Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mali
Mali is comprised of arid desert landscapes, bustling cities and isolated rural communities tucked away in rocky desert hills.
Mali is home to some of Africa’s most noteworthy landmarks, including the mosque of Djenne. The structure is made almost entirely of mud, appearing almost sandcastle-like. It has been praised by some architects as one of the greatest creations of its time.
Unfortunately, this country of marvels, was invaded by Islamist fighters in 2012. The Islamist’s seized a handful of towns, some of which were later recaptured by the French.
Then, in 2015, Islamists attacked a hotel in Mali’s capital, Bamako. Since the attack, Mali has seen ongoing acts of terrorism and medium to extreme criminal violence.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Mali |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Mali |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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 mosquitos
- 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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Mali
“In preparation for a trip to Mali we went to Passport Health. The RN was well informed and did a great job educating us about vaccines and other travel related health issues. His interpersonal skills were excellent and his shots were gentle! You picked a really good employee, and if possible please add this recommendation to his personal file.”
“I arrived at 10:15 am as scheduled. I met with the nurse within 5 minutes and was briefed on what I needed for my trip to Mali. Within 20 minutes, I received two vaccinations and an RX for malaria pills. All in all a very efficient operation and a pleasant experience!”
“Pat took plenty of time with us to explain what was required for our trip to Mali as well as providing other travel tips for a healthy trip. Wonderful service.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mali?
Traveler’s to Mali must have a visa for entry. This visa must be obtained before arrival to Mali.
Mali Entry Requirements |
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| 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.
For more information, see our Mali visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in 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.
How Safe is Mali?
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.
Is the Food Safe in Mali?
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 in Dogon Country
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.
What Should I Take to Mali?
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
U.S. Embassy in Mali
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!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Mali?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mali?
What is the Climate Like in Mali?
How Safe is Mali?
Is the Food Safe in Mali?
The Bandiagara Cliffs in Dogon Country
What Should I Take To Mali?
U.S. Embassy in Mali
