Mali is a developing country in West Africa. The local economy is mainly driven by the primary and tertiary sectors: agriculture, industry and services. Opportunities for expatriates lie mainly in construction, public works and electricity. Mali is appealing due to its low cost of living compared to the salaries offered to foreign professionals. Whether you're looking for a high-level education, business opportunities or simply want to discover the country's beauty and history, Mali has something to offer everyone. Whether it's the bustling streets of Bamako, the ancient city of Timbuktu or the national parks, there's no shortage of places to visit and things to do.
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Do I need a passport to enter Mali?
Citizens of certain countries may enter Mali without a passport, using a valid national identity card instead. These countries are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Citizens of these ECOWAS countries can travel to Mali using a valid national identity card, which facilitates cross-border travel within the region. Nationals of other countries generally need a valid passport to enter Mali.
To find out how to obtain a passport as a Malian citizen click here
Do I need a visa to enter Mali?
If you are a national of one of the countries listed below, you do not need a visa for a stay of less than 3 months; however, you must be in possession of a passport or laissez-passer issued by that country, valid for at least 6 months:
- African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Congo (Brazzaville), Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia.
If you are a national of a country not mentioned above, you will need a visa to enter Mali. A passport with a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is compulsory for all nationals of other countries. People holding a refugee travel document also need a visa.
To obtain an entry visa, foreign nationals must apply for an entry visa valid for 5 days on entering the country (airport, border post). The period of validity is extended to one month during the tourist season.
A single-entry visa is issued for a period of 1 to 3 months by the diplomatic representation of the country of residence or directly in Mali by the Border Police Directorate. To obtain a single-entry visa, you must first have an admission visa or a provisional visa.
To obtain a multiple-entry visa, the multiple-entry or long-stay visa is only issued in Mali by the Border Police Directorate. It can cover a period of 6 months and 5 years. To apply for a multiple-entry visa, foreign nationals must first have obtained at least one single-entry visa.
Where and how do I apply for a Malian visa?
Visas can be requested from the Malian embassy or consulate in your country. Consult the list of Malian embassies and consulates here.
The usual requirements are a completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay and at least two blank pages, recent passport photos, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance and documents justifying the purpose of the visit. Payment of the non-refundable visa application fee is also required.
Can I obtain a residence permit in Mali?
A residence permit is an official document that allows you to live in a country for an extended period, beyond that usually allowed by a standard tourist or family visit visa. This permit often grants additional rights, such as the ability to work, study or access education and training. Anyone can obtain a residence permit for Mali by taking the necessary steps with the relevant authorities which can be found here.
Where can foreign nationals find legal assistance in Mali?
Foreign nationals can find legal assistance in Mali through several means. First, they should contact their nearest embassy or consulate, which can provide advice and refer them to local legal services.
To obtain assistance from your embassy or consulate, you must
- Contact them directly: Google the address, call their phone number, or email your request if an email address is available. Plan to visit the embassy or consulate in person if needed.
- Prepare documentation: Have relevant documents ready, such as your passport, proof of identity, and any documents related to the issue at hand.
- Follow their guidance: Embassy and consulate staff will provide instructions on the next steps, including filling out forms or attending meetings.
Also, international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), often provide legal assistance or can direct people to the appropriate resources. Also, many countries have legal aid societies or pro bono legal services that can help foreigners in need.
Recently, Mali, with the help of its partner USAID, inaugurated a Legal Call Centre with a toll-free number +223 80 00 22 46 to provide legal, judicial and administrative information.
Find resources and organizations to guide and support your journey.