How Africa is going visa-free for Africa one country at a time

Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African travellers, a move aimed at boosting intra-African mobility and trade. The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana following a cabinet meeting led by military ruler Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

“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. However, he clarified that travellers will still need to complete an online visa application, which will be subject to approval.

This policy shift aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations like Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya, which have taken steps to ease travel restrictions for visitors from across the continent. The trend reflects growing efforts toward greater regional integration, supported by the African Union’s calls to simplify movement within Africa.

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How will the system change?

Although citizens of West African countries can currently enter Burkina Faso visa-free under existing regional agreements, that arrangement could change. Burkina Faso, along with fellow military-led neighbours Mali and Niger, recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), raising questions about future border policies.

The government said the elimination of visa fees is part of a broader commitment to Pan-Africanism. In a statement, the junta’s communications office said the policy “demonstrates Burkina Faso’s dedication to African unity and regional cooperation,” adding that it would also “help promote tourism, Burkinabe culture, and the country’s visibility on the global stage.”

Captain Traoré, who took power in a 2022 coup, has styled himself as a champion of African solidarity and self-reliance, frequently voicing criticism of Western influence and colonial-era legacies.

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His popularity has surged across parts of the continent, thanks in part to a strong social media presence. However, critics warn that his image is often shaped by misleading content and propaganda.

Despite his appeal in some quarters, Traoré has faced growing scrutiny over his increasingly authoritarian approach, suppression of dissent, and failure to improve security amid a persistent Islamist insurgency. Although his government has sought new alliances, including closer ties with Russia, violent attacks remain frequent in many regions of the country.

Still, the visa waiver for African travellers represents a concrete step toward fostering stronger continental ties. It also places Burkina Faso among a growing number of nations embracing the vision of a borderless Africa, at least for its own citizens.