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Zambia will not participate in the 75th edition of the Miss Universe competition after its reigning representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, was unable to secure the necessary travel authorisation because of United States restrictions affecting Zambian nationals.
The withdrawal has dealt a setback to the country’s hopes of showcasing its beauty, culture and national identity at one of the world’s biggest international beauty pageants. Hatyoka had earned the right to represent Zambia after winning the Miss Universe Zambia title on October 8, 2026.
The national pageant organisers confirmed that her absence was linked to the US government’s travel restrictions rather than personal documentation problems, inadequate preparation or any failure on her part.
The announcement comes as contestants from several African countries face difficulties travelling to Puerto Rico, where this year’s competition is taking place. The situation has raised questions about the impact of international visa policies on cultural events and opportunities for representatives from affected countries.
The announcement was made by the organisation responsible for Zambia’s national Miss Universe representation, which said it had made efforts to secure Hatyoka’s participation but could not overcome the restrictions. The organisers expressed disappointment that circumstances beyond the contestant’s control had prevented her from attending the international event.
They also made it clear that Hatyoka would retain her Miss Universe Zambia title until she has an opportunity to compete internationally. The decision is intended to recognise her achievement and ensure that the travel restrictions do not erase the success she earned through the national competition. MUVI TV+1
US travel restrictions behind Zambia’s withdrawal
The difficulty facing Hatyoka is connected to US Presidential Proclamation 10998, which introduced additional entry and visa restrictions affecting nationals of several countries from January 1, 2026.
The United States Department of State listed Zambia among 19 countries subject to partial suspension of visa issuance. The restrictions cover B-1 and B-2 visitor visas, F and M student visas, J exchange visitor visas, and immigrant visas, subject to specified exceptions.
Because the Miss Universe competition is being held in Puerto Rico, contestants travelling from countries affected by the restrictions must meet the applicable US immigration requirements.
The restrictions do not amount to a complete ban on every form of travel by Zambian nationals. However, the suspension of visitor visa issuance creates a significant obstacle for someone seeking to enter the United States for an international beauty competition.
The Zambian organisers said Hatyoka’s situation was not an ordinary case of an individual failing to satisfy visa documentation requirements. Instead, they attributed her inability to participate to the wider restrictions affecting nationals of her country. Travel State+1
The development illustrates how government immigration policies can affect individuals who have no direct involvement in the political or security considerations behind those decisions.
For Hatyoka, the consequences are particularly disappointing because she had already won the national title and completed preparations for an international appearance. Her absence means Zambia will miss an opportunity to participate in the 2026 competition through its reigning representative.
Who is Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka?
Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka is Zambia’s reigning Miss Universe representative who was selected to carry the country’s flag at the 75th edition of the international pageant.
She won the Miss Universe Zambia title on October 8, 2026, earning the opportunity to compete against representatives from other countries.
Hatyoka’s selection placed her at the centre of Zambia’s preparations for the international competition. As the national titleholder, she was expected to represent the country through the pageant’s different activities, including cultural presentations, preliminary events and the final contest.
The competition provides an international platform for contestants to introduce their countries to a global audience. Participants often use the opportunity to promote national culture, tourism, social causes and personal advocacy projects.
Hatyoka’s anticipated appearance was therefore significant beyond the competition itself. Her participation would have offered Zambia another opportunity to showcase its identity and tourism attractions to international audiences.
The organisers’ decision to allow her to retain the national title is an important part of their response to the setback. It means that her achievement remains recognised even though she will not compete in this year’s international edition.
The organisation has also expressed pride in her journey and encouraged her not to regard the missed opportunity as the end of her pageant career. MUVI TV+1
Other African countries face similar Miss Universe visa challenges
Zambia is not the only African country experiencing difficulties securing participation in the 2026 Miss Universe competition.
Zimbabwe’s representative, Roseanna Hall, has also faced challenges obtaining a US visa. Hall disclosed that she had spent several weeks trying to secure approval and had travelled to South Africa as part of her efforts to complete the process.
In a video shared on social media, she explained that she was still uncertain whether she would be able to travel to Puerto Rico for the competition.
