As of 2025, travellers to Mali are generally required to obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate prior to travel unless they are citizens of countries with which Mali maintains visa-exemption agreements. Visa processing now includes digital appointment scheduling at most diplomatic missions. Entry requirements also include vaccination verification and security considerations due to regional safety alerts.
Travellers are advised to complete all application steps—including scheduled travel bookings and required documentation—before initiating visa procedures. All entries are subject to screening and border control clearance by Malian immigration authorities.
Entry into Mali
Regional Travel Restrictions
Since the 9th of January 2022, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed suspensions on land and air border operations and non-essential trade with Mali. Although limited international flights from Bamako remain available, travel conditions can change rapidly. Travellers are advised to:
- Confirm all flight arrangements with airlines in advance
- Monitor the official guidance issued by local authorities and the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Maintain contact with tour operators, accommodation providers, and transit carriers for logistical updates
Additional Entry Protocols
Travellers may be required to undergo supplementary health or security screenings upon entry. Local authorities maintain discretion to enforce enhanced inspection procedures, especially during periods of national significance, including holidays, elections, and public events.
For more information on visas to Mali, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy PageWho Needs a Visa to Visit Mali?
With the exception of visa-exempt nationals, all travellers must obtain a visa prior to arriving in Mali. Visas must be acquired from a Malian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the applicant’s country of residence.
Visa applications are typically not available on arrival for most nationalities. However, a visa on arrival is available for nationals of a very limited number of countries (such as Rwanda and Kenya), but this should not be relied upon for most travellers. Entry will be refused without a valid visa unless the traveller holds nationality from one of the exempted countries.
Security and Safety Advisory
Mali remains under a high-security alert due to terrorism risks and elevated incidents of kidnapping. Visitors should:
Avoid large public gatherings, including music festivals, parades, demonstrations, and religious events
Remain vigilant during election periods and national celebrations
Monitor local news and government announcements regularly
Cooperate with security personnel at checkpoints, hotels, and public venues
Avoid travel after dark or to remote regions without verified guidance
Frequent security patrols, roadblocks, and curfews may be in place depending on the region.
Appointment Waiting Times
Visa application appointments must be scheduled in advance. Waiting times vary:
- Typical appointment scheduling delay: Between 3 and 10 working days
- Applicants are informed of specific processing timelines upon receipt of their complete submission
- Early planning is essential to avoid travel delays
As part of Mali’s digitalisation efforts, appointments must often be scheduled online through the official website of the relevant embassy or consulate prior to submission.
Visa Processing Time
Standard processing timelines for Malian visa applications are:
- 10 business days, counted from the date of complete document submission
- Delays may occur due to consular workload, holidays, or incomplete applications
- Applicants are advised to submit well in advance of intended travel dates
Eligibility to Apply for a Mali Visa
Visa applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond planned date of entry
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed
- Photographs: Passport-sized, compliant with biometric standards
- Letter of Invitation: Required for private, official, or business visits
- Business Cover Letter: Required for business visas
- Vaccination Certificate: Proof of yellow fever immunisation
- Travisa Order Form (if applying via a visa facilitation service)
- Visa Fee: Amount varies by visa type and applicant nationality
As part of Mali’s digitalisation efforts, appointments must often be scheduled online through the official website of the relevant embassy or consulate prior to submission.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Who Can Visit Mali Without a Visa?
Nationals of the following countries may enter Mali without a visa for short-term stays:
| Algeria | Bahamas | Barbados |
| Bermuda | Burkina Faso | Cameroon |
| Cape Verde | Chad | Cook Islands |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Dominica | The Gambia |
| Ghana | Guinea | Guinea-Bissau |
| Haiti | Hong Kong | Liberia |
| Macao | Mauritania | Micronesia |
| Niger | Nigeria | Niue |
| Philippines | Senegal | Sierra Leone |
| St Vincent and the Grenadines | Togo | Tunisia |
Note: The above list is based on available sources and may change. Some countries may be added or removed from the visa-exempt list. Always check the latest official guidance from the Malian embassy or consulate before travel. Additionally, Syrian passport holders are not permitted entry or transit through Mali, even if not leaving the aircraft.
Mali Visa Types
The following visa categories are currently available to foreign nationals intending to visit Mali:
Tourist Visa
- For leisure travel or short private visits
- May require proof of accommodation and return flight
Business Visa
- For commercial travel, trade visits, or meetings
- Requires formal business correspondence and invitation
Missionary Visa
- For religious work or affiliated organisational assignments
Official Visa
- For government representatives or diplomats on official duty
Work Visa
- For individuals intending to work in Mali (includes temporary, long-term, and specialised skill visas)
- Requires an employment contract and approval from Malian authorities
Each visa type has its own documentation and duration parameters. Travellers must confirm their purpose of visit and apply accordingly.
What to Do if Your Mali Visa Is Refused
If your visa application is denied:
- The issuing embassy or consulate will provide a written refusal notice outlining the reasons for denial
- Applicants may:
- Submit a new application with corrected or additional documentation
- Contest the decision by lodging a formal appeal to the consulate that issued the refusal
- Appeals must be submitted within 15 calendar days and must include the original signature of the appellant
- The full application process must be restarted if reapplying
There is no guarantee of approval on appeal or reapplication. All decisions rest solely with the consular authority.
Actionable Instruction
Travellers to Mali must apply for their visa at least three weeks before departure to allow time for appointments and processing. Be sure to book an appointment online, prepare all supporting documents, and verify current border and safety regulations. Visa-exempt nationals may enter without a visa but must still meet health and entry screening requirements.