Mali

Översikt

Mali has experienced decades of political instability following independence from France in 1960, including 23 years of military dictatorship, three army coups and several rebellions in the north involving ethnic Tuareg militant groups. A military coup in March 2012 severely undermined democratic institutions in Mali allowing Tuareg and Islamist rebels to seize the northern two-thirds of the country. Although a French-led multinational force managed to oust the insurgents in 2013, a number of armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda, remain active in the north, presenting the most pertinent threat to stability.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Vaccination is recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A, rabies, tetanus and typhoid. Yellow fever vaccinations are necessary and a certificate must be carried when entering the country. Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Vaccination against polio is also worth considering.

Mosquitoes can carry serious illnesses. Avoid bites by wearing long clothes, socks and shoes. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn so be particularly aware of exposing skin outdoors in these hours. It is wise to purchase antimalarial drugs before travel and note that chloroquine is not an effective anti-malarial in Mali.

It is advisable to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Bottled water may not always be available so it is wise to take iodine purification tablets, particularly if you plan to go to the Dogon region. Guinea worm is common in the Dogon region, so all water should be filtered through a cloth.

Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled or substitutes used. All dairy products should be avoided if they are likely to have been made from unboiled milk and ensure that meat and fish are well-cooked before eating. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

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

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.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/