Mali

Översikt

Mali has experienced decades of political instability following independence from France in 1960, including 23 years of military dictatorship, several army coups and several rebellions in the north involving ethnic Tuareg militant groups. A military coup in August 2020 was reported following mass protests since June, calling for the resignation of President Keïta over corruption, poverty and security issues. Civil unrest risks have subsided following the ousting of Keïta. Another recent coup took place in May 2021 which indicates the armed forces are unlikely to cede control. 

Besides that, a high threat of kidnapping remains in northern Mali despite recent government attempts to improve the regional security environment. This threat is most severe in the north where both Islamist terrorist groups and criminal gangs carry out kidnappings, often targeting foreigners. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Mali. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Mali. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and malaria are present in Mali. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in Mali. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

Risk for Sleeping Sickness is low, mostly in the Koulikogo and Sikasso regions. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

Schistosomiasis is highly endemic throughout Mali, particularly in the populated areas of the Niger and Sénégal river basins. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Mali has a generalized HIV epidemic but with higher concentration among key populations. An estimated adult prevalance rate is 1.2%. affecting 130.000 people.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Mali. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Mali.

Medical facilities in Mali are very limited and there are no ambulance services. Good medical facilities are rare in Mali, particularly outside of the capital and doctors / hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health care services.

Medicines (usually French) can be found in pharmacies throughout Bamako, but are less available outside of the capital. Travellers to Mali should take an adequate supply of necessary medicines and prescription drugs, along with copies of the prescriptions and the generic name for the drugs.

Pass

Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry into Mali are required for entry by all nationals. Travellers must also carry proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination and cameras, films etc must be declared on arrival.

Visum

With few exceptions, mainly regional neighbours, all nationalities require a visa for entry into Mali. Visas are single entry and are valid for one month from the date of entry, although they can be extended in Bamako at the Immigration Service or at a Malian police station. Visas can be obtained up to three months ahead of travel and should be obtained from your nearest Malian consular office.