Mali SKETCH SCORE: 19/100Mali moved -2 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.Mali SKETCH SCORE: 19/100Mali moved -2 this weekNo major changes since yesterday.
Mali

Nope.

No major changes since yesterday.

Verified Sep 9, 2026Confidence med▼ -2 this week
19Sketch Score
90-day trend

Governments, one trip

What they're telling their own citizens about Mali

The real score

The breakdown

0advisoryConsensus
0Political Stability
28Police Trust
48Health
46Road Safety
57Natural Disaster
20LGBTQ+

See it from your perspective

19

Nope.

The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.

Don't fall for it

Scams to know

Unlicensed taxi fraud

Drivers in Bamako use cars with white plates and fake taxi signs to pose as official transport. Only use vehicles with red plates to avoid this.

Don't do this

Laws that jail tourists

Improper identification

Police fine travelers for lacking proper papers. Carry at least a copy of your passport and visa at all times.

Insufficient driving documentation

Carrying only a driving license is legally insufficient. Police may detain you at their office unless you provide a bribe.

Staying healthy

What to watch out for, health-wise

Active notices

  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • • Global Measles

Vaccines

Required: Yellow Fever

Recommended: Chikungunya, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal disease, Rabies, Typhoid

Source: CDC Travelers' Health →

Getting in

What you'll need at the border

Visitors to Mali must obtain a visa from one of the Malian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.

Source: Wikipedia →

Real, not invented

Terrorism

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 b

Source: UK FCDO →

Real, not invented

Cultural & legal notes

LGBT+ travellers

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 .

Source: UK FCDO →

Pack this, know this

The little things that trip people up

🔌

Plug & voltage

C / E · 220V

🚗

Driving side

right

🚨

Emergency

police: 17 / ambulance: 15 / fire: 18

Cash vs. Card

The currency of the country is the West African CFA franc, denoted CFA (ISO currency code: XOF). It's also used by seven other West African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

Source: Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA) →
Show the receipts (6 sources)
Printable pre-trip checklist for Mali →