Burkina Faso Abolishes Visa Fees for All African Travellers
Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African citizens, a move aimed at boosting continental integration, trade, and tourism.
“From now on, any African citizen wishing to travel to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount for visa fees,” explained Security Minister Mahamadou Sana after a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Travellers will still be required to submit an online application for approval, but no charges will apply.
This decision aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have already eased or eliminated visa requirements for fellow Africans. The African Union (AU) has also been pushing for freer movement across the continent as part of its integration agenda.
Until now, citizens of West African countries could already enter Burkina Faso visa-free under the ECOWAS protocol. However, the country, alongside Mali and Niger, has withdrawn from ECOWAS following military takeovers, creating uncertainty around regional travel rules.
Captain Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup, has styled himself as a Pan-Africanist leader, often critical of Western influence. His administration said the visa fee waiver underscores its commitment to Pan-African ideals and to promoting Burkina Faso’s culture and visibility abroad.
“The free visa system for African nationals will strengthen tourism, showcase Burkinabè culture, and improve our international profile,” a government statement said.
Across Africa, more nations are moving in this direction. Earlier this year, Ghana allowed all African passport holders visa-free entry, while Kenya introduced a universal online authorization system in 2024. Rwanda already operates a no-visa policy for AfrFor many observers, Burkina Faso’s decision reflects growing momentum toward a more borderless Africa, where intra-continental travel is as seamless as possible.
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