Burkina Faso has introduced a visa-free policy for citizens of all African nations to enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” announced by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana following a cabinet meeting chaired by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Although visa fees have been eliminated, African travelers will still need to complete an online visa application for approval, the minister clarified.
This decision places Burkina Faso among a growing list of African countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya that have relaxed travel restrictions to promote regional integration.
According to the junta’s information service, the initiative is designed to reinforce Pan-Africanist values, boost tourism, and share Burkinabe culture with the world. “This free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad,” the statement noted.
Captain Traoré, who came to power through a coup in 2022, has cultivated a Pan-Africanist image, often criticizing Western influence and colonial legacies while advocating for continental unity. His popularity, especially among young Africans, has surged on social media though sometimes driven by misleading portrayals of him as a revolutionary icon.
Despite his appeal, Traoré’s leadership has faced scrutiny over authoritarian practices, suppression of dissent, and ongoing challenges in addressing the Islamist insurgency destabilizing the country.
The visa-free announcement also coincides with Burkina Faso’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Niger. The three military-led nations have since formed a new alliance, severed ties with France, and moved toward closer relations with Russia.
While it remains uncertain how this policy will affect relations with neighboring countries, it aligns with broader African Union efforts to simplify travel across the continent.
