Mali’s river cities and desert outposts are crossroads of languages, music, and centuries-old Sahelian heritage.
French is a working language, while Bambara and other national languages animate daily life from Bamako to the Niger River corridor. The country’s geography stretches from the Sahel to the edge of the Sahara, with historic cities like Timbuktu and Mopti anchoring regional identities. Mali’s cultural resonance is felt in its music, architecture, and layered histories.
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver, Official / Diplomatic Visa.
Mali consular visa route represented by the Embassy in the United States. The page lists ordinary visa handling, ECOWAS and selected-country exemptions, and U.S.-citizen multiple-entry eligibility.
Mali diplomatic and official visa route for diplomatic and international-organization employees, listed by the Embassy as free.
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Mali.
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Mali due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and fuel shortages. If the security situation in Mali deteriorates, the ability of the Embassy of Canada to Mali, in Bamako, to provide consular services may be limited. You should leave the country by commercial flights if it is safe to do so.
FCDO advises against all travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Mali. FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways. Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. For more detail see Fuel shortages and Terrorism in Mali in the Safety and security page. If you are a British national already in Mali, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
Do Not Travel
Do Not Travel to Mali for any reason due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest and health. As of January 9, the Department of State has lifted its ordered departure mandate for non-emergency Embassy employees and their family members.
Crime Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events.
Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.
Terrorists may attack without warning:
Kidnapping The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups. Unrest Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur spontaneously and turn violent. The majority of these are contained by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and always maintain security awareness. Armed Conflict Armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout Mali. Many terrorist and separatist armed groups are active throughout the country. These groups may plan and carry out deadly attacks against Malian government and military facilities, including in and around Bamako. Conflict between these groups often results in civilian casualties. Air Travel The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Mali. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Health Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
For U.S. citizens in Mali:
This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas.
Citizens Missing Abroad.
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