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Getting There
METHOD OF ARRIVAL
By air
Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO) is situated 11 miles (17km) south of the city centre. The airport is small with only one passenger terminal, which is used for
both the domestic as well as international flights. Facilities at the airport include business lounge, restaurants and duty free shops. Personnel should pre-arrange to be
met at the airport by a local contact or a hotel representative. Upon leaving the airport, members may encounter numerous locals offering themselves as private taxi
services and offering to take luggage, members should politely but firmly refuse.
The country's airspace can be subjected to temporary closures at times of political instability.
Security standards are rather lax in comparison with Western airports, but likely to improve with increased anti-terrorism co-operation with the US. Baggage is
theoretically X-rayed, though the machine is not always working. Improvements to security provisions form a significant part of the expansion plans.
Airlines have variable security standards. You may wish to consult the European Commission's website for a list of airlines banned within the EU and the US Federal
Aviation Administration's website for a database of aviation accidents and statistics.
By land
There are direct, paved motorways connecting Mali with Senegal, Burkina Faso and Niger. However, itinerary-specific advice should be sought prior to undertaking
travel through land crossings from neighbouring countries due to potential risks posed by banditry and rebel groups. Bus services are also available from neighbouring
African countries, but are unreliable.
Entry & Departure Requirements
Passport and visa requirements are subject to change and vary depending on the length of stay and visa type (business or tourist). Check with your travel advisor,
embassy or consulate in your home country. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required
Australia Yes Yes Yes
United Kingdom Yes Yes Yes
Canada Yes Yes Yes
Europe Yes Yes Yes
United States Yes Yes Yes

Visas
Visas are required by all travellers except nationals of Algeria, Andorra, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Monaco, Morocco, Tunisia and members of the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These nationals can enter the country with a valid ID card. Certain nationals can avail of visa on arrival; however, it is
recommended to obtain visa in advance to avoid any unforeseen restrictions and excessive fee.
Foreign nationals can apply for different types of visas, including a one-year multiple-entry visa, at their local embassy. Visas should be obtained up to three months in
advance and are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Visas can be extended in Mali, either in Bamako at the Immigration Service or at any police station. All
applications are typically processed within five business days. Applications for business visas must include a letter explaining the purpose of the visit. The cost for
tourist, business and transit visa is: single entry: US$80 (three months); multiple entries: US$110 (three months); US$200 (six months); and US$370 (one year). Visas
are not needed for transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or a first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided they hold onward or return
documentation and do not leave the airport.
Entry/Exit requirements
A valid passport for at least six months from date of entry is required by all nationals. There are no restrictions on the import of currency; amounts exceeding 25,000
CFA francs must be declared. Foreigners planning to export Malian archeological objects, in particular those from the Niger River Valley, are required to obtain an
export authorisation permit from the National Museum in Bamako.
Procedures
Bamako airport is small and can be busy at times. To newcomers, procedures may seem chaotic and slow. Visitors may face demands for bribes; these should be
politely, but firmly refused. Demands are never aggressive.
The baggage reclaim area is small, which can lead to delays. Baggage handlers have been suspected of keeping back appealing bags. If possible, personnel should
take only hand luggage or pack belongings in strong suitcases of relatively inexpensive appearance.

Departure Tax

• None.
Getting Around

BY AIR
All commercial domestic flights were suspended in the spring of 2012 following the takeover of northern regions by Islamist militants. Travellers may charter light aircraft
but they are advised to investigate the safety records of operators through their local contacts.
BY ROAD
Road conditions are generally poor although upgrades have been made with major routes such as the RN1 and RN6 benefitting from road improvement programs; paved
roads link all main towns. Visitors should use four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles particularly in the wet season (June-October), when many roads become impassable.
Roadside assistance is negligible. Factors such as poor road infrastructure, lack of local driving skills and heavy pedestrian traffic make driving conditions dangerous.
Visitors travelling outside main cities may encounter main arterial routes being used by herdsmen to transport goats and cattle and are likely to be forced off the road by
overladen and oversized on-coming traffic; those travelling outside of the main urban centres and to remote regions should seek itinerary-specific advice prior to travel.
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limit varies from 25-40 miles per hour (40-60kph) in towns and 60mph (100kph) between cities – although many locals will ignore speed
limits and drive as fast as the road infrastructure allows. Travellers should hire a car and driver, because local knowledge is invaluable. If planning to self-drive, visitors
should carry an international driver's permit. Visitors can rent a car from international car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz. Driving at night is hazardous because
many cars do not have working lights. Foreigners should not travel outside major towns after dark to minimise risks associated with road accidents and banditry. The