Hall said she was not alone in the situation, adding that other African contestants were facing similar difficulties. The Miss Universe South Sudan account also expressed uncertainty about whether its representative would be able to attend.
The situation has placed pressure on contestants and national pageant organisers, particularly as the competition’s activities have already begun. Contestants were expected to arrive for registration, fittings and preliminary engagements before the final event.
According to reports published on November 13, representatives from several African countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola, have been affected by visa-related difficulties. Nepal and the Republic of the Congo have also been mentioned among countries facing travel complications. The Star+1
The challenges have created uncertainty for national organisations that have invested time and resources in preparing their representatives for the international event.
For contestants, missing the competition can mean losing an opportunity to gain international exposure, develop professional relationships and advance their careers in the beauty, fashion and entertainment industries.
Miss Universe 2026 faces wider withdrawals and controversies
The visa difficulties involving African contestants form part of wider disruptions affecting the 75th Miss Universe competition.
Reports indicate that approximately 15 countries have withdrawn or will be unable to participate for different reasons, including travel restrictions, franchise disputes and personal circumstances.
Six Southeast Asian countries, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore, have also been affected by a separate dispute involving national franchise rights.
The Miss Universe Organisation reportedly declared contestants from those countries ineligible following disagreements over the authority to issue and manage national franchise agreements.
Other withdrawals have been linked to health and personal reasons. Miss Universe Austria Victoria Amerson announced her decision to withdraw, citing the need to prioritise her physical and mental health. Miss Universe Bulgaria Ana-Maria Babau also pulled out after sustaining injuries in a car accident.
The number of affected countries has attracted attention because the Miss Universe competition traditionally brings together contestants from different regions to compete on an international stage.
Despite the withdrawals, preparations for the final have continued in Puerto Rico. The disruptions, however, have raised questions about the organisation of this year’s event and the ability of national representatives to participate under different political, legal and administrative circumstances. IndulgExpress+1
Why Puerto Rico’s location matters
The 2026 Miss Universe competition is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a US territory in the Caribbean.
Although Puerto Rico has its own local government, it is under US sovereignty, and US federal immigration laws apply to international travellers entering the territory.
This is particularly relevant to contestants from countries affected by the latest American visa restrictions. Their ability to participate depends on obtaining the necessary travel authorisation under the applicable immigration rules.
The restrictions have therefore created difficulties for national pageant organisations seeking to send contestants to the event, even when the individuals concerned have successfully completed their national competitions.
The US government has defended its immigration measures as part of efforts to strengthen security screening and vetting procedures. However, their wider consequences extend beyond ordinary tourism and migration, affecting international education, cultural exchanges and events that depend on cross-border travel.
Zambia’s withdrawal highlights how such policies can influence participation in international competitions that are not directly connected to the political issues behind the restrictions.
Zambia’s decision to retain Hatyoka’s title
Despite the disappointment, the decision to retain Hatyoka as Miss Universe Zambia offers some reassurance about her future in the competition.
The organisers have maintained that she earned the crown and should not lose her title because of a travel restriction she cannot control.
They also acknowledged the support of Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and Ministry of Tourism during efforts to secure her participation.
The involvement of government institutions highlights the importance Zambia attached to having a representative at the international event. Beauty pageants can provide opportunities to promote tourism, cultural identity and the country’s creative industries.
Zambia is known internationally for attractions such as Victoria Falls, its wildlife destinations and diverse cultural traditions. An international pageant appearance could have offered another platform to introduce these attractions to viewers and audiences around the world.
Although Hatyoka will not be present at this year’s competition, the organisers’ decision to preserve her title leaves open the possibility of a future international appearance if the relevant travel circumstances change.
For now, Zambia’s absence is a disappointment for the contestant, the national pageant organisation and supporters who had anticipated seeing her compete.
The situation also highlights the difficulties that international travel restrictions can create for individuals who have earned opportunities through sporting, cultural and professional competitions.
As the Miss Universe 2026 competition continues in Puerto Rico, attention will remain on the countries affected by visa restrictions and other disputes. For Zambia, the immediate priority is supporting Hatyoka and ensuring that the achievement that earned her the national crown continues to be recognised.
