The Government of Burkina Faso has officially announced the removal of visa fees for all African citizens, marking a transformative step toward regional integration, cultural exchange, and Pan-African solidarity.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed the decision following a cabinet meeting chaired by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader. Effective immediately, African nationals seeking entry into Burkina Faso will no longer be required to pay visa fees. However, travelers must still complete an online visa application subject to approval.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to travel to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” said Minister Sana.
This policy shift aligns Burkina Faso with other progressive African nations such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have recently adopted more open travel frameworks to facilitate intra-African mobility.
The government emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to Pan-Africanism, tourism development, and the promotion of Burkinabè culture. A statement from the junta’s information service described the move as a reaffirmation of Burkina Faso’s dedication to African unity and cooperation.
“The free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, and enhance Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad,” the statement read.
This announcement comes amid Burkina Faso’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Niger. Despite geopolitical shifts, the country is doubling down on its vision for a borderless Africa, echoing the African Union’s long-term goal of a single African passport and the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.