Burkina Faso Scraps Visa Fees For All African Nationals
The government of Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African nationals, in what it described as a bold step to strengthen Pan-African solidarity and boost the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
The country’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed the policy shift on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by the 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.
He, however, clarified that while visa charges have been abolished, prospective travellers must still complete an online application before gaining entry.
Citizens of West African countries already enjoy visa-free entry into Burkina Faso, but the new policy extends the privilege to all Africans at a time the nation’s relationship with the Economic Community of West African States remains uncertain.
Earlier this year, Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, withdrew from ECOWAS, raising fears of tighter borders and restricted mobility within the region.
With the latest development, the Sahelian country joins Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya in opening its borders wider to fellow Africans in line with the African Union’s push for continental integration.
According to a statement from the junta’s information service, the policy will “help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, while improving the country’s visibility abroad.”
Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has repeatedly projected himself as a Pan-Africanist leader, openly critical of colonial influence and Western dominance. His stance has boosted his popularity across Africa, particularly on social media.
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