Sub Saharan Africa

Mali

Still current at: 03 December 2008

Updated: 07 November 2008

Terrorism
 
There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

 
Political Situation
 
Mali Country Profile

Malian security forces continue to be active against rebel groups operating in northern and north eastern Mali.  Outbreaks of fighting between the army and the rebel groups and attacks by rebel groups usually, though not exclusively, occur in the region of Kidal and have resulted in a number of people being killed or kidnapped.

 

While large political rallies and demonstrations are not common in Mali, we recommend that you avoid them.

Crime
 
There have been incidents of armed banditry, car-jacking and kidnap in northern Mali.  On 3 January 2008 four Italian nationals were robbed at gunpoint in Araouane, 150 miles north of Timbuktu.  In May 2008, four car-loads of armed men, believed to be rebels,attacked a military base in Diabaly, about 250 km north east of Bamakio, killing one soldier before stopping at a popular weekly market (Dogofri) to steal fuel supplies.

 

Bandits and smugglers are particularly active across the Mali-Algeria, Mali-Guinea and Mali-Niger borders and constitute a real risk to travellers, especially after dark.  Extremist Algerian groups in the northern region also present potential risks for travellers.

 

Crime rates in the rest of Mali are generally not high but you should take sensible precautions.  Do not carry valuables in public.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
 
Local Travel

We advise against all travel north and east of the Niger River (along the line Timbuktu, Gao, Ansongo and Labbezanga), apart from to the cities of Timbuktu and Gao, and against all travel to the north and west of Timbuktu, and towards the western border with Mauritania and eastern borders with Niger and Algeria.  This is because of the increased risk of banditry and kidnap in these areas.

There have also been reports of fighting between Touareg rebels and extremist Algerian groups in northern Mali. 

Land mines are being used by groups operating in North and North East Malian September 2007, two civilian vehicles transporting people from Algeria to Tinzawaten hit land mines in the area north-east of Kidal, killing more than 15 people.

If you travel to Timbuktu and/or Gao overland we recommend that you use the road from Bamako via Douentza.  If you plan to use the road from Bamako to Timbuktu via Niono and Léré we advise that you plan your journey in advance and inform local authorities (police and/or army) before leaving Bamako.  A local driver/guide is also recommended.

We advise against all travel on the road to Gao alongside the North bank of the Niger River from Timbuktu via Ber and Bourem.  We also advise against all travel on the road alongside the Niger River south from Gao to Niamey in Niger.  On 16 September 2008 there were clashes between the Malian security forces and bandits in the Ansongo area resulting in a number of deaths.

If you travel to the north or west of Timbuktu, against our advice, you are strongly advised to fly.  If travelling overland in this area, or in any of the areas of Mali where we advise against travel, it is essential to plan your journey in advance and inform local authorities (police and/or army) before leaving Bamako.  A local driver/guide is also recommended.  In all cases, travelling after dark should be avoided.

 
Road Travel

Road conditions off the main roads are often poor, especially in the rainy season (June-September).  Driving standards can be poor.  You should take particular care and attention when driving in Bamako.

In June 2008, 12 people were killed in one week in accidents on the Bamako-Dakar road (via Kayes).  Between 23 September and 8 October 2006, approximately 50 people died in road accidents on RN7 (Bamako-Segou-Mopti road).

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws reflect the fact that Mali is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

 

Women are expected to dress modestly.

 

Homosexuality is legal in Mali, but not widely accepted.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visas

British citizens require a visa to enter Mali, obtainable from a Malian Embassy or Consulate.  There are Malian Embassies in some neighbouring countries, which issue visas.

 

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

You must also have a valid international vaccination card with a valid yellow fever immunisation.

 

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Medical facilities in Mali are very limited.

Cholera, malaria and other tropical diseases are common to Mali. Outbreaks of meningitis also occur, usually from the end of February to mid-April.  Since mid-March 2007, Malian health services have recorded nearly 400 cases of meningitis with 26 deaths, with the majority of cases occurring in the Sikasso, Koutiala and Bamako regions.

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mali you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 93,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mali were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mali and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling.  This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

British nationals residing in Mali should register at the BELO, as should anyone intending to travel up-country.  Or register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Consular assistance

The British Embassy Liaison Office (BELO) in Bamako offers consular advice and assistance.  For passport services, applications should be made to the British Embassy in Dakar.  Forms are available from the BELO, which is located in the Canadian Embassy compound.

Money

Major banks and hotels accept credit cards and travellers cheques.