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Arriving at Bamako-Sénou airport (BKO)

Last checked 24 October 2026 · 10 sources

Short answer

Passengers arriving at President Modibo Keita-Sénou International Airport in Bamako need a visa or electronic entry permit issued before travel 1,2. France says travellers without a visa face non-admission and the airline must fly them back 1. A yellow fever certificate is required 2. The UK FCDO says airport security is heavy, vehicles are searched before entering, and only pre-arranged transport should be used 3. The airport closed for about 24 hours after attacks on 25 April 2026, as reported by Senego 4.
Airport
President Modibo Keita-Sénou International Airport, Bamako 5
Operator
Aéroports du Mali 5,6
Visa on arrival
Not available 1,7
Health document
Yellow fever certificate 2
Customs
Declare goods that may be prohibited or taxed 2
Last reported closure
25 April 2026, flights resumed 26 April 2026 4

Before you board

Visas must be obtained before travel. The French foreign ministry says it is not possible to get a visa on arrival at Bamako airport 1. The UK FCDO says applications and payment are made online through the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and an entry permit is issued electronically once approved 2.

France says travellers who arrive without a visa are subject to a non-admission procedure and the airline must return them to their country of origin on a later flight 1.

At the arrival hall

Official sources describe these checks for arriving passengers. The order inside the terminal is not set out in any source this site found.

  • Passport and visa or entry permit. A passport reported lost or stolen is refused, per the UK FCDO 2. The US State Department says one blank page is needed for the entry stamp 7.
  • Yellow fever certificate. Required to enter, per the UK and Canada 2,8.
  • Customs. Goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty must be declared 2.
  • Dual nationals. France says Franco-Malian dual nationals without a visa must show a valid Malian passport, and Malian identity cards are not accepted 1.

Who runs the airport

A Belgian government country report of 26 April 2024 says Aéroports du Mali is responsible for the commercial operation, protection and development of public airports 6. It reports that Bamako-Sénou handled more than 900,000 passengers in 2019 6. A 2008 paper Mali presented to ICAO says air navigation services are run by ASECNA and that the civil aviation authority handles economic supervision of Aéroports du Mali 9.

The airport's chairman and CEO in April 2026 was Colonel Major Lassina Togola, as named in a statement reported by Seneweb 5.

Leaving the airport

The UK FCDO says security at Bamako airport is heavy and guards search vehicles before they enter 3. It says scammers posing as taxi drivers and guides operate around the airport and advises using only pre-arranged transport 3. Canada warns of scammers at Modibo Keïta International Airport and advises caution on the airport access roads 8.

The UK FCDO says police checkpoints are common in Bamako and travellers should keep vehicle and personal identity documents with them 3.

Closures and disruption in 2026

Senego reported on 26 April 2026 that flights were suspended after attacks in several Bamako districts on 25 April 2026, and that the Ministry of Transport announced the resumption of operations at 6:00 on 26 April 2026 4. The UK FCDO lists an attack on 25 April 2026 in the vicinity of the airport that led to its temporary closure 3.

RTBF reported on 29 April 2026, with Belga, that a curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 was imposed in Bamako from 25 to 27 April and then extended, and that passengers whose flights fall in curfew hours could travel 10. The UK FCDO says flights can be cancelled at short notice or diverted 3.

Common questions

Can I get a visa at Bamako airport?

No. France says visas are not issued on arrival and travellers without one face non-admission 1.

What documents do I need on arrival in Bamako?

A valid passport, a visa or electronic entry permit, and a yellow fever certificate 2.

Who operates Bamako airport?

Aéroports du Mali, according to a Belgian government report of 26 April 2024 6.

How do I get from Bamako airport to the city?

The UK FCDO advises using only pre-arranged transport and warns of scammers posing as taxi drivers 3.

Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@maliborderguide.com.

Sources

  1. France Diplomatie: Conseils aux voyageurs, Mali (red zone section updated 10 May 2024)
  2. FCDO (GOV.UK): Mali travel advice, Entry requirements (updated 10 July 2026, still current at 22 October 2026)
  3. FCDO (GOV.UK): Mali travel advice, Safety and security (updated 10 July 2026)
  4. Senego, Dianké Mané: Mali, Reprise des vols à l'aéroport Modibo Keita de Sénou (26 April 2026)
  5. Seneweb, Sokhna Faty Isseu Samb: Increased security around Bamako airport, passengers advised to plan their journeys in advance (28 April 2026)
  6. CGRS Cedoca, Belgium: COI Focus Mali. Possibilités de retour, liaisons aériennes vers Bamako (26 April 2024)
  7. U.S. Department of State: Mali International Travel Information (page dated 25 January 2021)
  8. Government of Canada: Travel advice and advisories, Mali (last updated 9 October 2026)
  9. ICAO CEANS-WP/42, note presented by Mali: Questions particulières relatives à l'économie et à la gestion des aéroports (27 August 2008)
  10. RTBF with Belga: Le SPF Affaires étrangères conseille aux Belges de quitter immédiatement le Mali (29 April 2026)

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