Mali

🇲🇱

Phone Code

+223

Capital

Bamako

Population

22 Million

Native Name

Mali

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTC±00

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CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT TRAVEL TO MALI. Most governments (US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany) strongly advise against all travel to Mali due to terrorism, kidnapping risk, armed conflict, and political instability. Terrorist attacks targeting foreigners are common. Kidnapping for ransom is frequent. Mali has experienced multiple coups d'état (2012, 2020, 2021). Large areas of the country are controlled by terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda affiliates and ISIS-linked militants. Consular assistance is extremely limited. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY - TRAVEL IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Mali is a landlocked West African country that was once home to ancient empires (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) and historic Timbuktu. Bamako, the capital on the Niger River, is the only area with limited tourism activity. Before the 2012 crisis, Mali was known for Timbuktu manuscripts, Dogon Country cliff dwellings, and Festival au Désert music festival. Current tourism is virtually non-existent due to security situation.

Visa Requirements for Mali

IMPORTANT: This information is for reference only. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL TO MALI without exceptional circumstances (diplomatic, humanitarian, essential business) and professional security arrangements. Mali requires visas for most foreign nationals except ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) citizens who can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Visas must be obtained through Malian embassies or consulates before travel. The visa process requires invitation letter from Malian sponsor (company, organization, or individual), completed application form, passport photographs, yellow fever certificate (mandatory for all travelers), and fees. E-visas are technically available through government portal but processing is unreliable due to political instability. Visa on arrival does not exist. Entry points are limited - main international airport in Bamako operates under heightened security. Even with valid visa, travel outside Bamako is extremely dangerous. Most Western embassies advise their citizens against all travel to Mali. French nationals particularly targeted due to Mali's colonial history and French military presence.

Common Visa Types

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; no visa required; passport must be valid; yellow fever certificate mandatory; freedom of movement within ECOWAS; can work with permits; however extreme security risks apply to all visitors regardless of nationality.

For citizens of ECOWAS member states (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, etc.) for any purpose.

Business/Tourist Visa (Embassy)

30-90 days typically; requires invitation letter from Malian sponsor; apply at Malian embassy with passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, invitation, proof of funds; processing weeks; fees vary; strong sponsorship needed; no guarantee of approval.

For foreigners requiring visa for business or tourism (though tourism effectively impossible due to security).

E-Visa (Unreliable)

System exists at government portal but frequently non-functional; not recommended to rely on e-visa; better to obtain traditional embassy visa if travel absolutely necessary; many report system errors or no response.

Theoretically available online but processing unreliable due to political situation.

Official/Diplomatic Visa

Varies by assignment; requires official letter from sending government or organization; apply through diplomatic channels; most international staff in Mali are with UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) or humanitarian organizations; extensive security protocols required.

For government officials, diplomats, UN personnel, NGO workers on official mission.

Critical Safety Information

DO NOT TRAVEL: US State Department Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warning. UK FCO advises against all travel. Australian DFAT 'Do Not Travel'. Extreme danger throughout country including Bamako. Reconsider any travel plans.

Terrorism EXTREME risk: Regular terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), ISIS affiliates, and other groups. Targets include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs frequented by foreigners, UN facilities, military bases. Radisson Blu hotel attack in Bamako (2015) killed 20. Ongoing threat.

Kidnapping for ransom: Foreigners specifically targeted for kidnapping by terrorist groups. Western nationals highest value. Several aid workers, journalists, tourists kidnapped and held for years or killed. Northern regions extremely dangerous. No safe areas for foreigners.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Bamako
States & Regions in Mali

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Hosted missions

Embassies in Mali

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Mali
United States in Mali

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