The Burkinabe government has announced that it will apply the principle of reciprocity towards US nationals, following Washington's decision to tighten entry restrictions to its territory, now including Burkina Faso among the countries subject to total visa restrictions.

In a statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, the Burkinabe authorities indicated that they had "taken note" of the American decision announced on December 16, 2025, concerning the strengthening of restrictive measures regarding visas.

A unilateral decision

According to the text, this unilateral decision by the United States now applies to Burkina Faso, which is classified among the countries whose citizens are subject to total restrictions on entry to the United States. In response to this measure, Ouagadougou states that it has decided to apply, "in strict accordance with the principle of reciprocity," equivalent provisions to American citizens.

"In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the government of Burkina Faso informs national and international public opinion of its decision to apply equivalent visa measures to nationals of the United States of America," the statement specifies.

Burkina Faso remains open to cooperation based on respect for mutual interests with all its partners

The Burkinabe authorities emphasize that this decision is in line with the principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality of states, principles they consider fundamental to the conduct of international relations. Burkina Faso reaffirms, in this regard, its commitment to international law and to diplomatic relations based on reciprocity and mutual consideration of the interests of partner states.

While acknowledging this measure, the Burkinabe government indicates it remains open to constructive international cooperation. "Burkina Faso remains open to cooperation based on respect for mutual interests with all its partners," the text emphasizes, without providing further details on the practical modalities of the restrictions that will be applied.

This announcement comes amid a reconfiguration of diplomatic relations between several African countries and certain Western powers, against a backdrop of debates surrounding migration policies and visa conditions.