Genvisec advises against all travel to:

 

the provinces of Tombouctou, Kidal, Gao and Mopti

parts of the provinces of Kayes, Koulikoro and Segou, as shown on the map

 

We advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Mali.

 

The situation in Mali is still unstable. You should remain vigilant in areas where westerners gather following recents terrorist attacks. 

 

You should keep a low profile and limit movements during the night.

 

 Crime

 

There have been incidents of armed banditry, car-jacking and kidnap in northern Mali. Bandits and smugglers are present along Mali’s northern borders and pose a risk to travellers, especially after dark.

 

The Malian authorities have provided the following numbers in case of emergencies:

 

80 00 11 14

80 00 11 15

20 22 13 35

20 23 95 15

20 23 95 11

Local travel

 

Despite the presence of a UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA), the situation in the north remains tense. You should not travel in the north of Mali, including the regions of Gao, Timbuktu, Kidal

 

Landmines are used by groups operating in North and North East Mali.

 

Travel in Mali can be difficult and conditions are poor for overland travel. You should take all necessary safety precautions, especially outside of main urban areas, have confidence in your security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance.

 

In the case of an accident, go to the nearest police station to file a report immediately. If you remain on the spot you risk being taken to task, sometimes violently, by the local population. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.

 

Road travel

 

Night-time checkpoints sometimes operate in Bamako at various locations. Checkpoints are in place from approximately 9pm until dawn.

 

Keep vehicle and personal identification documents with you at all times while travelling by road. Approach security checkpoints slowly and comply with instructions given. There have been incidents late at night where people dressed as policemen have demanded money from drivers in Bamako. Ask to see identification. Don’t resist if the person is armed.

 

Road conditions off the main roads are often poor, especially in the rainy season (June to September). Other road users may drive dangerously. You should take particular care and attention when driving in urban centres.

 

Air travel

 

A number of European and African commercial airlines operate services to and from Bamako Sénou International Airport.

 

Political situation

 

There was a coup in Mali in 2012 and conflict in the north. Following a French-led military intervention, democracy was restored in 2013. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta (IBK) and his new government took office in September 2013, following national elections. 

 

Money

Major banks and hotels accept credit cards and travellers cheques. Access to money from ATMs and banks may be limited if the political situation deteriorates.

 

Health

Medical facilities in Mali are very limited. The Pasteur Clinic in Bamako can treat emergency cases and provide diagnostic facilities (telephone: +223 2029 10 10; email: cliniquepasteur@afribone.net.ml)

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Cholera, malaria and other tropical diseases are common to Mali. Outbreaks of meningitis also occur, usually from the end of February to mid-April. An outbreak of cholera was reported in late May 2013 near the Nigerien border with Gao province. 

 

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial +223 2023 07 80 or +223 2022 27 12. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Following French/African military intervention in Mali in January 2013, there is a high threat of retaliatory kidnap or attack against Western interests, especially in areas north of Mopti, though the threat exists throughout Mali. There have been a number of recent bomb attacks in Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu and In Khalil. Further attacks are likely.

 

There is a high threat of kidnapping by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) and other regional Islamist groups including Al Murabitun. On 2 November 2013, 2 French journalists were abducted in the north eastern town of Kidal. They were killed shortly afterwards.

 

The kidnap threat is not limited to northern Mali as AQ-M has proven capability of travelling long distances to carry out kidnaps, including in neighbouring countries. Criminal gangs have previously carried out kidnapping for terrorist groups in return for financial rewards. There are currently around 6 Westerners held hostage by Islamist terrorists in north and west Africa, a number of whom were kidnapped in Mali. Victims in the region have included tourists, NGO workers and diplomats of a variety of nationalities, primarily European. These attacks have sometimes resulted in the murder of the hostage.

 

Kidnapping for ransom is Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s primary source of finance. 

 

A number of festivals take place in various locations in the Sahel region every year including in Mali. A British national was among a group of tourists kidnapped from the Mali-Niger border after attending a festival in Mali in 2009. He was killed some months later. 

 

Natural disasters

The rainy season in Mali is from May to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. There was flash flooding in Bamako in late August following heavy rain. You should monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.

 

Visas

 

Foreigners need a visa to enter Mali. You can get one from the nearest Malian Embassy or Consulate.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries otherwise you will be vaccinated at the airport.

 

Passport Validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are not valid for entry into, or transit through, Mali.