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Mali
Country Specific Information
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February 07, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Mali is a developing country in western Africa with a stable and democratic government. The official language is French.
The capital is Bamako. Facilities for tourism are limited. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Mali for additional information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Embassy in Bamako strongly advises American citizens to avoid traveling to the northern regions of Mali, including the areas north of Timbuktu. U.S. Government employees serving in Mali, including those on temporary duty, are required to have approval from the Chief of Mission prior to traveling to areas north of the Niger River. As a result of information received by the Embassy in October 2006 suggesting a possible threat to U.S. interests in Timbuktu, this requirement was extended to that town. Some of the other towns included in this requirement are Kidal, Tessalit, Lere, Goundam, Essakane, and Menaka; it does not include Gao. Travelers should exercise caution when traveling in any isolated areas.Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), formerly known the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), is known to have a presence in northern Mali. The GSPC began as a terrorist group seeking the overthrow of the Algerian government and has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union. The group has declared its intention to attack Algerian, French and American targets.
On December 24, 2007, bandits, possibly connected to Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb, killed four French tourists outside of Aleg, Mauritania. Several days later, four Mauritanian soldiers were killed by suspected terrorists near El Ghallawiya, Mauritania.
On January 3, four Italians were robbed at gunpoint near Araouane, 150 miles north of Timbuktu by assailants whose affiliation is unknown. This recent activity and the porous nature of Mali’s northern borders reinforce long-standing concern about security for travel in northern Mali. The Department of State strongly urges citizens to reconsider traveling to Northern Mali, including Timbuktu and Essakane.
In February 2003, a GSPC faction moved into Mali's far north with 15 European hostages; one hostage died and 14 were subsequently released to Malian authorities. The GSPC publicly announced its affiliation with Al-Qaeda on September 11, 2006 and declared the name change to AQIM in January of 2007. More recently, AQIM claimed responsibility for recent deadly attacks in neighboring Algeria, including an attack on a U.S. business convoy in December 2006 and an attack on the Algerian Prime Minister’s office in April 2007. The presence of AQIM and other armed criminal groups in the north present potential dangers to travelers.
Northern Mali hosts several annual music festivals in the desert, including one north of Timbuktu at Essakane, one north of Kidal at Essouk and another near Menaka. These are official events sanctioned by the Government of Mali. Americans planning to attend these festivals or otherwise travel to the northern regions of Mali despite this caution are urged to notify the Embassy about their plans by e-mail at consularbamako@state.gov.
Sporadic banditry and random carjacking have historically plagued Mali's vast desert and borders with Mauritania and Niger. While banditry is not seen as targeting U.S. citizens specifically, acts of violence cannot be predicted. In August 2007, Tuareg dissidents attacked and kidnapped civilian and military convoys near the Mali-Niger border. Given these developments and the presence of AQIM operatives in Mali’s north, U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid traveling to northern Mali.
Americans who nonetheless opt to travel in the north should be aware that flying or traveling by boat to Timbuktu and other northern locations is considered to be safer than driving; local carriers provide these services. Travel overland is best via convoys with several vehicles and some type of long-range communications capability. The Embassy strongly urges all travelers to avoid traveling after dark on roads outside of urban centers; travelers are urged to limit overland travel to daylight hours and to avoid dirt track and unimproved roads. The roads from Gao to Kidal and Menaka and the roads around Timbuktu are desert tracks with long isolated stretches. Travelers must be prepared to repair their vehicles should they break down or become stuck in the sand. Travelers should also carry plenty of food and water.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Violent crime in Mali is infrequent, but petty crimes, such as pick pocketing and simple theft, are common in urban areas. Passports and wallets should be closely guarded when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets. Individuals traveling on the Bamako-Dakar railroad are advised to be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. Criminals will not hesitate to use violence if they encounter resistance on the part of their victim. There are sporadic reports of nighttime robberies occurring on the roads outside of the capital; tourists should not drive outside of Bamako at night. Travelers should stay alert, remain in groups and avoid poorly lit areas after dark. INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Mali are limited, especially outside of the capital, Bamako. Psychiatric care is non-existent. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals who may see U.S. citizen patients. The Embassy cannot guarantee these services or specifically recommend any physicians.Many American medicines are unavailable; French medications are more easily found. Available medications can be obtained at pharmacies throughout Bamako, and are usually less expensive than those in the U.S. Travelers should carry with them an adequate supply of needed medicines and/or prescription drugs, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs. Caution should be taken to avoid purchasing potentially dangerous counterfeit medications when buying on the local market in Mali.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mali is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.U.S. citizens traveling by road in Mali should exercise caution. Mali has paved roads leading from Bamako to Segou, Mopti and Sikasso. During the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September, some unpaved roads may be impassable. On many roads outside of the capital, deep sand and ditches are common. Four-wheel drive vehicles with spare tires and emergency equipment are recommended. Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous and not recommended.
Drivers drive on the right hand side of the road in Mali. Speed limits range from 40-60 KM per hour (25-40 miles per hour) within towns to 100 KM per hour (60 miles per hour) between cities. Road conditions often require lower speeds. Due to safety concerns, we recommend against the use of motorbikes, van taxis, and public transportation. Excessive speeds, poorly maintained vehicles, lack of street lighting and livestock pose serious road hazards. Many vehicles are not maintained well and headlights are either extremely dim or not used. Driving conditions in the capital of Bamako can be particularly dangerous due to limited street lighting, the absence of sidewalks for pedestrians, and the number of motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. The Malian authority for road safety is the Compagnie Nationale de Circulation Routiere in Bamako at telephone (223) 22-38-83.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Mali, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Mali’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Mali is signatory to the Treaty on Cultural Property that restricts exportation of Malian archeological objects, in particular those from the Niger River Valley. Visitors seeking to export any such property are required by Malian law to obtain an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Mali in Washington, D.C. or the nearest Malian consulate for specific information regarding customs requirements. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act.Currency exchange facilities are slow and often involve out-of-date rates. The U.S. Embassy cannot provide exchange facilities for private Americans. There are a few ATMs in Bamako that accept American credit cards and debit cards with a Visa logo only. Maximum withdrawals are generally limited to $400, and local banks charge up to $20 per transaction for use of their ATMs. There are no ATMs outside of Bamako. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels, a few travel agencies, and select restaurants. Cash advances on credit cards are available from only one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and the only card they accept for this is Visa.
The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification by Malian authorities of the arrest of U.S. citizens. Americans are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If arrested, U.S. citizens should always politely insist they be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy (see section on Registration/Embassy Location below).
Photographing military subjects is restricted. One should also obtain explicit permission from the Malian government before photographing transportation facilities and government buildings. Taking a photograph without permission in any public area may provoke a response from security personnel or offend the people being photographed. Taking photos of the U.S. embassy is also prohibited.
International telephone calls are expensive, and collect calls cannot be made from outside of Bamako.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Mali’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Mali are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction. REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Mali are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy or through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Mali. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in ACI 2000 at Rue 243, Porte 297. The Embassy's mailing address is B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali. The telephone number is (223) 270-2300. The consular fax number is (223) 270-2340. The Embassy web page is at http://mali.usembassy.gov.* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Mali dated October 15, 2007 to update the section on Safety and Security.
