Maximum Alerts / Mali
Level published by the State Department on 07.06.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Mali — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 4/4 ("Do Not Travel"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
120 recorded incidents (UCDP)hover, click to open it in the briefing
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Faso Kanu
near Rue 61
near Rue 105
near Rue 274
near Rue 105
near Goudron de Magnambougou
near Goudron de Magnambougou
near Rue 201
24/7
near Rue 266
near Rue 266
near Rue 430
near Rue 340
near Rue 340
24/7
near Rue 340
near Rue 804
near Rue 809
near Boulevard du 22 Octobre
near Boulevard Abdel Aziz Bouteflika
near Rue 934
near Rue 846
near Rue 776
near Rue 810
near Rue 886 C
near Rue 444
24/7
near Rue 477
near Rue 840
near Rue 935
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Faso Kanu
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Rue 278
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Rue 22
near Rue 144
near Rue 105
near Rue Nasser
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
Goudron da Bamako
near Rue 151
near Rue 88
near Route de l'Aéroport
near Rue 225
near Goudron de Magnambougou
near Rue 340
near Rue 340
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Route de l'Aéroport
near Rue 839 route gouverneur
near Rue 835
near Rue 841
near Avenue de la Marne
near Rue 843
Bamako
near Rue 165
near Rue 335
near Route de Ségou
near Rue 842
near Rue 930
near Rue 32
near Rue 30
Avenue OUA, Rue 14 Bamako
Mo-Fr 08:30-11:30
101 Avenue de l'O.U.A. Bamako
near Rue 130
near Rue 114
62 Rue 113 Bamako
Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00
537 Rue 28 Bamako
Rue 28 Bamako
Mo-Th 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00 open "By appointment only"; Fr 10:00-12:00 open "
Bamako
Mo-Th 08:00-13:00,14:00-17:30;Fr 08:00-13:30
near Avenue de la Liberté
near Rue 170
near Rue 242
near Rue 81
near Rue 407
near Rue 505
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Rue 22
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near October 22 Boulevard
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near Avenue de l'O.U.A.
near 11
near Route allant a Sikoroni
near Rue 246
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 4384.3 · 10-17 4225.7 · 10-18 4120.0 · 10-19 4063.4 · 10-20 4007.7 · 10-21 3925.4 · 10-22 3836.1 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
120 incidents recorded in the country, all pinned on the map above (zoom out) — the 40 closest to Bamako are listed here, nearest first.
Source: UCDP — GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv. Closed period, Clear coding, precise location.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
All travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Chikungunya vaccination is generally not recommended. Travelers who wish to consider vaccination can visit “What to consider before traveling” on the chikungunya vaccines page to learn more.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Mali. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Mali.
CDC recommends that travelers going to Mali take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Transmission areas All Drug resistance 1 Chloroquine Species P. falciparum (primarily) P. malariae , P.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to areas of Mali that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season (roughly December to June).
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Mali. If rabies exposures occur while in Mali, rabies vaccines are typically not readily available.
Recommended for most travelers. Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old. Vaccine is not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 09.10.2026
Moderate incidence: nothing special for a short stay.
Coverage too low to stop the virus circulating: check your two MMR doses before leaving.
Strong transmission: discuss preventive treatment with a doctor before leaving; bed net and repellent on site.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 09.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 15.10.2026
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .
