Burkina Faso has abolished visa fees for every African national in a pan-African strategic decision to strengthen continental solidarity and ease the free movement of people and goods.
The country’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, announced the new policy on Thursday after a cabinet session 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 declared.
He explained, however, that travellers will still need to submit an online application for entry approval.
The move comes at a delicate moment, following Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year alongside Mali and Niger, a decision that raised uncertainty over regional travel arrangements.
With this latest policy, Burkina Faso joins Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya in advancing the African Union’s vision of free intra-African travel. A statement from the junta’s information service said the visa-free regime “for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
Traoré, who seized power in 2022, has consistently projected himself as a Pan-Africanist voice critical of colonial domination and Western influence. His fiery stance has boosted his popularity across the continent, particularly on social media.
But despite his strong rhetoric and deepening ties with Russia, Burkina Faso continues to grapple with Islamist insurgencies.
Nearly 40% of its territory remains outside state control, with frequent attacks on both civilians and soldiers.
