BURKINA FASO WAIVES BISA FEES FOR ALL AFRICAN NATIONALS
Move under Security Minister Mahamadou Sana aims to deepen Pan-African ties, boost tourism and trade while maintaining online visa application requirement.
Burkina Faso has officially abolished visa fees for citizens of all African countries in a sweeping reform designed to facilitate the free movement of people and goods, the government announced.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana made the announcement following a council of ministers meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Under the new policy, Africans will no longer pay visa fees, but they will still need to complete an online application, which will be reviewed for approval.
The decision is part of an amendment to the 2025 finance law, reflecting Burkina Faso’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and regional cooperation.
Previously, tourist visas cost about 55,000 CFA francs (roughly US$100) while business visas could run to 93,500 CFA francs (US$165).
Officials say this policy will help promote Burkina Faso’s tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, strengthen historic bonds among African nations, and improve the country’s visibility abroad.
Although citizens of West African countries already had broader access under regional visa-agreements, the new measure extends fee-waivers to all African countries, even as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS.
By Itoro Etukudo
Source: Al Jazeera
