The Republic of Mali is not considered a safe place for tourists due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping. The governments of many countries have informed their citizens of the current situation in Mali and have advised them not to travel to the country. However, foreign citizens who must travel to Mali can read the article below for more information regarding the Mali visa policy.
Who Needs a Visa for Mali?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Mali:
- Algeria
- Ghana
- Niger
- Andorra
- Guinea
- Nigeria
- Benin
- Guinea-Bissau
- Senegal
- Burkina Faso
- Indonesia
- Sierra Leone
- Cameroon
- Liberia
- Togo
- Cabo Verde
- Macau
- Tunisia
- Chad
- Mauritania
- United Arab Emirates
- Ivory Coast
- Monaco
- Gambia
- Morocco
Other Visa Exemptions
Here are some other nationalities that do not need a visa to enter Mali if they meet the following criteria:
- Service category or diplomatic passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in Mali for three months:
- Brazil
- China
- Cuba
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports of any country do not need a visa to stay in Mali for one month.
- Holders of a China passport for public affairs do not need a visa to enter and stay in Mali for three months.
Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to citizens of Kenya and Rwanda. Citizens of these countries can stay in Mali for three months with a visa on arrival.
Applicants who want to apply for a visa on arrival must have a valid passport.
| Important: Syrian citizens are not allowed to travel and enter the Republic of Mali. |
How to Apply for a Mali Visa?
Applicants who want to apply for a Mali visa must follow these instructions:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mali in your home country and book a visa appointment. Make sure you arrive on time at your visa application appointment.
- Fill out the Mali visa application form, sign it at the end, and do not leave blank spaces.
- Gather the required documents. See ‘Mali Visa Requirements’ for more information regarding the visa requirements.
- Submit the required documents at the embassy or consulate of Mali in your home country.
- Wait until you receive a response from the embassy or consulate of Mali for your visa application result.
Mali Visa Requirements
Here are the documents you must provide when applying for a Mali visa:
- A passport or travel document valid for at least six months after the return date. Your passport must have at least one blank page.
- A fully completed and signed Mali visa application form. Do not leave any blank spaces, and do not feel the application with incorrect information.
- A passport-sized photograph. The applicant must take the photos within the last six months.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- A return flight ticket. This document must prove that you will return to your home country when your visa expires.
- A bank statement document. This document must prove that you are financially stable and can financially support yourself in Mali.
- An accommodation proof for your stay in Mali. This document can be a hotel accommodation reservation, rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a friend or relative.
- A fee payment receipt. This document proves that you have finished the requested visa application fee payment.
The embassy or consulate of Mali may request additional documents to support your visa application, depending on your visa type. So, contact the embassy or consulate before submitting your visa application.
| Note: Any missing or incorrect information can lead to your visa refusal. |
Mali Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Mali visa is between seven to ten working days. The embassy or consulate can extend the processing time if any important information or document is missing. However, the embassy of Mali will inform you if there is any delay with your visa application result.
You will receive a response via email or text message.
Duration of a Mali Visa
The duration of a Mali visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The embassy of Mali will inform you about the duration of your visa once the visa is issued.
Mali Visa Fees
The Mali visa application fees depend on the type of visa the applicant is applying for or the country they are applying from. For example, US citizens must finish the payment of $160 for a Mali visa.
When submitting the requested documents, the applicant must finish the requested fee payment at the embassy or consulate.
| Important: For further information regarding the visa application fee payment, contact the embassy or consulate of Mali in your home country. |
Travel Tips
The Republic of Mali is facing many difficulties in the country’s security. Travel is advised against due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. But if you need to travel to Malta, here are some travel tips:
- Do not walk alone. Make sure you take professional security measures with you.
- Avoid public transport.
- Avoid public gatherings.
- Stay away from blockades set by the police of the country.
- Avoid talking with armed people.
- Do not keep valuable things with you while in the country.
- Do not trust anyone. Many scams can happen.
- Do not travel to Mali to meet people you have met via the internet or dating sites. Many people have been kidnapped or killed.
- Avoid taking pictures or videos in public.
- Do not eat food outside; it can be poisoned.