Mali

Safety and security

Local safety

• The National Police has responsibility for law enforcement and maintenance of order in urban areas and supports the armed forces in internal military operations.
• The National Gendarmerie has responsibility in rural areas, including a specialized border security unit.
• The National Guard and the Malian Armed Forces occasionally perform law enforcement duties in areas where police and gendarmes are absent.
• The country’s intelligence service has authority to investigate any case and temporarily detain persons at the discretion of its director general, who reports directly to the president. Civilian authorities do not always maintain effective control over civilian and military security forces.
• There are reports of members of the security forces committing numerous abuses.

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 80 00 1115 for police
• Dial 80 00 1201 and 20 22 8081 for fire
• Dial 80 00 1115 for ambulance
• Dial 80 00 1115 for toll-free domestic violence hotline 

Note: Operators are likely to only speak Bambara and/or French.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Airports
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (airports, buses, trains)

Terrorist groups

• Avoid travel to and outside of Bamako because of insecurity and ongoing military operations.
• Recently, insecurity has intensified within Bamako itself and other cities in Mali.  U.S. citizens should shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Terrorist groups that operate in Mali, are primarily al-Qaeda affiliates Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), as well as ISIS-Sahel.  These groups are active and regularly attack international troops, Malian soldiers, and civilians. 
• These groups have claimed responsibility for small arms and improvised explosive attacks, kidnappings, and other violent actions.

Demonstrations

While demonstrations are not common, they may occur at any time and without prior warning in response to political or economic issues.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Demonstrations can occur spontaneously and turn violent. The majority of these are contained by security forces.
• U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and stay aware of their surroundings.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• Violent demonstrations, looting, burning of buildings, and roadblocks can take place during periods of civil unrest and conflict. 
• Foreigners are frequently targeted for kidnapping by criminal or terrorist groups throughout Mali. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for JNIM and other terrorist groups.
• Criminal traffickers of all kinds are present throughout the Sahel and may respond violently if encountered.
• Although most crimes in Bamako are of a nonviolent and opportunistic nature, criminals can be violent and are often armed. Most reported incidents targeted unaccompanied individuals in the early morning or late-night hours.  Home invasions, armed robberies, and carjacking are among the most common violent crimes reported. U.S. citizens should stay alert at all times.
• Mali’s justice system suffers from a lack of resources, personnel, and professionalism, as well as a preponderance of systemic corruption. Corruption in all sectors of the administration is widespread. Authorities do not hold police accountable for corruption. Officials, police, and gendarmes frequently extort bribes.
• Bandits routinely set up roadblocks on major routes outside of Bamako to stop vehicles to steal belongings; several motorists have died in such robberies.
• Do not drive at night.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Mali. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers often pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Mali:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 8000 1115. Contact the U.S. embassy during normal consular hours at +223-20-70-2300, or after-hours at +223-66-75-2860.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.
• For consular services for crime victims, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Mali.

The U.S. Embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bamako and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices.

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones, satellite phones, or other technology may be illegal or restricted.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not available.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Mali, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Passport identification

• Local law requires you always   carry your passport. Not having it can lead to detention or a fine.

Drugs

• There are severe penalties in Mali for drug possession, use, or trafficking. Offenders face long jail sentences and high fines.

Photography

It is illegal to take photos of police or military sites, airports, or any government buildings. If you do, even by mistake, authorities may take your equipment and detain you. 

• Locals in Mali might be sensitive about photography, so it’s best to get their approval first.

Corruption

• Corruption is a significant concern with security forces in Mali. Travelers may experience harassment from security officials asking for bribes. At night, unexpected checkpoints often appear. Police or soldiers at these checkpoints might demand money.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to immediately notify the U.S. embassy in Bamako.

Detention conditions

Mali’s constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest. It allows people to challenge their detention in court, but laws are inconsistently applied.

• Detainees often struggle to access quality, affordable legal services.
• Security forces and armed groups detain people without legal grounds, especially during security operations. Investigations can be slow, leading to long pretrial detentions. 
• The U.S. embassy may not be able to conduct regular prison visits or communicate with detainees, especially outside of Bamako.
• Detainees must obtain their own food, medicine, and hygiene items.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.

Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Mali outlawed homosexuality in 2024.  Activities promoting homosexuality are also illegal.  These acts are punishable by seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs approximately $900.

