Burkina Faso has announced it will no longer charge visa fees for citizens of African countries, a move authorities say is aimed at boosting travel, trade, and cultural exchange across the continent.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana made the announcement on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
“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 said. He explained, however, that travelers must still apply for entry online and get approval before arrival.
The decision places Burkina Faso among a small but growing list of African states — including Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya — that are removing barriers to free movement.
While West Africans had already enjoyed visa-free access under regional agreements, the development comes at a time when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have exited the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).
In a statement, the country’s information service described the policy as a reflection of its Pan-African stance, saying it will “help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
Captain Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has styled himself as a Pan-Africanist leader. But critics argue his government has grown more authoritarian while struggling to contain Islamist violence that continues to displace thousands.
The measure has already drawn attention across the region, with observers noting its potential to reshape travel patterns in West and Central Africa.
