Burkina Faso Scraps Visa Fees for Africans, Details Emerge
- Burkina Faso has scrapped visa fees for all African nationals in a landmark move to promote Pan-African solidarity and ease regional travel
- The announcement follows the country’s withdrawal from ECOWAS and signals a shift toward greater continental integration
- Authorities say the policy will also boost tourism, cultural exchange, and Burkina Faso’s global visibility
The government of Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African nationals.
The move, which aligns with broader continental efforts to promote integration, was revealed on Thursday following a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Source: Twitter
Visa-free travel to Burkina Faso for African citizens
According to the BBC, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed that the new visa-free policy would apply to all citizens of African countries.
“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 stated.
While visa fees have been scrapped, Sana clarified that prospective travellers would still be required to submit an online application for approval prior to entry.
The announcement marks a formal expansion of existing visa-free arrangements, which already allow citizens of West African nations to enter Burkina Faso without a visa.
Regional implications amid ECOWAS withdrawal
The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Burkina Faso’s status within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Earlier this year, Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, withdrew from the regional bloc, raising questions about future travel and trade protocols within West Africa.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, Burkina Faso’s new policy places it among a growing group of African nations—including Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya—that have adopted visa-free travel measures to facilitate intra-African movement.
These initiatives echo the African Union’s call for greater integration and cooperation across the continent.
Promoting tourism and cultural exchange
A statement from the junta’s information service, cited by the BBC, emphasised that the visa-free policy “for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
The government hopes the measure will attract more visitors and strengthen cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup, has positioned himself as a Pan-Africanist leader, often voicing criticism of colonial legacies and Western influence.
His rhetoric and policies have gained traction across Africa, particularly on social media platforms where his popularity continues to grow.
Security challenges persist despite reforms
Burkina Faso’s announcement comes against the backdrop of persistent security challenges. The country has been grappling with Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, with nearly 40 per cent of its territory reportedly outside government control.
Despite forging closer security ties with Russia and pledging to restore stability, attacks on civilians and military personnel remain frequent.
Source: Legit.ng
