Mali Border Guide
Menu

Step by step · 15 entries

Mali checklists

These checklists set out the steps official sources describe for arriving by air, leaving by air and crossing by road. Each step names who is responsible. They do not give safety advice. The UK advises against all travel to Mali 1 and the US rates it Level 4 2. Check the latest advisories before any trip.

Last checked 24 October 2026

01 Arriving by air

  1. Get a visa before travel

    A visa is required. The UK says applications and payment are made online through the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website 3. France says no visa is issued on arrival at Bamako 4.

    Who: Traveller and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  2. Check passport validity

    The UK says valid for the stay 3. Canada says at least 6 months beyond departure 5. The US asks for one blank page 2.

    Who: Traveller

  3. Carry a yellow fever certificate

    A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry 3,2.

    Who: Traveller

  4. Pass the border police desk

    The Direction de la Police des Frontières works at Bamako airport. Refused passengers wait in a Terminal 2 waiting area until a decision 6.

    Who: Direction de la Police des Frontières

  5. Declare goods at customs

    Anything prohibited, taxable or dutiable must be declared 3.

    Who: Traveller and Malian customs

  6. Airport transport, UK advice

    The UK warns of scammers posing as taxi drivers and advises pre-arranged transport 7.

    Who: Traveller

02 Leaving by air

  1. Allow extra time for road checks

    Airports of Mali said on 27 April 2026 that checks on roads to the airport were reinforced and asked travellers to allow extra time 8.

    Who: Airports of Mali and security forces

  2. Expect a vehicle search

    The UK says guards search vehicles before they enter the airport 7.

    Who: Airport security

  3. Check your flight

    The UK says flights can be cancelled at short notice 7.

    Who: Traveller and airline

  4. Get permits for cultural objects

    Cultural or archaeological objects need an export permit from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, via the director of the National Museum 3.

    Who: Ministry of Arts and Culture

03 Crossing by road

  1. Read the latest advisories

    The US says avoid road travel outside Bamako 2. The UK says do not attempt overland routes 1.

    Who: Traveller

  2. Carry the right travel document

    ECOWAS asked authorities on 29 January 2025 to keep accepting ECOWAS logo passports and ID cards held by Malians until further notice 9. AES heads of state adopted a declaration on 14 December 2024 allowing ECOWAS nationals to enter AES states without a visa, as reported by Sidwaya 10.

    Who: Traveller and border police

  3. Use an authorised crossing

    France says 61 bilateral crossings into Mauritania are restricted to Mauritanians and nationals of the neighbouring country, and that Gogui is in a red zone 11.

    Who: Traveller and Mauritanian border police

  4. Residence cards in Mauritania

    Mauritania expelled Malians without residence cards in March 2025 and asks for annual renewal, as reported by Koaci 12.

    Who: Malian residents and Mauritanian authorities

  5. ID at checkpoints, UK advice

    The UK says keep vehicle and personal identification documents with you and approach checkpoints slowly 7.

    Who: Traveller and police

Notes

  • Steps describe what sources say on their stated dates. Rules on borders change often 1.

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. FCDO (GOV.UK): Mali travel advice (updated 10 July 2026, still current at 22 October 2026)
  2. U.S. Department of State: Mali Travel Advisory (8 June 2026, updated 2 July 2026)
  3. FCDO (GOV.UK): Mali travel advice, Entry requirements (updated 10 July 2026)
  4. Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères: Conseils aux voyageurs, Mali (zone text updated 10 May 2024)
  5. Government of Canada: Mali travel advice and advisories (last updated 9 October 2026)
  6. EUCAP Sahel Mali (EEAS): Waiting area at Modibo-Keita International Airport (inaugurated 30 August 2024)
  7. FCDO (GOV.UK): Mali travel advice, Safety and security (updated 10 July 2026)
  8. Seneweb, Sokhna Faty Isseu Samb: Sécurité renforcée autour de l'aéroport de Bamako : les passagers invités à anticiper leurs déplacements (28 April 2026)
  9. ECOWAS: Press Statement on the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (29 January 2025)
  10. Sidwaya, Augustin Sogoh Sanou: Libre circulation : L'AES ouvre ses frontières aux ressortissants de la CEDEAO (14 December 2024)
  11. Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères: Conseils aux voyageurs, Mauritanie, Entrée et séjour (updated 28 September 2026)
  12. Koaci: Mauritanie : Plus de 528 migrants maliens expulsés, Nouakchott s'explique (14 March 2025)