Is it safe to travel to Mali?
Mali is one of the more dangerous countries in the world. To visit Mali, you will need to be extremely prepared, have trusted guides with the most up-to-date information, know which areas to avoid, and maintain sharp awareness of your surroundings. However, the south has started opening up again. Even travel to some central areas like Timbuktu is now possible, though travelers should be extremely prepared and understand the risks. Travel in central Mali is now possible, but a trusted, expert guide is recommended. Travel to the north and Dogon country is not advised.
The south of the country is relatively peaceful (although your state department will certainly tell you not to travel there). Tourism has been growing in Bamako and anywhere south of it, and most tourists have wonderful experiences here. It does not mean there is not still some risk, and you should still maintain caution and not go into your trip blind.
In the north of the country, Tuareg groups, who declared the area an independent territory called Azawad, have been fighting against Islamic rebel groups who also lay claim to the area and have imposed Sharia law. Starting in Sévaré and above is an active combat zone. In addition to being caught in a skirmish, there is risk on the roads of landmines and IEDs. There have been many indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and it is not a situation where passport privilege will save you.
Is independent travel possible in Mali?
If you are just visiting Bamako and the south, independent travel is allowed, though you will want to do plenty of research beforehand if you plan to travel without using a guide. In Central Mali, it is technically allowed to travel independently, but it is highly recommended that you use a guide. Travel to the north and Dogon country is not recommended independently or with a guide, and is entirely at your own risk.
Do I need any vaccines to visit Mali?
A yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into Mali. It is also still technically required to have a Covid-19 vaccine, though immigration has not been checking for documentation on this lately. Those are the only legal vaccine requirements for Mali, but you can check whichever medical advice organization you trust for further vaccine advice.
Is it hard to get a Visa for Mali?
Mali is surprisingly one of the easiest West African countries to obtain a visa for. Mali currently has 39 diplomatic missions across the world, and the easiest way to get your visa is by visiting an embassy, some of which have 48-hour turnaround times. You should bring your passport, 2 passport photos, money to pay for the visa (prices vary for different nationalities but will be somewhere between €45-€160). You will also need to bring a letter of invitation from a host family or tour agency, or proof of hotel bookings for the duration of your stay. Read more about the visa process for Mali here.
Do US citizens need to post a visa bond to visit Mali?
Currently, US citizens need to post a visa bond to visit Mali as of November 2025. A bond of $10,000 USD is the requirement for both business and tourism visas. This decision was made in response to the US putting Mali on its visa bond list. However, two weeks later, the US removed Mali from this list, and Malian citizens no longer need to post a visa bond to visit the US. It is yet to be seen if Mali will return the favour.
How do I change money in Mali?
There are many ATMs that accept foreign cards in Bamako. There are also many banks and official currency exchange shops in the city. However, you might just as easily be able to exchange Euros or USD for West African CFA Francs with one of the many locals who will likely come up to you and offer to exchange money. They usually give a fair rate.
What power outlets are used in Mali?
Type C (which has two round pins) and type E power outlets (which has two round pins and a hole for the male earthing pin in the socket) are used in Mali. These are the same types used across much of Europe. The standard voltage is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz.
Will I have internet access in Mali?
Outside of Bamako, internet access can be limited in Mali. Only 35% of Mali’s population has internet access. In Bamako, you should not have a problem finding wifi in hotels. Many hotels in rural areas will have wifi, but the quality can vary (and often be unusable), so if you require internet access during your stay, you should inquire with the hotel directly ahead of time. Your best bet really will be getting a sim card and using 4G data.
Can I get a sim card in Mali?
You can easily get a physical sim card or an esim in Mali. For a physical sim card, head to an Orange Mobile shop and be sure to bring your passport as they’ll need it to register the sim. Foreign passports are accepted. The prices are not exorbitant – you should be able to get enough data for your trip for between €5-€10 EUR, depending on your needs. You can also purchase a sim card at the airport. There are also many esim options for Mali available online with a variety of data plans. 3G and 4G is fairly widespread, but in rural areas, you might encounter pockets with little to no coverage.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Mali?
You should not drink the tap water in Mali. You should drink bottled water and be sure that the water has a sealed cap when you open it for the first time. While Mali has made great efforts to provide clean water for its citizens, tap water is unfortunately not safe to drink. There is serious risk of water-borne diseases. You should avoid ice unless you know the restaurant buys blocks of ice from a reputable vendor.
