Burkina Faso has announced it will no longer charge visa fees for citizens of all African countries. The government says the decision is part of efforts to support intra-African movement and trade.
The announcement made by Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, on September 11th, 2025, stated that this applies to all African nationals, regardless of regional bloc membership.
And though the visa policy change eliminates fees for African travellers, it still maintains an online visa application requirement.
Minister Mahamadou Sana stated: “From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees.”
However, he clarified that visitors must still submit an online application for approval before entering the country.
This decision places Burkina Faso among a growing list of African states that have altered their visa policies in support of African mobility. Ghana, for example, recently announced visa-free entry for African passport holders, while Rwanda has also maintained a visa-free entry policy for all African citizens.
Context of Regional Relations
BBC cites that while citizens of West African countries currently benefit from visa-free access to Burkina Faso through existing regional agreements, this arrangement could be impacted by recent political developments.
Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc that promotes free movement and cooperation among its members.
The withdrawal from Ecowas has raised questions about how travel and trade regulations within the West African region may evolve. Reports cite that the decision to remove visa fees for all African citizens may serve as a policy response to these uncertainties, a means to reinforce ties with the broader African continent.
A statement issued by the government’s information service noted that the visa fee removal supports regional cooperation and reflects the administration’s Pan-African focus.
It said: “This free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
As stated, travellers will still need to apply online and wait for approval, but the removal of fees is intended to make movement easier for African nationals.