US Visa Delays Threaten Miss Universe Zimbabwe’s Trip to Puerto Rico

Race against time for Roseanna Hall amid visa restriction hurdle

By Farayi Machamire

11 Nov 2026

Roseanna Hall

HARARE — Miss Universe Zimbabwe Roseanna Hall is facing uncertainty over her participation in the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico after difficulties obtaining a US visa disrupted her scheduled departure.

Hall, who has been in South Africa for the past week, was expected to travel Wednesday to join contestants from around the world but has been unable to proceed with her journey because of unresolved visa issues.

In a video message posted on Instagram, Hall said she remained determined to represent Zimbabwe despite the setback.

“Today, I was meant to leave for Puerto Rico to represent Zimbabwe at the 75th Miss Universe. Unfortunately, American visa challenges have delayed that journey, but the fight is not over,” she said.

Hall linked the difficulties to US travel restrictions affecting Zimbabwe and several other countries, saying efforts were underway to secure the necessary travel authorisation.

She said other African contestants were experiencing similar problems, raising concerns about whether they would be able to participate in the international competition.

“I’m not alone in this predicament. I know some of my African sisters who have been facing the same challenges and I know exactly what they are going through, and I truly empathise with them,” Hall said.

The Zimbabwean representative said government officials, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation, its board and other stakeholders were working to resolve the matter.

She thanked those involved in the discussions and Zimbabweans who had supported her preparations for the competition.

Hall said she had spent months preparing for the pageant and was unwilling to abandon her ambitions because of the travel complications.

“After all the hard work and preparations that I have put in over the past months, I will not give up,” she said.

The delay comes as contestants prepare to gather in Puerto Rico for the international event, leaving uncertainty over whether Hall will obtain the necessary documents in time.

Hall has not disclosed when a decision on her visa application is expected but said she would provide another update in the coming days.

For Zimbabwe, the uncertainty means its participation in the competition remains dependent on the outcome of the visa process.

Zimbabwe is among countries affected by US travel restrictions introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration in June 2025, with Zimbabwean nationals facing a partial suspension of entry into the United States under certain visa categories.

The restrictions primarily affect immigrant visas and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F and M student and J exchange visitor visas, subject to specified exemptions.

The measures have complicated travel arrangements for some Zimbabweans seeking to visit the United States, although eligibility depends on the visa category, individual circumstances and applicable exemptions.