.
The 34-year-old beauty queen explained in an Instagram video that she was unable to depart due to visa restrictions under a US presidential travel proclamation. The US restrictions, which went into effect on January 1, introduced visa and entry limitations for citizens of Zimbabwe and several other countries. Hall noted that she was not the only delegate affected by the policy.
Miss Universe Zambia, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, recently announced that she would also miss this year's competition due to the travel restrictions. Hall expressed empathy for her fellow African contestants facing similar challenges. She assured her supporters that stakeholders were working hard to resolve the issue and obtain her visa.
The Zimbabwean government, private individuals, and key stakeholders, including the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation and board, have been working tirelessly to help get Hall's visa approved. She expressed gratitude for their efforts and encouraged her fans to remain hopeful. Hall promised to provide updates regarding the matter.
Despite the setback after months of preparation, Hall remains determined to participate in the pageant. She expressed confidence that her situation would be resolved, citing her faith and the support of her fans. The Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation and board have been instrumental in trying to secure her visa.
The US visa restrictions have affected several African countries, including Zimbabwe, under Presidential Proclamation 10998. Hall's situation highlights the challenges faced by contestants from countries with restricted travel to the United States. Her experience has garnered sympathy and support from fans and fellow contestants.
Hall's ordeal has sparked a show of support from her fans, who have rallied behind her throughout this journey. She thanked them for their encouragement and continued to push for a resolution to her situation. The outcome remains uncertain, but Hall's determination and the efforts of her supporters and stakeholders continue.
Key points
- US visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998 have delayed Roseanna Hall's travel to the 75th Miss Universe pageant.
- Hall is not the only African contestant affected, with Miss Universe Zambia also withdrawing due to the restrictions.
- Stakeholders, including the Zimbabwean government and the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation, are working to resolve Hall's visa issue.
