Burkina Faso removes visa fees for all African citizens, joining other nations in promoting free movement and Pan-African integration.
The government of Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African citizens, a move aimed at boosting Pan-African solidarity and encouraging the free movement of people and goods.
Minister of Security Mahamadou Sana disclosed the policy on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s 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 clarified that travellers will still need to complete an online application for approval before entry.
Currently, citizens of West African countries already travel to Burkina Faso visa-free, but the new policy extends the exemption to all African nationals.
The decision comes at a time when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), creating uncertainty over regional travel arrangements.
Burkina Faso now joins Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya in adopting visa-free policies for Africans, aligning with the African Union’s push for greater integration and easier movement across the continent.
According to the junta’s information service, the new policy will also “help promote tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, and enhance Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
Since seizing power in 2022, Captain Traoré has positioned himself as a Pan-Africanist leader critical of colonial influence and Western dominance. His popularity has grown across the continent, especially on social media.
However, the country continues to face major security challenges. Like Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso has battled Islamist insurgents for more than a decade, with nearly 40 percent of its territory outside state control.
Despite closer ties with Russia and promises to restore stability, attacks on civilians and security forces remain frequent.
About the Author