La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
Il s’agit d’une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont variables, allant du syndrome pseudo-grippal (fièvre, frissons, douleurs musculaires, maux de tête…) à des formes plus graves (vomissements de sang, jaunisse, convulsions, coma…)…
La bilharziose ou schistosomiase est une maladie parasitaire fréquente causée par des vers plats. La transmission se fait par contact avec des eaux douces contaminées ou des larves du parasite pénètrent la peau. Leurs œufs sont ensuite excrétés par l’urine ou les selles, contaminant à nouveau l’environnement. Dans sa forme aiguë, la maladie peut provoquer des démangeaisons cutanées, de la fièvre, des douleurs musculaires et abdominales. Lorsqu’elle devient chronique, elle entraîne des complications plus graves de type urogénital (sang dans les urines) et/ou de type intestinal (diarrhée, douleurs abdominales). En l’absence de traitement, la bilharziose peut entrainer des lésions graves et invalidantes, un cancer de la vessie ou une atteinte hépatique, voire même le décès. Le traitement repose sur la prise d’un antiparasitaire, administré par voie orale. Il est recommandé de consulter un médecin au moindre signe évocateur. Pour prévenir cette maladie, il est essentiel d’éviter le contact avec des eaux suspectes.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
Les risques d’atteinte par la bilharziose sont importants au Mali. Il est déconseillé de se baigner dans les fleuves, rivières et plans d’eau dans l’ensemble du pays. L’infection est possible y compris dans les eaux courantes. Cette recommandation concerne notamment les mares de Banani (pays Dogon) et de Siby (environs de Bamako), situées dans des zones touristiques. La prévention de la maladie pour le voyageur repose notamment sur l’abstention de baignade en fleuve, rivière et plan d’eau et sur la consommation d’eau encapsulée ou rendue potable.
Le choléra est une infection digestive bactérienne qui se transmet par ingestion d’aliments mal cuits…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
The emergency number is 15 but emergency response capacity is very limited. Take local advice and arrange your own transport to a medical centre or hospital.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Mali, including:
You should drink only boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks.
Pharmacies are easily identifiable throughout Bamako. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
Medical facilities in Mali are very limited. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mali where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
TravelHealthPro ↗ · CDC ↗read 09.10.2026
Level 2 - Global PolioCDC ↗read 09.10.2026Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan,…
Level 1 - Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan AfricaCDC ↗read 09.10.2026There are outbreaks of diphtheria in several countries in Africa. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against the disease. Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger,…
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — advises against all travel to the whole country.
Foreign Office — advises against all travel to the whole country.
an official reading covers the whole country; every trip calls for a written management decision, justified by a pressing reason, with reinforced conditions.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (09.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (11.03.2026) · Natural Earth
Last change: Updated information about recent terrorist attacks in Mali (‘Safety and security’ page).
Updated 07.06.2026
Do not travel to Mal i for any reason . Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali.
Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.
Terrorists may attack without warning:
10-16 4384.3 · 10-17 4225.7 · 10-18 4120.0 · 10-19 4063.4 · 10-20 4007.7 · 10-21 3925.4 · 10-22 3836.1 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
1 event located on the map
Over 1 January 2026 → 30 June 2026, UCDP (Uppsala University) recorded 162 geolocated violent incidents in this country, for 517 documented deaths.
Most affected areas
Mopti region 37 · Tombouctou region 26 · Segou region 23 · Koulikoro region 21 · Kayes region 15 · Sikasso region 13
Most recent incidents
Source: UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (Uppsala Conflict Data Program), file GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv, CC BY 4.0 licence. We keep only incidents UCDP codes as "Clear" and whose location is precise enough to be placed — about 58% of the dataset. An incident may be revised, moved or withdrawn by UCDP in a later release: these figures describe a closed period, not a live situation.
Reading: On the road, 10 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 09.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
L’ensemble du territoire est classé en zone rouge.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 11.03.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dernière actualisation le 11/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’ensemble du territoire est classé en zone rouge.
Dans le contexte actuel de fortes tensions régionales et compte tenu de la présence de groupes terroristes et des risques d’attentat et d’enlèvement, tout déplacement au Mali est formellement déconseillé, y compris pour des raisons touristiques et familiales.
Les ressortissants français au Mali sont appelés à la plus grande vigilance : il est essentiel de se tenir à l’écart de tout rassemblement et de rester régulièrement informé de la situation.
Il est également recommandé aux journalistes français d’éviter de se rendre au Mali, le contexte actuel n’étant pas favorable aux voyages de presse.
Plusieurs groupes terroristes opèrent au Mali. Leurs attaques, qui sont susceptibles d’être conduites sur tout le territoire malien, ciblent en priorité les implantations et les convois des forces de sécurité maliennes (attaques multiples sur tout le territoire, y compris dans un rayon inférieur à 100 kms autour de Bamako). La présence possible d’engins explosifs improvisés (EEI) ou de mines, ainsi que les attaques fréquentes sur les axes routiers, interdisent toute circulation par la route en dehors de Bamako.
