Foreign travel advice: Mali

Latest update:
Malian authorities have suspended commercial flights from affected countries from Thursday 19 March. ('Summary' and 'Health' pages)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

• the provinces of Tombouctou, Kidal, Gao and Mopti
• areas of Segou province north of the Niger river
• within 25km of the border with Mauritania in areas west of Bafoulabé (Kayes province)
• areas of Kayes and Koulikoro provinces north of the area between the towns of Bafoulabé and Banamba, as far as the Segou border

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Mali, including Bamako.

There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but other cases have been confirmed in other countries, including Burkina Faso and Senegal. The Malian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus. We have been informed that all commercial flights into Mali coming from affected countries will be suspended from Thursday 19 March.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mali, including kidnaps. There is a heightened risk of attack in Bamako. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant, especially in places such as hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, markets, transport hubs, places of worship and businesses with western interests. Keep a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid all large gatherings, including music festivals, sporting events and any public marches or demonstrations. See Terrorism

There have been recent changes in the security situation in parts of Segou province/region. See Local travel and Terrorism

During public holidays and festivals, including New Year celebrations, security measures in Mali can be heightened due to the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organisations. During such periods you should exercise increased vigilance, limit your movements and continue to avoid large gatherings. If you think a particular venue would present a good target for terrorist activities then you should consider whether you need to visit it.

A nationwide state of emergency in place since November 2015 has been extended several times, most recently in October 2019 by one year until 31 October 2020. You should expect a robust security presence including police patrols and possible police security checks on restaurants and hotels. There are likely to be more vehicle and personal security checks during this time and nobody will be exempt.

Recent public demonstrations in and around Bamako have encountered a strong police and security force presence. You should stay away from all political demonstrations and any blockades set up by the police and security forces.

You should maintain several days' stock of food and water in case disturbances take place. You can monitor daily developments in English through the BBC World Service (88.9 FM in Bamako).

If you're abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Mali, especially outside Bamako.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.