Burkina Faso removes visa fees for African travellers

Burkina Faso says it has removed visa fees for all African travellers, in order to make the movement of people and goods into the country easier.

After a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday, Mahamadou Sana, the minister in charge of national security said that “From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees.”

Mahamadou Sana, the minister in charge of national security made it clear that, visitors from Africa are expected to submit an online visa application, which will be checked before approval. The West African nation joins countries such as Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, which have simplified travel procedures for African visitors.

Citizens of West African countries can already travel to Burkina Faso without having to get a visa and due to that, this may cause changes in the future because the country has withdrawn from the regional bloc, Ecowas, together with its neighbours, Mali and Niger, which are also under military rule.

Regardless promises by Capt Traoré’s military government to improve security and looking for new partnerships with Russia, the situation continues to be serious with frequent attacks.

The removal of visa fees for the continent’s nationals shows Burkina Faso’s attachment to Pan-Africanist ideals and promotes encourages regional unity. It added that  “This free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”

Various African countries have make travel requirements less strict for visitors from elsewhere on the continent in recent years. Research has found that, it is often easier for citizens of Western countries to visit. The move to facilitate travel within the continent is also supported by the African Union (AU). Earlier this year, Ghana said all African passport holders can now travel without requiring a visa.

Again, his popularity has grown through social media, including many misleading posts meant to strengthen his revolutionary reputation. Capt Traoré has also faced criticism for his authoritative governing style, his management of dissent and the ongoing Islamist insurgency.

Capt Traoré, a young soldier who seized power in a 2022 coup, shows himself to be a champion of Pan-Africanism, while frequently expressing criticism to the West and colonialism. Capt Traoré is also admired on the continent for his inspiring leadership.