Two African women who won their national titles will miss Miss Universe 2026 after they could not secure visas for the trip to Puerto Rico. Two more delegates from the continent still do not know whether they will make it to the stage.

Pageant organizers in Zambia and the Republic of Congo have pulled their representatives from this year's competition, The Associated Press reported. The contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan are still waiting on approval as the event gets underway.

The roadblock is U.S. entry policy. Because Puerto Rico is an American territory, every contestant who flies in has to meet federal travel rules. The Trump administration's broad restrictions reach dozens of countries and many of them are African nations.

Crowns without a stage

Last December the administration added more countries to its restricted list, including Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also kept a complete ban on entry in place for citizens of the Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Zambia's organizers made no secret of their frustration when they confirmed that Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka would not compete. They said she "earned her crown" and "deserves the opportunity to represent the nation she proudly serves."

The blow lands hardest in the Republic of Congo. Georgina Kambongo had become the first woman ever chosen to represent the Central African country at Miss Universe. Her national organizers said the U.S. rules are the only reason she cannot travel.

'The fight is not over'

Zimbabwe's Roseanna Hall is not ready to give up her spot. In a post on social media she said American visa problems had held up her trip but insisted "the fight is not over." After months of getting ready she said she is leaning on her faith to carry her through.

South Sudan's Adut Deng is stuck in the same limbo. Organizers there said her place in the pageant remains in doubt even after months of work to line up the documents and approvals she needs. They said their country deserves to be seen and heard and that Deng carries the hopes and resilience of her people.

The gaps are hard to overlook at a pageant that promotes itself as a showcase for the whole world. Black women from across Africa have long used the Miss Universe spotlight to lift up their home countries. This year travel policy is deciding who gets that chance.

What comes next

Up to 120 women are expected to compete in the 75th edition of the pageant. Delegates began landing in Puerto Rico on Sunday to start rehearsals. The national costume show is scheduled for Nov. 21 and the following day brings the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. The new Miss Universe will be crowned on Nov. 24.