The military-led government of Burkina Faso has eliminated visa fees for all African nationals, paving the way for seamless travel and commerce across the continent.
The policy, effective immediately, was unveiled on Thursday following a cabinet meeting chaired by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, signaling Ouagadougou's renewed commitment to Pan-African solidarity amid ongoing regional challenges.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the decision, stating, “From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees.”
While fees are scrapped, African travelers must still submit an online visa application for verification and approval, ensuring security protocols remain intact.
The move, described by the government's information service as a reflection of Burkina Faso's "attachment to Pan-Africanist ideals," is expected to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and economic ties by easing the free movement of people and goods.
The initiative aligns with a wave of progressive visa reforms across Africa, joining trailblazers like Rwanda, Kenya, and Ghana, which have already waived or simplified entry requirements for fellow Africans.
In Rwanda, for instance, African visitors enjoy visa-free entry, while Kenya and Ghana have similarly reduced barriers to foster intra-continental travel.
The online application process, accessible via Burkina Faso's e-visa portal, aims to streamline approvals.
Regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are yet to respond formally, though the policy could accelerate momentum toward the African Union's long-dreamed Agenda 2063 for a borderless continent.
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