Burkina Faso has removed visa fees for all African travelers, effective immediately, in a bid to boost the free movement of people and goods across the continent. The country’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, announced the decision after a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday.
While African visitors won’t pay visa fees, they’ll still need to submit an online visa application for review and approval.
This move aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have eased travel restrictions for fellow Africans.
Captain Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has positioned himself as a champion of Pan-Africanism, often criticizing Western influence and colonialism.
His popularity across Africa has been fueled by social media, though he’s also faced criticism for his authoritarian governance style and handling of dissent.
The scrapping of visa fees reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to Pan-Africanist ideals and regional integration, aiming to promote tourism, Burkinabe culture, and the country’s global visibility.
This decision comes as several African countries have tried to ease intra-African travel restrictions, with the African Union pushing for greater integration through freer movement of people and goods.
Despite the challenges posed by armed jihadist groups, which control an estimated 40% of the country, Burkina Faso’s move is seen as a step towards promoting regional integration and cooperation.
