Burkina Faso says ‘welcome!’, scraps visa fees for all Africans

Burkina Faso has scraped visa fees for all African travellers, which will be subject to subsequent official acknowledgement...

According to the BBC, Burkina Faso said it scrapped visa fees for African nationals to facilitate the movement of people and goods into the country.

The scrapping of visa fees, the junta’s information service noted late on Thursday, reflects the country’s commitment to Pan-Africanist ideals and the promotion of regional integration.

Following a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the decision was aimed at easing travel and trade.

“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” he stated.

African visitors will, however, be required to submit an online visa application, which will be reviewed for approval, the minister clarified.

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The West African nation now joins countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have eased travel requirements for African visitors.

“This free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism, showcase Burkinabè culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad,” the minister added.