Le risque d’attentat à Bamako (attaque à main armée, véhicule piégé, kamikaze) et dans ses alentours, notamment visant des lieux publics fréquentés par les Occidentaux (restaurants, hôtels, lieux de loisirs, magasins), reste élevé.
La menace d’enlèvement est élevée au Mali. Plusieurs enlèvements de ressortissants occidentaux, y compris français, ont eu lieu ces dernières années. Le risque est particulièrement élevé dans le centre et le nord du pays. Cette menace existe également à Bamako et dans ses alentours.
La présence insuffisante des services de l’État dans une grande partie du centre et du nord du Mali a conduit à une augmentation importante du banditisme et de la criminalité. Les atteintes aux biens et aux personnes y sont très fréquentes. Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans les zones concernées.
Il est impératif de disposer d’un numéro de téléphone portable afin de pouvoir communiquer facilement et d’enregistrer ce numéro sur votre compte Ariane.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Le chapitre Situation générale a été actualisé. Toujours valable: Les voyages à destination du Mali ainsi que les séjours de tout genre dans ce pays sont déconseillés. (published 25.11.2025)
Les voyages à destination du Mali ainsi que les séjours de tout genre dans ce pays sont déconseillés. Les risques sécuritaires sont élevés et le risque d’enlèvement est très élevé sur l’ensemble du territoire malien. Les personnes de nationalité suisse qui séjournent ou voyagent au Mali malgré les recommandations du DFAE, doivent être conscientes qu’il est très difficile pour la Suisse, voire impossible, de leur porter assistance en cas d’urgence. Il existe des risques élevés en matière de sécurité dans tout le pays. Des attaques terroristes ont lieu régulièrement et le risque d’enlèvements est très élevé. Depuis le retrait des forces de la mission de stabilisation de l’ONU (MINUSMA) fin 2023, la situation sécuritaire dans le pays s’est encore détériorée . La situation politique est extrêmement tendue. Il faut s’attendre à des grèves et des manifestations qui pourraient également viser les intérêts étrangers. Des blocages des axes routiers importants et des jets de pierres sur des véhicules peuvent se produire. Des personnes sont régulièrement tuées ou blessées lors de tels incidents. Des conflits entre différents groupes de la population font régulièrement des victimes. Des groupes islamistes et autres groupes armés opèrent dans tout le pays. Ils contrôlent de vastes zones du nord, du nord-est et du centre et ont étendu leurs activités au sud et à l'ouest du pays. Des affrontements armés entre ces groupes et les forces de sécurité, de même que des attaques contre des installations militaires et policières, ainsi que contre des infrastructures de l’aviation, se produisent dans tout le pays. Le danger représenté par les engins explosifs improvisés (IED) placés le long des grands axes routiers est également élevé. La capitale Bamako est directement touchée par la présence de groupes islamistes et autres groupes armés dans les environs de la ville. Bien qu'il n'y ait pas de contrôle direct à l'intérieur de la ville, il est possible que des unités armées bloquent des voies d'accès stratégiques, notamment en menant des attaques armées contre des convois de camions. Cela entraîne des pénuries persistantes de carburant et d'autres biens de première nécessité. Les actes de violence commis par des groupes terroristes et criminels font un grand nombre de victimes et de blessés parmi les civils. Parmi les cibles potentielles d’attaques terroristes figurent également les infrastructures étatiques ainsi que les lieux de grands rassemblements comme, par exemple, les marchés animés, les centres commerciaux, les transports publics, les écoles, les évènements culturels,…
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 15.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 25.11.2025 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026

Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
## FCDO advises against all travel to Mali
FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions.
If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.
Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.
Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time.
There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako.
If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.
For more detail see Fuel shortages and Terrorism in Mali in the Safety and security page.
If you are a British national already in Mali, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Support for British nationals is severely limited in Mali, especially outside Bamako.
Do not rely on FCDO being able to help you to evacuate in an emergency.
If you are in Mali and need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Bamako .
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mali.
