Burkina Faso’s military government has announced that it will scrap visa fees for all African travelers, in a move officials say is intended to strengthen Pan-African ties and boost regional integration. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana made the announcement following a cabinet meeting chaired by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Under the new policy, any citizen of an African country wishing to visit Burkina Faso will no longer be charged visa fees. Visitors will, however, still have to submit an online visa application for approval.
The government says the measure reflects its commitment to Pan-Africanism, with goals of promoting tourism, showcasing Burkinabe culture, and increasing the country’s visibility abroad.
The timing is notable: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger recently withdrew from ECOWAS, citing concerns over the bloc’s alignment with “Western interests,” and have sought to assert a more independent foreign and regional policy. Despite this exit, citizens from ECOWAS states had already been enjoying visa-free access to Burkina Faso; this change now expands ease of entry to all African nationals.
The security situation in Burkina Faso remains challenging: ongoing jihadist insurgencies control significant swathes of territory, and the Traoré government has drawn criticism for authoritarian practices. The new visa policy may be seen as a soft power measure to improve international perception, while the government continues to face internal unrest.
