Travel Warning - Mali (April 4, 2012)
1. The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens
against all travel to Mali at this time because of
current political instability in the country, an active
rebellion in the north, and continuing threats of attacks
and kidnappings of Westerners also in the north of the
country. The Department of State has authorized the
departure of non-emergency personnel and all eligible
family members of U.S. Embassy personnel. Malian
mutineers have refused to return to their barracks, and
rival rebel factions are battling each other for control
in areas they have seized in the north. The situation in
the country remains fluid and unpredictable. The U.S.
Department of State urges U.S. citizens in Mali to
consider their own personal security and contingency
plans, including the option of temporarily departing
Mali. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning
for Mali dated March 26, 2012, to update information on
current events in Mali.
2. On April 2, The Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) imposed diplomatic, trade, financial, and
border closure sanctions on Mali that will remain in
place until further notice. The African Union (AU) also
imposed sanctions against the mutineers and the
insurgency in the north.
3. Senou International Airport in Bamako is currently
open for business; however, the availability of flights
in the future is unpredictable and depends on the overall
security situation. U.S. citizens currently living in
Mali are advised to temporarily depart the country in
light of the current security situation. Persons wishing
to depart the country should check with commercial
airlines for the airport's operational status and flight
and seat availability before traveling to the airport.
4. U.S. citizens should note that the U.S. Embassy in
Bamako has designated northern regions of Mali as
"restricted without prior authorization" for purposes of
travel by U.S. government employees, contractors,
grantees, and their dependents. Prior to traveling to
these areas, U.S. government employees in Mali are
required to have the written approval of the U.S.
Ambassador to Mali. This designation is based on an
active Tuareg rebellion, the presence of Al-Qaeda in the
Lands of the Maghreb (AQIM), as well as banditry in the
region. These restrictions are in effect for the regions
of Kidal, Gao, and Timbuktu, where separatist rebels now
appear to have control.
5. U.S. citizens currently in Mali despite this Travel
Warning are urged to enroll in the State Department's
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling,
you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in
case of emergency.
6. U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific
Information for Mali and the Worldwide Caution, both
located on the Department of State's Bureau of Consular
Affairs website. Current information on safety and
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll-free in the United States and Canada, or a regular
toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These
numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking
our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains
the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as
the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the
Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
7. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located in ACI 2000 at Rue
243, Porte 297. The Embassy's mailing address is B.P. 34,
Bamako, Mali. The telephone number, including for after-hour
emergencies, is +223 2070-2300. The consular fax number is
+223 2070-2340.
