The government of Burkina Faso has abolished visa fees for all African nationals, a move aimed at boosting Pan-African solidarity and encouraging the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Security following a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s military leader. He explained that citizens of any African nation can now travel to Burkina Faso without paying visa charges, though travellers must still complete an online application before entry.
Citizens of West African states already enjoy visa-free travel to Burkina Faso, but the new decision broadens access at a time of uncertainty over the country’s ties with the Economic Community of West African States. Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, withdrew from the regional bloc earlier this year, raising questions about future mobility within West Africa.
The authorities said the new policy will strengthen tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, and enhance the country’s global visibility. Burkina Faso now joins Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya in implementing visa-free policies for Africans, in line with the African Union’s call for deeper continental integration.
The military-led government has positioned itself as a champion of Pan-Africanism, often taking a hard line against colonial influence and Western dominance. This stance has drawn widespread support across Africa, particularly among young people online.
However, the country continues to face severe security challenges. For more than a decade, Burkina Faso has battled Islamist insurgents, with nearly 40 percent of its territory outside state control. Despite closer security cooperation with Russia and repeated assurances of restoring stability, attacks on civilians and security forces remain frequent.
