Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mali

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mali. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mali: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Mali does have a few other health concerns including:

• Malaria – medicine for Malaria must be taken before, during and after your trip, it is contracted primarily through mosquitoes
• Meningitis (meningococcal disease) – vaccine recommended if travelers plan on staying within the meningitis belt during the dry season from December to June. During this time the disease is most common
• Rabies – is contracted through animals such as dogs and bats. A vaccine is recommended if travelers plan on coming into contact with animals, staying in a rural area or will be in Mali for an extended period of time

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

Travelers’ to Mali must have a visa for entry. This visa must be obtained before arrival to Mali.

Mali Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Mali?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Mali and U.S. State Department

To avoid any issues entering or leaving the country, passports should be valid for three months after exit.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Mali.

Mali boasts one of the hottest climates in the world. With its central location in Africa, almost the entire country experiences long, scorching summers. The cooler season occurs from October to February, and rainfall will be more prevalent in June and July.

• Bamako – Located in the Southwest center of Mali this city is a hot and tropical. The average year-round temperature of almost 85 degrees. The city has can experience as little as 35 days of rain a year.
• Taoudenni – This city is the most northern town in Mali. Even in the dead of summer in July, temperatures can exceed 110 degrees and reach 75 degrees in the winter.
• Mopti – Lying in the heart of Mali at the Southern boundary of one of the hottest regions known as the Sahel region. In the summer, temperatures peak above 105.

The U.S. Department of State warns against all travel to Mali, either for business or pleasure.

Due to recent intermittent terrorist activity throughout the country, it is unsafe for travel. If you must travel to Mali, plan all travel once landing ahead of time with a trusted source and stay in populated cities. Don’t travel alone during the day or night if it can be helped.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the potential for attacks is high throughout the entire country and reminds. Travelers should stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and exercise caution.

Violent extremist groups target foreign travelers so it is highly recommended to avoid all travel in Mali. But, if it is necessary, to exercise extreme caution.

Most dishes in Mali as well as the majority of Africa are cereal-based with rice, millet, sorghum or fonio. Most meals are accompanied by a protein, most commonly fish or poultry.

The country’s warm climate means a short shelf-life for most food items. In more impoverished areas, kitchens may be sanitarily lacking. It is best to consume foods that are less likely to spoil in the heat or be exposed to unsanitary water such as rice, millet and some fruits and vegetables.

The Bandiagara Cliffs are located outside the city of Mopti. The cliffs are located a short, scenic hike through Dogon Country. Groups of houses and old ruins have been etched into the sides of the mountain face. Many have raved about the beauty and impressive level of architectural skills that have gone into creating the cliffs.

Besides clothing items that shield from the heat and occasional rain storms, there are other items that are recommended for a trip to Mali:

• Lightweight waterproof jacket to protect from the rain while keeping cool
• Comfortable waterproof sandals
• Hats for extra protection from the sun as there is little shade in most regions
• Bug spray to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites
• Water purification tablets in case of emergency
• A travel bed net for night time
• Over-the-counter diarrhea medicine such as Loperamide

The U.S. Embassy is in Bamako, the capital, and provide a range of American Citizen services such as passports and consular reports of birth abroad. For non emergency services, be sure to call ahead and make an appointment before coming in

U.S. Embassy Bamako
ACI 2000
Rue 243, Porte 297
Bamako, Mali
Telephone: +(223) 2070-2300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(223) 6675-2860
Fax: (223) 2070-2340
Email: ACSBamako@state.gov

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!