Burkina Faso Abolishes Visa Fees for All African Nationals

Burkina Faso has officially removed visa fees for all African nationals as part of a broader initiative to ease the movement of people and goods across the continent.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting led by interim President Captain Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced that travelers from any African country will no longer be required to pay visa fees when visiting Burkina Faso.

The new policy removes the previous cost of 55,000 CFA francs (around $100) for a tourist visa and 93,500 CFA francs (about $165) for a business visa. 

However, the minister clarified that while the fees are being waived, the visa requirement itself remains in place. African travelers will still need to apply for a visa through the country’s online system and await approval before entry.

Minister Sana emphasized that the decision reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to pan-Africanism and its aim to strengthen ties between African people. He noted that the move aligns with the vision of the country’s transitional leadership to build solidarity across the continent.

A statement from the government’s information service added that the fee waiver is expected to support tourism, promote Burkinabe culture, and boost the country’s profile on the international stage.

Citizens of several West African nations already enjoy visa-free entry under regional agreements. However, Burkina Faso’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with Mali and Niger, could lead to changes in those existing arrangements.

Across Africa, several governments are adopting similar policies to increase intra-African mobility. Ghana announced earlier this year that it will grant visa-free access to all African passport holders. Rwanda currently operates a visa-free entry policy. Kenya launched a digital visa platform last year for most visitors to apply online with ease.

The African Union has continued to support efforts for more unrestricted movement across the continent. It is also working toward a single African passport to simplify cross-border travel for its citizens.