Burkina Faso has scrapped visa fees for African travellers in a move aimed at strengthening regional integration and promoting tourism, Business Insider Africa reported on Thursday.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed after a cabinet meeting that African citizens will no longer be required to pay visa fees when entering the country.
However, he noted that travellers must still complete an online visa application, which will be reviewed before approval.
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The decision was announced under the leadership of Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military head of state, who has frequently positioned himself as a proponent of Pan-African unity since seizing power in 2022.
According to Business Insider Africa, the move aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations—such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya—that have recently eased travel restrictions for Africans.
While citizens of West African states already enjoyed visa-free entry, the new measure signals Burkina Faso’s broader commitment to African solidarity and cooperation, particularly after its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Niger.
The government said the policy demonstrates its resolve to promote cultural exchange, boost tourism, and enhance the country’s visibility abroad.
Analysts note, however, that the country continues to grapple with serious security challenges, as nearly 40% of its territory is under the control of jihadist groups despite efforts to restore stability.
Image Credit: Vanguard News
