By Gloria Nosa
Burkina Faso has announced a groundbreaking travel policy that will see all African citizens exempted from paying visa fees when visiting the country. The move, unveiled by the country’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering closer ties across the continent and strengthening Pan-African solidarity.
The decision was taken after a cabinet meeting chaired by Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on Thursday. According to Sana, the new policy is designed not only to ease the movement of people and goods but also to open the doors wider to cultural exchange, tourism, and regional cooperation.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” the minister declared.
Boosting Tourism and Culture
Officials say the initiative goes beyond simple visa facilitation. The government envisions it as part of a broader strategy to promote tourism, highlight Burkinabe culture, and enhance the country’s global visibility.
Burkina Faso, known for its vibrant film industry—particularly the globally recognized FESPACO film festival—sees easier access for Africans as a way to attract larger audiences, cultural practitioners, and investors. By waiving fees, the government hopes to transform the country into a more welcoming destination for business and leisure.
Sana clarified, however, that while visa fees have been removed, African visitors will still be required to submit applications online. These applications will undergo routine checks and must be approved before entry.
A Growing Trend in Africa
Burkina Faso now joins a small but growing group of African countries making deliberate efforts to ease intra-African travel. Nations like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana have recently introduced more relaxed travel policies for fellow Africans, aligning with the African Union’s long-standing vision of free movement across the continent.
Although citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could previously travel to Burkina Faso visa-free, the country’s recent withdrawal from the bloc—alongside Mali and Niger—has raised questions about future travel rules within the region. The visa fee waiver is therefore seen as a deliberate gesture of inclusivity, signaling that Burkina Faso still values continental integration despite its political realignments.
Pan-Africanism in Action
For Captain Traoré, who came to power in 2022 following a military takeover, the decision fits into his broader image as a champion of Pan-Africanism. He has consistently called for African nations to break away from overdependence on the West and embrace policies that strengthen continental self-reliance and unity.
By removing visa fees, Burkina Faso is positioning itself as a leader in advancing mobility and collaboration across Africa. Analysts say the move reflects the country’s desire to build new alliances based on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared identity rather than colonial legacies.
Looking Ahead
The policy shift has already sparked conversations about whether more African countries will follow suit. Advocates argue that reduced travel barriers are key to unlocking trade, tourism, and innovation across the continent. They believe steps like this bring Africa closer to realizing the dream of a truly borderless continent under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For ordinary Africans, the announcement could mean cheaper travel, more cultural exchanges, and stronger opportunities for collaboration across borders.
With this bold decision, Burkina Faso has not only made a practical adjustment to its immigration system but also sent a powerful political message: Africa belongs to Africans, and its doors must remain open to its own people.
