Burkina Faso has just reached an important milestone in terms of intra-African mobility: the government decided, at the Council of Ministers of September 11, 2025, to introduce the free visas for all nationals of African countries wishing to visit its territory.
Free visas for nationals of African countries will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and raise Burkina Faso's profile abroad.
Minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting of Thursday, September 11, 2025
Promoting African integration
This decision is fully in line with President Ibrahim Traoré's vision, and aims to strengthen the bonds of fraternity between the peoples of the continent. The Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, explains that the measure meets two major objectives: to facilitate the free movement of people and goods in Africa, and to accelerate the process of continental integration.
Terms and conditions
Visa processing fees are free of charge: all Africans wishing to travel to Burkina Faso must continue to apply for a visa online via the official portal www.visaburkina.bfwhich will then be examined by the authorities. If the application is accepted, the visa is issued free of charge, but the administrative procedure remains compulsory.
The Minister points out that this free entry should not be confused with total visa exemption. Procedures still exist, and only certain bilateral or EU provisions allow visa-free entry.
An expected impact on tourism and cooperation
The government hopes the announcement will boost tourism, raise the country's profile and pave the way for stronger cooperation with all African nations. Free visas are in line with a continental trend, with Rwanda, Kenya and Benin recently adopting similar measures to encourage inter-African trade.
The electronic visa or e-Visa is a compulsory procedure for all travelers entering Burkina Faso, whether they are eligible or even exempt from visa fees. A request for an transit visa, short or long stay can be submitted via the authorities' official platform.
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