The government of Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African nationals, as a step to strengthen Pan-African solidarity and encourage the free movement of people and goods.
BBC reports that the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed the policy shift on Thursday after a cabinet meeting presided over by the country’s military leader, 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 travellers are still be required to submit an online application for approval before entry.
According to the BBC, a statement from the junta’s information service said the new visa-free policy “for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad.”
