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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.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks
U.S. citizens in Mali are advised to take the same precautions

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.

Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country
In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night
Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets

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:

Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
Night clubs
Hotels
Restaurants
Places of worship
International diplomatic missions
Local security forces and civilians

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.

Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies
Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals
Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities
Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions
Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information

For U.S. citizens in Mali:

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Mali
Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help

Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations
Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization

Consider consulting with a professional security organization
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy

Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency
Review the OSAC Country Security Report (formerly known as the Overseas Security Advisory Council) for Mali
Monitor local media for breaking news

Be prepared to adjust your plans
Draft a will

Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc
Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones

This helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States
Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization

This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas.

Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information
Identify key sources of possible help for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends or family in the high-risk area
Choose 1 family member to serve as the point of contact

If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress
Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones

If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes
Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, always including locking doors and windows, and setting the alarm
If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted
Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination

Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices
Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind
Refer to our list of medical providers
Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage
Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Mali
We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel

Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel
Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, Victims of Crime, Terrorism, and U.S

Citizens Missing Abroad.

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