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| Burkina Faso officials announce new visa policy. |
Burkina Faso has removed visa fees for all African nationals. The decision aims to boost travel and trade across the continent. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the policy on Thursday after a cabinet meeting. The meeting was chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré .
From now on, African visitors will not pay any fees for visas. They must still apply online for approval before travel. The government said this step supports Pan-African ideals. It should help people and goods move more freely .
The online application process remains mandatory. Travelers must use the official portal www.visaburkina.bf. Each application will be reviewed. Approved applicants will get visas without charge. Minister Sana clarified that free visas are not the same as visa-free travel. Requirements for entry stay in place .
Burkina Faso follows other African nations like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya. These countries have also eased travel rules for African visitors. The move aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This plan aims for closer integration across the continent .
Citizens of West African countries already enjoy visa-free access to Burkina Faso. This comes from their membership in ECOWAS. But Burkina Faso left ECOWAS earlier this year. It left along with Mali and Niger. All three nations are now led by military rulers. Future travel rules for West Africans may change .
The government says dropping visa fees will help tourism and culture. It should also improve Burkina Faso’s image abroad. A statement called the move a sign of commitment to African unity. It reflects Captain Traoré’s Pan-African views .
Traoré took power in a 2022 coup. He often criticizes Western powers and colonialism. He is popular on social media across Africa. But he also faces criticism for his strict rule and handling of security issues .
Burkina Faso fights Islamist insurgents like its neighbors. Militants control large parts of the country. The government has sought new partners like Russia. But attacks on civilians and soldiers continue often .
The visa fee removal comes as Burkina Faso deals with internal displacement. Over five million people need aid. The country has a crisis response plan for 2025. It aims to help nearly 200,000 people .
Many African nations are making travel easier within the continent. Studies show it is often harder for Africans to visit other African countries than for Western visitors. The African Union pushes for more open borders .
Ghana now allows visa-free entry for all Africans. Kenya requires an online travel authorization instead of visas. Rwanda also does not require visas for African visitors .
Seychelles was the first African nation to offer visa-free access to all Africans. The Gambia, Benin, Kenya, and Rwanda have also joined this trend. Still, only five African countries offer full visa-free entry to Africans .
Burkina Faso’s new policy is not yet active on its visa website. As of September 12, the portal still asks for payment. No start date has been given for the free visa process .
The move has been welcomed by supporters of Pan-Africanism. They see it as a step toward a united Africa. But experts note that security concerns remain high in the region. The online application keeps some control over who enters the country .
Burkina Faso hopes to benefit from more visitors. Tourism could grow and help the economy. Cultural exchanges may increase. The country wants to show it is open to the rest of Africa .
Captain Traoré’s government promotes anti-Western ideas. Closer ties with Russia are part of this shift. The visa decision fits this wider plan. It stresses African solidarity and independence .
The future of regional travel remains unclear. Burkina Faso’s exit from ECOWAS may affect West African travelers. For now, they can still enter without visas. But that could change later .
Across Africa, barriers to movement are slowly falling. The African Union wants a borderless continent. Burkina Faso’s move is one more step toward that goal. But much work remains to make travel truly open for all Africans .