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Burkina Faso has announced that it will no longer charge visa fees for African citizens, in a move aimed at encouraging travel, trade, and cultural exchange across the continent. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said on Thursday that any African citizen traveling to the country would not be required to pay for a visa. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader.
Although visa fees are being scrapped, visitors will still need to complete an online application for approval before traveling. Officials say the new system is meant to make travel easier while ensuring security controls remain in place.
Burkina Faso now joins a growing list of African countries that are easing restrictions for fellow Africans. Ghana recently announced that holders of African passports no longer need visas, while Rwanda and Kenya have also lifted requirements for African travelers, though Kenya still requires online authorization before entry. The African Union has been urging member states to adopt such policies to improve integration and reduce barriers to movement, especially since studies show that Africans often face more travel difficulties within their own continent than visitors from Western countries.
Citizens of West African nations have traditionally been able to travel freely to Burkina Faso without visas under the Ecowas regional bloc. However, this arrangement may not last much longer, as Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has withdrawn from Ecowas after military takeovers in all three countries.
Captain Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup, has portrayed himself as a strong advocate of Pan-Africanism, frequently speaking against Western influence and colonial legacies. His fiery rhetoric and youthful leadership style have gained him admiration across Africa, especially among young people online. Supporters see him as a symbol of African independence and defiance, while critics point to his increasingly authoritarian governance, suppression of dissent, and failure to improve security in the face of a relentless Islamist insurgency.
Burkina Faso, like its Sahel neighbors, has struggled against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Despite promises of stronger action and new partnerships with Russia, large parts of the country remain insecure, with about 40% of its territory under the control of militants. Violence continues to displace people and weaken local economies, creating more challenges for the government.
The decision to abolish visa fees is seen as part of Traoré’s push to strengthen Burkina Faso’s Pan-African credentials and improve its image abroad. In a statement, the junta’s information service said the policy reflects the government’s commitment to African solidarity and regional integration. Officials added that the move is also intended to boost tourism, promote Burkinabe culture, and raise the country’s profile internationally.
Across Africa, governments have increasingly realized that easier travel between nations can benefit economies, encourage tourism, and foster cultural understanding. For Burkina Faso, the gesture may also help build goodwill at a time when the country faces isolation from some regional and international partners. Whether it will bring significant economic or political benefits remains to be seen, but for now, it sends a clear message that Burkina Faso wants to be seen as part of a more connected and united Africa.