Risk level

Safety and security

Political Situation

Since the coup d'état of August 2020, Mali has been ruled by a military-led transitional government. In September 2023, the authorities announced a postponement of presidential and legislative elections, with a return to constitutional order scheduled for early 2024. Since then, no election date has been set.

On December 31, 2023, the MINUSMA, which supported the peace process and helped stabilize the security situation in the country, withdrew from Mali. The security situation in the country could further deteriorate.

You should leave the country by commercial flights if it is safe to do so.

If you are in Mali:

• remain vigilant
• monitor local and international media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Terrorism

Terrorist groups operate in Northern and central Mali They regularly carry out attacks targeting mainly the Malian security forces.

Bamako and the southern and western parts of Mali are also exposed to terrorist threats. Since 2022, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in central, western and southern Mali, including in the vicinity of Bamako. Although they have primarily targeted security forces installations, the attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians.

Active terrorist groups are determined to increase their attacks and kidnappings targeting foreigners.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• schools, including universities
• places of worship
• security installations
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during: 

• sporting events 
• religious holidays 
• public celebrations 
• major political events, such as elections  

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. 

State of emergency

A state of emergency is currently in effect throughout Mali. Heightened security measures are in place, including random identity checks and roadblocks. Carry identification and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

• Remain extremely vigilant
• follow political and social developments carefully 

Bamako

In the past, establishments in Bamako frequented by foreigners have been targeted by attacks, causing deaths and injuries. If you are in Bamako despite the advisory, avoid travelling in urban areas after dark, especially in places frequented by foreigners.

Northern Mali

Military clashes with armed rebels persist in Northern Mali. Rebel forces, terrorist groups and criminal networks operate throughout this region and legitimate Malian security forces cannot ensure the safety of foreigners.

Insecurity in Northern Mali is exacerbated due to a lack of:

• infrastructure
• reliable transportation
• safe hotels
• emergency services

The ability of the Canadian embassy in Bamako to provide consular services in Northern Mali is severely limited.

Border areas with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal

Terrorist and criminal incidents have occurred in border areas with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. Clashes between Malian authorities and other armed groups have occurred in the Kayes and Sikasso regions.

Kidnappings

The risk of kidnapping is high throughout Mali, especially in the northern regions and in all border areas. Attacks, with the intent to kidnap, now occur in areas surrounding Bamako. Westerners are specifically targeted. Some hostages have been detained for months before being released, and some have been killed. There is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings targeting Westerners in Bamako.

If you need to travel within Mali:

• use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules
• exercise particular caution when travelling on highways, in rural areas and residential areas, even during daylight hours
• avoid border areas
• exercise particular caution when travelling the access roads to the airport
• avoid travelling after dark

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place frequently, particularly at the Independence Monument, located in Commune III, and at the Bouguiba Monument, located in Commune IV in Bamako. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Crime is on the rise in Mali, particularly in Bamako, which has seen an increase in armed assaults and robberies. Westerners have been the targets of:

• carjacking, especially in the north
• car theft
• various scams

Roadblocks, which are often set up at night, can lead to travel disruptions and contribute to the heightened threat of crime. Avoid travelling after dark.

Carjackings occur throughout Mali, especially in the north. Petty crime occurs often.

Be careful of scammers at the Modibo Keïta International Airport.

• Travel in groups
• Remain vigilant
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place 
• Avoid poorly lit areas after dark

Corruption is prevalent. Police may stop drivers and request payments for unknown reasons.

When shopping, note that food products are sometimes sold past their expiry date and higher prices may be charged for merchandise bought in markets.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Road safety

Exercise extreme caution when driving. Road conditions off major roads are poor. Driving standards, lack of traffic signals, excessive speed, pedestrians and livestock on roadways, traffic congestion, the absence of sidewalks and poorly lit streets all pose serious risks. Overloaded transport vehicles often break down and cause accidents. Many vehicles lack lights. Roadside assistance is not available. Avoid driving at night.

During the rainy season, some dirt roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Vehicles should be equipped with spare tires and an emergency kit. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable in the capital. Agree on taxi fares before departure.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Malian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Mali.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You must obtain your visa prior to arrival.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited, especially outside of Bamako. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mali.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mali, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Mali.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mali by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mali to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The law of Mali doesn’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face other sanctions.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mali.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Exports

Mali restricts the export of certain Malian archaeological objects, particularly those from the Niger River Valley. Under Malian law, visitors seeking to export such items require an export authorization from the National Museum of Mali in Bamako.

Dress and behaviour

Mali’s customs, laws and regulations closely adhere to Islamic practices. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect Malian religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Ramadan

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Driving

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the African Financial Community franc, or CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside a few major hotels. The Central Bank of West African States has a foreign exchange bureau on Koulikoro Road in Bamako, close to the Grand Hôtel. Exchange facilities are often slow and offer rates that are out of date.

Access to ATMs is limited outside of Bamako.

Natural disasters and climate

There are 3 main seasons in Mali:

• the dry and cool season, from November to February
• the dry and hot season, from March to June, where temperatures can reach 45°C
• the rainy season, from June to October

During the rainy season, seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Dust and sand storms are frequent.