• Burkina Faso announced visa-free entry for all African nationals under its 2025 supplementary finance law.

• The measure seeks to boost tourism, business travel, and regional integration while supporting AfCFTA implementation.

• The decision comes as 47% of intra-African travel still requires visas, according to the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index.

Burkina Faso announced the removal of visa fees for African nationals in line with the 2025 supplementary finance law. The government said the measure aims to facilitate free movement of people and goods, while strengthening the country’s tourism and economic appeal.

The policy builds on the introduction of an electronic visa system in 2023.

According to the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), 47% of intra-African travel still requires visas, compared with 46% in 2023. Only 27 countries currently offer visas on arrival, down from 30 the year before.

Authorities expect the visa exemption to stimulate tourism by increasing visitor flows. The government said the policy will create opportunities for related industries, including hospitality, transport, and culture.

Beyond tourism, the measure is designed to ease business and commercial travel, supporting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum