Zimbabweans seeking US visas face delays at South Africa consulate, pageant case shows

Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Roseanna Hall, remains stuck in South Africa after a delay in the issue of the visa she needs to travel to Puerto Rico for the global pageant. She was due to fly out on Sunday but was still in South Africa at the time of publication, with the US consulate in the neighbouring country holding up her application.

Key facts

• Who: Roseanna Hall, Miss Universe Zimbabwe, travelling to the 75th Miss Universe pageant.
• Problem: Her US visa was delayed by the US consulate in South Africa.
• Destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Miss Universe 2026.
• Arrival window: Participants are expected to arrive between 7 and 10 November.
• Grand finale: 24 November.
• Reason given: A partial US travel ban covering Zimbabwe and other African nations, linked to visa overstay rates.

What happened?

Hall had been due to travel to Puerto Rico on Sunday but has spent the past week in South Africa while her visa application went "back and forth", she said in a post on her social media accounts. As of publication she had not left for Puerto Rico.

Why was the visa delayed?

Hall linked the problem to "the partial ban on Zimbabwe and other nations by the United States". The report states that Zimbabwe is among the African countries subject to a partial travel ban to the United States because of a high rate of visa overstay. The report does not give further details of the ban, such as which other countries it covers, which visa categories it affects or how long applications take.

Hall said other African contestants have faced similar difficulties. She also said the Zimbabwean government, individuals, stakeholders and the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation and board have been working to get her visa approved.

When does the pageant take place?

Miss Universe 2026 is being held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with participants expected to arrive between 7 and 10 November. Several events take place before the grand finale on 24 November. Hall is aiming to improve on the top-30 finishes of Sakhile Dube and Lyshanda Moyas at the 2024 and 2025 editions.

What this means for travellers

The case points to possible delays for Zimbabwean passport holders applying for US visas through South Africa, with the partial travel ban cited as the reason. Travellers in a similar position may want to allow extra time for a US visa application and confirm their own situation with the relevant consulate before booking flights. The report gives no processing times, fees or application details.

No confirmation has been given on when Hall's visa will be approved or whether she will reach Puerto Rico before the events leading up to the 24 November finale.