Practical Information for visiting Mali

The currency is the West African CFA franc, issued by the Central Bank of West African States in Dakar for the members of the West African monetary union. The advisories record that credit-card and ATM fraud occurs and that ATMs should be used with particular care and inside banks or well-lit public places; that police may stop drivers and request payments for unknown reasons, and that authorities have asked foreigners for small payments; and that higher prices are charged in markets. The exchange arrangement and the cash economy outside Bamako are not summarised here until they have been read on an authority's page.

Both the British and Canadian governments advise against all travel to Mali. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to the whole country because of the unpredictable security conditions and says that anyone in Mali should leave immediately by commercial flight if they judge it safe to do so; Global Affairs Canada says avoid all travel because of the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and fuel shortages. Travel insurance may be invalidated by travelling against that advice.

Terrorism: terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks; JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province operate in the country, the regions most affected are the centre and north, but attacks target the capital too, including military bases, government buildings and, in April 2026, locations near Bamako's airport, Kati, Gao and Kidal. The situation deteriorated after the UN peacekeeping mission withdrew in December 2023.

Kidnapping by criminal groups is widespread across Mali, with an increase in kidnappings of Western nationals, gangs operating throughout the country including Gao and Kayes regions, and the possibility that criminal groups sell hostages on to terrorists. Crime: carjackings throughout the country, petty crime, scams at Bamako's airport, corruption at police stops. Movement: blockades and roadblocks on the routes into Bamako, a national fuel shortage, curfews — what that means for a journey is on Getting Around.

Attacks on major roads and transport routes are increasing across the country, including through the use of landmines and other explosive devices, particularly where terrorist groups are operational and near border areas. There have been incidents of carjacking and kidnap across Mali; the FCDO's advice to anyone travelling against it is to beware of the threat to the vehicle and to take advice from a security company or personal sponsor.

Consular help is thin: the FCDO cannot give in-person support and says to have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government; the Canadian embassy in Bamako has severely limited reach in the north.

The Canadian advisory's health section for Mali is long, and a traveller who must go should read it whole; the requirements and risks it names are these. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry from all countries and the disease is present. Malaria is a risk, with antimalarial medication recommended depending on itinerary and season. Cholera is a risk in parts of the country; meningococcal disease, because Mali lies in the African meningitis belt; rabies, common and carried by dogs and bats, with post-exposure treatment possibly unavailable; circulating vaccine-derived polio; schistosomiasis in fresh water; dengue, chikungunya, Zika, typhoid and hepatitis A. Medical help after an accident is likely to be limited outside Bamako. Emergency medical assistance is on 15.

Entry. A visa is required and must be obtained before arrival. The British advisory says the application and payment process is now fully online through the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with an entry permit issued electronically. A passport must be valid for the duration of the stay, and proof of yellow fever vaccination is an entry requirement for travellers from all countries.

Photography: photography of military personnel and installations is prohibited, and government buildings should not be photographed; ask permission before photographing people.

Antiquities: Mali restricts the export of archaeological objects, particularly from the Niger River valley; exporting them requires an authorisation from the National Museum of Mali in Bamako.

Drugs: penalties for possession, use or trafficking are severe.

Dress and conduct: the country's customs, laws and regulations closely adhere to Islamic practice; dress conservatively and behave discreetly, and expect fasting to affect services during Ramadan. Same-sex relations are not illegal but are not widely socially accepted.

Disputes: a foreigner connected to a business or civil dispute may be detained, prosecuted or prevented from leaving until it is resolved.

Checkpoints: carry identification at all times. How to approach one, and what to do if the person at it is not a police officer, is on Getting Around.

Emergency numbers: police 17, medical assistance 15, firefighters 18.

Leaving: both advisories say to leave Mali by commercial flight if it is safe to do so, and not by road; Bamako International Airport could close temporarily after attacks, as in April 2026.

Consular: the British FCDO cannot give in-person support in Mali; the Canadian embassy is in Bamako. Have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on either.

Accidents: go to the nearest police station to report rather than staying at the scene; medical help outside Bamako is likely to be limited.