Several terrorist groups operate in Mali, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin ( JNIM ) and Islamic State Sahel Province ( ISSP ). Whilst the regions most affected by terrorist activity are central and northern Mali, JNIM has increasingly conducted attacks in southern Mali and has the capability and intent to target the capital, Bamako.
The security situation in Mali has deteriorated amid an upsurge of terrorist attacks following the December 2023 withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission. Terrorists have increasingly attacked military bases and personnel, sometimes including foreign military personnel, as well as government and official buildings, including in Bamako. Such attacks often lead to the deaths of soldiers, civilians and others. Attempts to carry out similar attacks remain very likely.
Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin ( JNIM ) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time.
Take particular care during elections and public holidays, and periods of national or religious significance. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities, including by complying with access restrictions imposed by authorities.
Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur at any time, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
See also road safety
Examples of recent significant attacks include:
This continues a…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Mali - Level 4: Do Not Travel 2026-06-07travel.state.gov ↗updated 07.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Do not travel to Mal i for any reason . Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali.
Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.
Terrorists may attack without warning:
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Mali due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and fuel shortages. If the security situation in Mali deteriorates, the ability of the Embassy of Canada to Mali, in Bamako, to provide consular services may be limited.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 9, 2026 10:15 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Photography of military personnel and installations is prohibited. Cultural and religious factors influence the interpretation of what subjects may be photographed. Ask permission before taking photographs.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Mali. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mali by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
The law of Mali doesn’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face other sanctions. 2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mali. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Mali restricts the export of certain Malian archaeological objects, particularly those from the Niger River Valley. Under Malian law, visitors seeking to export such items require an export authorization from the National Museum of Mali in Bamako.
Mali’s customs, laws and regulations closely adhere to Islamic practices. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect Malian religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
In 2027, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 7. In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:
You should carry an International Driving Permit. International Driving Permit
The currency is the African Financial Community franc, or CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside a few major hotels. The Central Bank of West African States has a foreign exchange bureau on Koulikoro Road in Bamako, close to the Grand Hôtel. Exchange facilities are often slow and offer rates that are out of date. Access to ATMs is limited outside of Bamako.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 9, 2026 10:15 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Mali is a secular country, but the people are predominantly Muslim. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend religious beliefs, especially during Ramadan or in religious areas. French is the official language in Mali and not many officials or healthcare workers speak English. You may have difficulty communicating if you cannot speak any French. Make sure you can use translation apps in case of an emergency.
As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. You could face difficulties with security checks if you do not have the original document on you.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. You should also:
Do not take pictures of military or government installations. Always ask permission before taking photographs that include local people.
If you’re involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute in Mali, the Malian authorities may detain you, prosecute you or prevent you from leaving Mali until the matter is resolved.
Homosexuality is illegal in Mali. In December 2024, Mali’s National Transitional Council promulgated a new Penal Code which criminalises the promotion or participation in consensual same-sex relationships. The legislation introduced penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and fines of up to 500,000 francs. There is an increased risk of violence and threats, such as blackmail and intimidation, against anyone being thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or perceived to be supporting their rights. There have been arrests for ‘immoral behaviour’, and LGBT+ individuals have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 05:00 (Africa/Bamako)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 34 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 09.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
De nouvelles mesures réglementaires en frontière au Mali sont mises en place depuis le 14 janvier 2024 pour les ressortissants binationaux franco-maliens n’ayant pas de visa apposé sur leur passeport national français, seul le passeport malien en cours de validité est accepté. La tolérance accordée par le passé pour les passeports maliens expirés n’est plus en vigueur.
Tout autre document malien tel que la carte d’identité, la carte NINA, la fiche descriptive, l’acte de naissance malien, le sauf-conduit ou le laissez-passer… sont irrecevables et les passagers qui voyageraient avec ces documents se verraient refuser l’accès au territoire malien et seraient immédiatement remis sur le vol retour.
Les ressortissants français sont soumis à une obligation de visa. Le visa est délivré par les consulats généraux du Mali à Paris ou à Lyon, pour une durée de trente jours, renouvelable sur place. Les voyageurs doivent disposer d’un passeport en cours de validité, d’un carnet de vaccination attestant du vaccin contre la fièvre jaune. Les demandes de visa se font uniquement sur rendez-vous.