• Societal discrimination is widespread. Gay individuals have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence, which society views as corrective punishment and police frequently refuse to intervene.
• Most gay and lesbian individuals isolate themselves and keep their sexual identity hidden.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• Mali’s constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens.  In 2018, Mali passed a law to promote and protect the rights of people living with disabilities.
• Expect accessibility to be extremely limited or nonexistent in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure in all parts of the country.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Sexual assault and domestic violence are common in Mali. Although the law prohibits spousal abuse, it does not prohibit domestic violence.

• The minimum age to marry without parental consent is 16 for females and 18 for males. Girls may marry at age 15 with parental consent if a civil judge approves. However, child marriage is common.
• Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is legal in Mali and widely practiced.
• The Government of Mali prohibits FGM/C in government-funded health care centers. Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

There have been credible reports of:

• unlawful or arbitrary killings
• torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• arbitrary arrest or detention
• serious abuses in a conflict
• serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom
• restrictions on religious freedom
• trafficking in persons, including forced labor; and existence of the worst forms of child labor
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Mali prior to traveling.
• Review our information on Journalist Travelers.

Health

Health resources

• CDC Mali Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism Information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 8000 1115 for police and other emergency services.
• Dial 8000 1201 for Fire/Ambulance

Ambulance services

• There are limited ambulance or emergency medical services in Mali.
• Injured or very ill travelers must secure their own transportation to the nearest major hospital.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical care is not free in Mali. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

The government of Mali requires a yellow fever vaccination for entry.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Medical facilities in Mali are extremely limited.

• Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation.
• Public and private medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Care is significantly below U.S. standards of medical care.
• Access to medicines, including antibiotics, can be limited.
• Most clinics only provide very basic services.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• The availability of medicine in local stores or pharmacies is very limited. 
• You should carry prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfers to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are extremely limited or non-existent.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Consider taking prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you and how to prevent illness. Review the CDC website for more information about malaria in Mali.
• Bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
• Visit the Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene webpage to ensure the medication is legal in Mali.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, has the wrong strength, or has dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Mali.
• We strongly recommend you avoid receiving local medical care or treatment outside of emergency situations. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Mali with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Malian courts. If you are considering traveling to Mali to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• NASA’s Air Quality Forecast uses Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Mali.
• CDC’s Air Quality for information about common air pollutants
• EPA’s AirNow for information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance.
• Review our information on Medicine and Health.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Exercise extreme caution when traveling by road. Road conditions are extremely poor. Many roads in Mali are unpaved. Watch for large potholes and rough roadways.

Avoid road travel outside of Bamako.  Kidnappers, terrorists, and robbers attack travelers on these roads. The roads have poor lighting and few other travelers. Improvised explosive devices (bombs) along roadways are an additional risk.

• Drivers often ignore traffic laws to find smoother sections.
• There may also be unexpected checkpoints set up by armed groups or government security forces.
• Avoid driving after dark.
• Carry enough drinking water and food.
• Make sure your gas tank is always at least half-full. Gas stations are not widely available.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, wait until the police arrive. Do not wait if your health or safety is threatened. 
• Always carry travel documentation with you, including your passport and visa. Due to local law, you must always carry your passport. Failure to do so may lead to detention or a fine. 
• Corruption is a serious problem among Mali security forces. Some staff have harassed travelers for bribes. At night, roads may be blocked by unexpected checkpoints where police or soldiers ask for money.
• Police can pull over drivers for using their phones or texting while driving. They do this to promote safe driving, even though no law specifically bans it.
• The driving culture is chaotic. Vehicles often fail to follow basic traffic laws.

Traffic laws

• Drivers travel on the right-hand side of the road in Mali.
• Speed limits range from 40-60 km per hours (25-40 miles per hour) within town, to 100 km per hour (60 miles per hour) between cities.
• Mali has a zero tolerance rule on drinking and driving. Driving under the influence can result in arrest, severe penalties and fines.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Avoid renting taxis and ride-shares.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Mali’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and Natural Disasters

Weather conditions

• The rainy season in Mali lasts from late June until the end of October. It can trigger severe flooding, especially along the Niger River.
• Road travel outside the capital during rainy season is extremely limited.
• Mali has some of the hottest places on Earth. April highs average 111 degrees Fahrenheit. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates