Mali

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mali’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mali set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malian Embassy in Europe, which covers the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Mali, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Mali. The application and payment process is now fully online via the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

An entry permit will be issued electronically once approved. There is no need to send documents to the Malian Embassy in Brussels, which covers the UK.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Mali, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mali guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mali. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.    

You must get an export permit from the Ministry of Arts and Culture to take any cultural or archaeological objects out of Mali. You can get this from the director of the National Museum.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Mali

Emergency response capacity is very limited. If no help is available, take local advice and arrange your own transport locally.

Police: 17

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Mali
• dealing with a death in Mali
• being arrested or imprisoned in Mali
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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