There is a way to get a visa for Mali without visiting a Malian Embassy. As of mid-2025, there is now a way to apply for a Malian E-visa through their new government website: https://diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml/ .
The website is entirely in French, but for the most part is straight forward. There is a section in green down the page that says “Venir au Mali pour:” or “coming to Mali for:”. Click that link and it will have the option for tourism. Once here it will ask you for a 6 number code to be generated. If you don’t have this, you can generate it on the spot and this will start your application.
Depending on your nationality, it will select the Malian embassy that is closest to your country. For example, if you are Australian, you will automatically be dealing with the Malian embassy in Tokyo, Japan. For many Europeans, this will be Berlin.
What do you need?
To be able to apply for the E-visa you will have to upload the following documents:
- Passport copy;
- Yello fever card;
- Letter of Invitation;
- Hotel Reservation; and
- Arrival and departure flight details;
Once you get to the end and you have submitted it will ask you to pay the visa fee, however it does not provide a link, only a reference number to your application. You must email the relevant consulate or embassy that your visa has been processed through, and they will provide you with bank details to send the transfer.
How long does it take?
Once you have sent the transfer, send the embassy a confirmation of your bank transfer receipt and within a few days to 2 weeks you should receive your ‘Authorisation D’entreé’ which will allow you to enter through the airport at Bamako.
The E-visa will state which exact flights you are arriving and departing on, however duration of stay will say 3 months.
What to do when you arrive?
Once you are off the plane have your visa ready. There will be immigration officers waiting for those with the e-visa (it won’t be many of you). You will be then bought over to a separate window where they will check everything, take a photo and then stamp you in. It’s very easy and doesn’t take much time at all.
What should I expect at Bamako Airport?
Apart from the inevitable chaotic baggage carousel, once you leave customs you will be able to get a SIM card and withdraw money from ATMs. If you are planning on changing money you will have to exit the airport. Unfortunately, the SIM card vendor is on the inside, so if you do need to change money you won’t be able to come back in unless you re-enter the airport security through the main doors. The ATMs do work with foreign cards.
Do I need to keep my visa print out?
No, this won’t be asked for at any time during your stay. When you depart Mali, you won’t be asked for it at all either by immigration. In saying this, we would advise to keep it just in case they change the rules while you are visiting.
Is it safe to travel to Mali now?
If you are planning on travelling to Mali, it is essential for you safety to travel with a reputable guide. Bamako and the immediate area are safe to visit, however it is highly advisable to move around the city with a guide. Further, it would be unwise to move around the city by yourself as the police at the current time are quite suspicious of foreigners. The areas of Mopti and Djannet are off limits due to security concerns. It is possible now to travel to Timbuktu, however this can only be done by an expensive charter flight and access by road is not safe or possible.
If you’re looking for more information on travel to Mali, then check out our comprehensive
destination guide available on our website here.
