Mali Travel Risk Level

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. Embassy operations . Do Not Travel to Mali for any reason due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping , unrest and health. Advisory summary Do not travel to Mali for any reason. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks. Due to the potential for terrorist attacks the U.S. embassy has implemented enhanced security measures. U.S. citizens in Mali should carefully review their own security preparedness . Crime Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events. Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night. Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom. Terrorists may attack without warning: Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country Night clubs Hotels Restaurants Places of worship International diplomatic missions Local security forces and civilians Kidnapping The threat of kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups. Unrest Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demons

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Mali FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways. 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. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. For more detail see Fuel shortages and Terrorism in Mali in the Safety and security page. If you are a British national already in Mali, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . UK government support Support for British nationals is severely limited in Mali, especially outside Bamako. Do not rely on FCDO being able to help you to evacuate in an emergency. If you are in Mali and need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Bamako . Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out mo