US visa problems keep Zambia and others out of Miss Universe 2026

The 75th edition of Miss Universe, under way in Puerto Rico, will be missing contestants from around 15 countries at its 24 November 2026 finale in San Juan. Visa problems, a franchise dispute, health issues and personal reasons have all taken entries out of the competition.

Zambian representative Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka reportedly did not obtain a US visa, and delegates from several other countries face similar difficulties or restrictions on travel to the United States.

Key facts

• Finale: 24 November 2026 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, San Juan
• Around 15 countries are said to be affected by withdrawals
• Six Southeast Asian delegates were ruled ineligible over a franchise dispute
• Five delegations — Nepal, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo — hit visa or travel difficulties
• US visa restrictions introduced in January 2026 are cited as a factor
• National costume presentation: 21 November; preliminaries: 22 November

Which delegations ran into visa problems?

Nepal, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo are among the delegations unable to take part because of visa difficulties or restrictions on travel to the United States.

Zambia's Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka reportedly could not secure a US visa. Zimbabwe's Roseanna Hall was still trying to obtain one after missing her scheduled departure. The US visa restrictions introduced in January 2026 have added to the challenges for contestants from some affected countries.

Why were six countries ruled ineligible?

Contestants from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore will not compete after a disagreement over the ownership and licensing of national Miss Universe franchises.

The Miss Universe Organization, through JKN Universe LLC, said in September that franchise agreements issued through Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. were invalid and that the company did not have the legal authority to use the Miss Universe brand. The organisation then declared the six countries' contestants ineligible for the 2026 competition.

Who withdrew for other reasons?

Miss Universe Austria Victoria Amerson withdrew, saying she needed to prioritise her mental and physical health. Miss Universe Bulgaria Ana-Maria Babau pulled out after being injured in a car accident, and Saint Martin's representative Madly Marian cited personal reasons.

Miss Universe Maldives Aminath Yuin Mohamed and Miss Universe Morocco Sara Allali also withdrew, with no specific reasons made public.

What this means for travellers

The only travel rules mentioned are the US visa restrictions introduced in January 2026 and individual visa refusals; the source does not explain which nationalities the restrictions cover, what type of visa is affected or how applications are assessed. Travellers from the countries named who are planning a trip to the United States should check the current entry requirements for their passport before making bookings.

The competition continues despite the withdrawals. The national costume presentation is scheduled for 21 November, the preliminary competition for 22 November and the final gala for 24 November, where reigning Miss Universe Fátima Bosch will crown her successor.