Il n’est pas possible d’obtenir un visa à l’arrivée à l’aéroport de Bamako. Les voyageurs arrivant sans visa sont systématiquement l’objet d’une procédure de non-admission. Les compagnies aériennes qui les ont transportés sont tenues de les reconduire par un prochain vol à leur pays d’origine.
Pour de plus amples informations, prendre l’attache de l’ambassade du Mali à Paris ou des consulats maliens en France (voir les contacts sur cette page).
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 25.11.2025 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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.
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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
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.
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.
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.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 07.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · The level of violent crime is high, especially in the capital Bamako and southern regions. There is a very high threat of kidnapping by al-Qa’ida and Islamic State-aligned groups in Mali.
What the texts say · Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin ( JNIM ) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. There have been incidents late at night where people dressed as policemen have demanded money from drivers in Bamako.
What the texts say · The rainy season in Mali is from June to October. Heavy rains can cause floods and landslides.
What the texts say · Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Photography of military personnel and installations is prohibited.
What the texts say · Regular, large and at times violent protests have taken place in Bamako, with burning of tyres and clashes with the police. Demonstrations take place frequently, particularly at the Independence Monument, located in Commune III, and at the Bouguiba Monument, located in Commune IV in Bamako.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026 (updated 10.07.2026 · read 02.10.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 09.10.2026 · read 02.10.2026)
Reading: On the road, 10 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 09.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 09.10.2026
The health system — With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 34 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
+223 44 97 57 57 · France Diplomatie
Bamako
phone not published
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
537 Rue 28, 2386, Bamako
+223 20 21 73 62
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/mali/fr ↗updated 25.11.2025 · read 15.10.2026
Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Ambassade de Suisse au Sénégal Bureau de coopération suisse et agence consulaire au Mali Helpline DFAE
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
Rue 28, Bamako
+223 44 97 69 13
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
297 Rue 243, Bamako
+223 20 70 23 00
https://ml.usembassy.gov ↗updated 07.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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 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 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.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
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
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | Au secours ! |
| Call an ambulance! | Appelez une ambulance ! |
| I need a doctor. | J'ai besoin d'un médecin. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ? |
| Call the police! | Appelez la police ! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Je suis allergique à la pénicilline. |
| I have international medical insurance. | J'ai une assurance médicale internationale. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Je voudrais contacter mon ambassade. |
| Please take me to this address. | Emmenez-moi à cette adresse, s'il vous plaît. |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais ? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
La situation sécuritaire au Mali demeure très dégradée. Il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre au Mali, quel que soit le motif. Pour mémoire, il est également recommandé aux ressortissants français de prévoir un départ temporaire du Mali dès que possible par les vols commerciaux encore disponibles. Dans ce contexte, les ressortissants français encore présents au Mali sont appelés à faire preuve de la plus grande prudence lors de leurs déplacements, à éviter…
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 25 April 2026 · updated 30 July 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026The Need help? section was updated.
October 9, 2026 10:15 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 4/4 — Do Not Travel, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 07.06 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 25.11 · read 15.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.07 · read 15.10State Department · updated 07.06 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.07 · read 15.10State Department · updated 07.06 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
From 30 000 € to 200 000 € depending on severity and distance (Le Ciel Africain, 2026).
SourcesLe Ciel Africain, 2026General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112 · police 17 · ambulance 15 · fire 18
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 4/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 09.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10OMS · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 10.07 · read 15.10
0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 09.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Comparable figures (homicides, roads, incidents) are under Safety & risks › Incidents.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 25.11 · read 15.10
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 09.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.07 · read 15.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 09.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.07 · read 15.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 25.11 · read 15.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
The published advisory level is national, but risk is not: business hubs (Bamako) do not share the profile of border areas. The medical network shown on this page is computed around Bamako — real hospitals, evacuation airport and live alerts. Before a specific trip, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
Same advisory level: Russia · Central African Republic · Somalia · Sudan · South Sudan · Syria
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Bamako. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Bamako
Travel Insurtech. 24/7 worldwide.
Swiss insurer · Worldwide medical network