Mali or the Republic of Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is also the eighth-largest country in the said continent. The country’s capital is Bamako, wherein you can buy a lot of locally produced products and goods. If you like shopping, then Bamako would be a paradise for you!

However, going to Mali is not too easy. US citizens need to obtain a visa first before going there. But don’t worry, as, in this article, we provided you some information that might help you in case you decided to travel to Mali. Also, the requirements that you need for you to have the Republic of Mali Tourist Visa!

Other Articles You can Read:

Facts about the Republic of Mali

Language

French is the official language in Mali, but Bambara is the most widely spoken.

Currency

West African CFA franc

Religion

Islam is the main religion in Mali making up to 95% of the population.

Main requirements in Applying for Republic of Mali Tourist Visa

1. A valid passport

2. Two passport-sized photos

3. Two completed and signed application forms.

4. Copy of a yellow fever vaccine certificate (You can check here for the yellow fever vaccination clinics near you.)

5. Self Address prepaid trackable return label and envelope. (USPS, UPS, FedEx)

*If you don’t want to pick up your passport at the embassy.

Visa Fee

The visa fee is $131 for all types of visas.

*All fees are non-refundable

Important: Additional fees may apply for rush services.

3 days: $10
2 days: $20
Same day: $50

Mode of payment: Cashier's check or money order ONLY.

Processing time: The processing time is up to 5 business days.

Embassy in the United States

Address: 2130 R St NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

Contact number:
Tel: +1 202-332-2249
Email: consularsection@maliembassy.us / okonate@maliembassy.us

Office hours:
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
Drop-off: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Pick-up: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

*Visa service is closed on Wednesdays.

Frequently Asked Questions in Applying for Republic of Mali Tourist Visa

1. When should I apply for a visa?

It is recommended to apply for a visa at least weeks or a month before your departure date.

2. Is it safe to travel to Mali?

It is not highly recommended to travel to Mali due to violent crimes, terrorism, robbery, and kidnappings. Because of that, the US government doesn’t really advise its citizens to go there. However, they provided precautionary measures in order to protect its citizens when they decided to visit Mali. You can check them here.

3. Should I get travel insurance before my departure?

If you decide to travel to Mali, it is highly recommended to get travel insurance.

4. How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights going to Mali from the US. Anyone traveling to Mali anywhere from the United States needs a connecting flight to go to the said country. The main airport in Mali is the Modibi Keita International Airport which is formerly known as Bamako–Sénou International Airport. It is located 15 kilometers south of Bamako, the country’s capital. To see available flights going to Mali, you can check Skyscanner.

5. When is the best time to visit Mali?

To fully enjoy your time in Mali, the best time to go there is between November through January. These are the driest months and the weather is cooler during these days. Also, you’d be able to avoid ‘harmattan’ which is one of the seasons in West Africa. It occurs from January through March.

Harmattan is a dusty and dry north-easterly wind from the Sahara Desert. Because of this season, the air becomes really dusty which makes the area not visible enough and there’s a high risk that you’ll have health problems in case you inhale so much dust. We do not really recommend to travel during this time.

6. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?

Since Malians do not speak English that much, English speakers may have a hard time communicating with the people. If you were to travel to Mali, it is recommended to use a translation app or a travel book or guide with you to help you with your journey. However, if you speak or understand French, then you might have an easy stay in Mali.

7. Is traveling to Mali expensive for tourists?

Since Mali is considered one of the poorest countries, it is also quite expensive to go there. One of the few reasons is that Mali is a landlocked country which makes the import more expensive.

8. How can I go around the area?

There are several ways to get around Mali. Those are by using buses, taxis, renting private cars, or by taxi-brousse (bush taxis, slower than normal taxis). Among these, renting a car or by taking a bus are the best options.

9. Why should I visit Mali?

Although Mali is not really considered as a safe country to visit, there are still a lot of things for tourists to see here. The stunning landscapes, rich culture and history, and beautiful cities.

Some places that you shouldn’t miss here are the Great Mosque of Djenne which has a very beautiful architecture, Bandiagara Escarpment, and Timbuktu which is the ancient city in Mali. Timbuktu has a lot of popular attractions like the Djinguereber Mosque and prestigious Sankore University. You’d surely enjoy your time going to these places!

Of course, not only attractions but Mali also has great food! Their main food includes meat like lamb and chicken. You can also have fresh fruits when you visit this country. Most people are Muslims so alcohol is not a popular drink. Malians usually drink fruit juice. That’s the reason why there are a lot of fresh fruits or fresh fruit juice everywhere you go.

If these aren’t enough reasons to visit Mali, then you’re missing something. Mali surely has a lot to offer. It is for us tourists to explore this wonderful country. So if you decide to visit this place, then go ahead and apply for the visa, book a flight, and have a safe and adventurous trip to Mali!

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!