Burkina Faso’s military government has announced free visa for all African travellers.
This move is aimed at strengthening Pan-African ties and boosting regional integration.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the decision on Thursday after a cabinet meeting chaired by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, according to BBC News.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” Sana said, noting that visitors will still be required to complete an online application subject to approval.
The policy aligns Burkina Faso with countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have recently eased travel restrictions for Africans in support of the African Union’s free movement agenda.
Citizens of West African states had already enjoyed visa-free access under ECOWAS protocols. However, the new measure comes months after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from the regional bloc, accusing it of serving Western interests.
The junta said the policy reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to Pan-Africanist ideals and is expected to promote tourism, Burkinabe culture, and international visibility.
The announcement comes as the country continues to grapple with a worsening Islamist insurgency that has left large parts of its territory outside government control.
