Option 1: E-visa
There is a way to get a visa for Mali without visiting a Malian Embassy, and of course this is the preferred option for most people. As of mid-2025, there is now a way to apply for a Malian E-visa through their new government website, which you can find here: https://diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml/ .
The website is entirely in French, but for the most part is straight forward. Part-way down the page there is a section in green down 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 the application, it will ask you to pay the visa fee, however it does not provide a link, only a reference number for 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 two 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. When you arrive at Bamako Airport you will be asked to wait on the side while they process your visa. This process is fairly quick and once you are stamped in you are free to leave the airport.
If you'd like to learn more about the Malian E-visa system, have a look at our blog here
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Option 2: Visiting an Embassy
Mali is surprisingly one of the easiest West African countries to obtain a visa for. If you don't use the E-visa system, you will need to visit a diplomatic mission to get your visa, but there are 39 currently in operation across the world and they are easy to work with. It is recommended to apply 1-2 months in advance of your trip, though there are some exceptions.
In order to apply for a visa, you will need a visa application form, which can be downloaded from the website of the Malian embassy you plan to visit. You’ll also need two passport photos, and a cashier’s check, money order, or cash to pay for your visa application fee. Prices vary from embassy to embassy for different nationalities, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €40-€200 EUR. You will also need to provide either a letter of invitation, or detailed notes about your travel plans including the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, and all hotel reservations for your entire stay in Mali. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a full page sticker in your passport, and you are ready to enter Mali.
If you do not have a Malian embassy near you, you might want to consider obtaining your visa in one of Mali’s neighbouring countries, such as Mauritania. Some report turnaround times at the embassy in Nouakchott to be as little as two hours, though others have given reports of two weeks, so it is best to check with the embassy ahead of time if you are banking on getting your visa right before your trip.
Note for US Citizens: As of October 2025, US citizens will need to pay a $10,000 visa bond to enter Mali. This was a reciprocal measure put in place after the US placed Mali on its visa bond list. However, the US removed Mali from that list several days later. It is likely that Mali will end the visa bond requirements for US citizens in turn, but no announcement has been made yet. As long as you follow all visa rules, this bond will be refunded after your visit. Talk to your embassy and follow their instructions to be sure you do not lose your money.
