Burkina Faso has taken a significant step towards increasing its accessibility to international travelers, particularly those from the African continent. On September 11, the country’s authorities abolished visa fees for all African citizens, aiming to boost tourism and business. This decision, made by the Council of Ministers, applies to all 54 African countries, excluding non-sovereign territories.

The move is part of the country’s Law for financial amendments 2025, which seeks to enhance Burkina Faso’s attractiveness to tourists and business travelers. However, it is essential to note that this measure does not constitute a visa exemption, but rather a waiver of the fees associated with obtaining a visa. Previously, the cost of a simple tourist visa was equivalent to 83 euros, while a business visa with multiple entries could cost up to 183 euros.

In recent years, Burkina Faso has been working to facilitate travel and trade. In 2023, the country introduced an electronic visa scheme, which has helped to streamline the process of obtaining a visa and has contributed to an increase in tourism and the transportation of goods. The latest decision to abolish visa fees for African citizens is expected to further boost these efforts.

The abolition of visa fees is a significant development for African travelers, who will no longer have to incur the additional expense of obtaining a visa to visit Burkina Faso. This move is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, as it will likely lead to an increase in tourism and business travel. As Burkina Faso continues to implement measures to enhance its accessibility and attractiveness to international travelers, it will be interesting to see the impact of these efforts on the country’s economy and tourism industry.

The decision to abolish visa fees for African citizens is a positive step towards promoting regional integration and cooperation. It is likely to be welcomed by travelers and businesspeople from across the continent, who will now have easier and more affordable access to Burkina Faso. As the country continues to develop its tourism and business sectors, it is expected to become an increasingly important destination for travelers from around the world.