World Affairs

Burkina Faso Waives Visa Fees for All African Travellers, Including Nigeria.

In a major policy shift, Burkina Faso has officially abolished visa fees for nationals of all African countries. This change, announced on 12 September 2025, was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré and unveiled by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana.

Although visa fees are now waived, travellers from African countries will still be required to complete an online visa application for approval. The visa itself has not been abolished; the cost component has simply been removed.

Why the Change

This measure forms part of a broader strategy by Burkina Faso to strengthen pan-African cooperation and facilitate increased movement of people and goods across the continent. The government says it aims to enhance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations with its continental neighbours.

The policy is tied to the 2025 Amending Finance Act, showing alignment between Burkina Faso’s budgetary planning and its political commitment to deeper continental integration.

What It Means for Nigerians and Other African Visitors

For Nigerian travellers, this means that visas to visit Burkina Faso will no longer carry fees. However, they will still need to fill out an online visa application and await approval.

Because many African nationals already had visa fee waivers or visa-free access under ECOWAS (for West African countries), this new policy extends similar benefits continent-wide. It closes gaps that previously existed for travellers from African countries outside ECOWAS or those with limited visa-fee waivers.

Potential Benefits and Challenges

By removing visa fees for Africans, Burkina Faso is likely to attract more regional tourists, business travellers, and cultural visitors. This could increase revenue in other areas, such as lodging, food, transportation, and recreation. It may also enhance Burkina Faso’s visibility and reputation as a welcoming destination in Africa.

There are potential challenges however. The requirement of an online visa application means the process may still pose barriers if digital infrastructure is weak or if applicants have limited internet access. Ensuring that the application process is efficient, transparent, and secure will be critical. Also, security concerns and political instability in some regions might still discourage travel despite the cost being removed.

How This Fits into Wider African Trends

Burkina Faso’s move joins a growing wave of visa liberalisation across Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya have also eased travel restrictions or removed visa barriers for visitors from other African states as part of efforts to implement the African Union’s vision of greater integration.

This policy also comes at a time when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and are reevaluating regional alliances. Despite that, Burkina Faso continues to assert its commitment to pan-African ideals through such measures.