Mali

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

Plug Type CPlug Type 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