Burkina Faso has waived entry visa fees for all African nationals to foster pan-African unity and boost tourism, with the only requirement being an approved online application.

The decision, announced by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana under interim President Ibrahim Traoré’s pan-Africanist vision, replaces previous fees of nearly $100 for tourist visas and $165 for business visas, payable in CFA francs. Sana emphasized that while fees are lifted, visas remain mandatory, requiring travelers to secure approval beforehand.

The move aims to strengthen historic ties across the continent, promote Burkinabe culture, and enhance the nation’s global visibility, despite ongoing security challenges in the region.

This policy reflects a broader effort to deepen regional connections, though it comes amid concerns about managing borders effectively. The announcement, set against Burkina Faso’s complex history of political transitions, signals a bold step toward economic and cultural exchange across Africa.