Burkina Faso has scrapped visa fees for all African travellers in a bid to boost regional integration and encourage the free movement of people and goods.Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the decision on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Capt 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,” he said. However, travellers will still be required to complete an online application, which will undergo a review process before approval.
The move aligns Burkina Faso with Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have already eased visa rules for African nationals. Citizens of West African states can currently travel to Burkina Faso without visas, but this arrangement may change following the country’s recent withdrawal from Ecowas alongside Mali and Niger, both also under military rule.A statement from the junta’s information service described the measure as part of Burkina Faso’s commitment to Pan-Africanist ideals. It added that the new system would “help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad. ”Capt Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has styled himself as a Pan-Africanist leader while frequently criticising Western influence and colonial legacies. Admired by many across Africa for his defiant image and charismatic leadership, his popularity has also been amplified by social media, including posts that have drawn criticism for being misleading. At the same time, he has faced growing criticism for his authoritarian approach, intolerance of dissent, and the worsening security crisis.
Burkina Faso continues to battle jihadist groups, with estimates suggesting that militants control about 40% of the country.
Despite assurances from Capt Traoré’s government and a pivot towards new partnerships, including Russia, insurgent attacks remain persistent.
The African Union has been pushing for easier cross-border travel across the continent, noting that African citizens often face more barriers than Western visitors. Ghana recently allowed all African passport holders visa-free entry, Kenya introduced a digital authorisation system in place of visas, and Rwanda already grants entry to Africans without visas.
Burkina Faso’s decision adds momentum to the continent-wide drive for freer movement, reflecting both a political statement and a practical step towards deeper regional cooperation.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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