Published: 17:05, December 31, 2025
Burkina Faso imposes reciprocal visa ban on US nationals
By Xinhua
In this file photo dated April 3, 2025, Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore attends a joint news conference following a meeting of Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (not in the photograph) with foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States in Moscow, Russia. (PHOTO / AP)

OUAGADOUGOU - Burkina Faso has decided to impose total visa restrictions on US nationals in response to Washington's move to tighten entry rules for Burkinabe citizens, the government said Tuesday.

The decision was taken in line with the principle of reciprocity, according to a statement signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traore. The United States announced on Dec 16 that it would fully suspend the entry of Burkina Faso nationals starting Jan 1, 2026.

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The statement reaffirmed Burkina Faso's commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality of states and reciprocity in international relations.

Burkina Faso also remains open to cooperation with all partners, provided that such cooperation is based on respect for reciprocal interests, the statement emphasized.