The government of Burkina Faso has announced the abolition of visa fees for all African nationals, in a move aimed at strengthening Pan-African solidarity and promoting the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed the decision on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to travel to Burkina Faso will not pay visa fees,” Sana confirmed, while clarifying that travellers must still complete an online application process before entry.
Although citizens of West African nations already enjoy visa-free access to Burkina Faso, the policy marks a significant expansion of open-border measures, coming at a time of uncertainty over the country’s future in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Alongside Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso withdrew from the bloc earlier this year, raising concerns about regional mobility.
With this move, Burkina Faso joins countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya in implementing visa-free policies that align with the African Union’s drive for greater continental integration.
According to a statement from the junta’s information service, the new measure “will also help promote tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, and enhance the country’s visibility abroad.”
Traoré, who came to power through a 2022 coup, has presented himself as a Pan-Africanist leader, often voicing strong criticism of colonial influence and Western dominance. His stance has bolstered his popularity across Africa, particularly on social media.
Despite its symbolic significance, the policy comes against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges. For more than a decade, Burkina Faso has been plagued by Islamist insurgencies, with nearly 40 percent of its territory outside government control. While the junta has deepened ties with Russia and pledged to restore peace, deadly attacks against civilians and security forces persist.