The government of Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African travellers, a move it says is aimed at strengthening regional integration, promoting tourism, and enhancing trade. The decision was disclosed on Thursday by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana following a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” Sana said, while clarifying that travellers will still be required to submit an online application for approval before entry. The minister described the initiative as a step toward dismantling barriers that hinder free movement across the continent.
Burkina Faso now joins countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya that have introduced friendlier entry policies for African nationals. Citizens of West African states already enjoyed visa-free travel to Burkina Faso under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, the country’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Niger, has raised questions about the future of such arrangements and made the new policy even more significant.
In a statement, the ruling junta’s information service explained that the waiver reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, noting that the measure is expected to boost tourism, promote Burkinabe culture, and improve the country’s global visibility. Officials hope the move will open opportunities for business and cultural exchange despite ongoing political and security challenges.
Since coming to power in a 2022 coup, Captain Traoré has styled himself as a Pan-Africanist leader advocating unity and independence from Western influence. However, critics argue that his government’s record on democratic freedoms remains poor and that worsening Islamist insurgencies continue to destabilize large parts of the country. Still, the new visa policy is being hailed by supporters as a bold step toward building stronger African solidarity.
