West Africa · ML · BKO
Mali entry requirements
What you need to enter Mali: visa rules by passport, vaccines, arrival airports and practical details for your trip.
Travel advice. Many governments advise against all or all but essential travel. Check your foreign ministry's travel advice before you plan anything.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
Visa rules by passport
| Passports | Entry | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, United Kingdom | Embassy visa | See portal | — |
| United States | Not available | See portal | — |
US passports: Mali refuses entry to US citizens. Entry restrictions on US citizens announced in December 2025 as a reciprocal measure. Check the US State Department page before planning travel.
Detailed guide for your passport
Health and vaccines
Yellow fever. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
Malaria. Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Travel clinics commonly also discuss hepatitis A, typhoid and, for longer rural stays, rabies. Book 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Practical details
- Capital
- Bamako
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Languages
- Bambara, French
- Plug types
- C, E
- Best time
- November to February
- Main airports
- Bamako (BKO)
Highlights of Mali
- Great Mosque of Djenné
- Timbuktu
- Dogon Country
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa for Mali?
Yes. Most EU passport holders need a visa (embassy visa).
Is a yellow fever vaccination required for Mali?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
Is there malaria in Mali?
Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
What is the best time to visit Mali?
November to February is generally the best time to visit.
What currency is used in Mali?
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Cards work in cities and larger hotels; carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Mali, Burkina Faso ban US citizens (Dec 2025)
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.