Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Mali due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[223] 2070-2300 or [223]-6675-2860; US Embassy in Bamako, ACI 2000, Rue 243, (located off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge west of the Bamako central district), Porte 297, Bamako, Mali; ACSBamako@state.gov; https://ml.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
223
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 15; Fire: 17; Police: 18
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mali: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February)
Currency (Code)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, Bambara, Peul, Dogon, Maraka, Malinke, Sonrhai/Djerma, Minianka, Tamacheq, Senoufo, Bobo note: Mali has 13 national languages in addition to French
Major Religions
Muslim 93.9%, Christian 2.8%, animist .7%, none 2.5%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Timbuktu; Bamako; Grand Mosque of Djenne; Mopti; Mount Hombori; Tomb of Askia in Gao
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
"You leave home to come home," pretty much sums up the hospitality of the Malian people. A smile and conviviality quickly become the norm.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping porters $1 (USD) per bag and hotel staff $1-2 (USD) per day is appropriate. Professional guides and/or drivers who accompany you throughout a visit should be tipped $10 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Carved-wood native items, including masks and musical instruments; iron and copper swords and knives; pottery; woven cloth; gold, silver, and wood jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Tiguadege Na — a peanut butter stew prepared with lamb or chicken and large chunks of potatoes and carrots
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, September 29, 2023
