Health Alert – March 30 Update – U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali

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Event: Ongoing COVID-19 Response – Repatriation Flight Tuesday, March 31

There are still seats available on the flight to the United States on March 31. If you would like to confirm a seat, please contact ACSBamako@state.govby 2:00 PM today, March 30.

This will likely be the last repatriation flight organized by the U.S. Embassy.

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako has organized a repatriation flight for U.S. citizens from Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia. The flight will take place on Tuesday, March 31. The flight is operated by the U.S. government and passengers will be required to reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the flight. The estimated cost per ticket is $1,138, though the price is subject to change.

To register your interest in this flight, American citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents should send an email to ACSBamako@state.gov with the information for each passenger. You will be contacted by the Embassy via email with instructions on what you need to do to confirm your seat. Please note, if you already provided this information or you have already received your confirmation email, you do not need to respond again.

Important:

  • This flight is for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. At this time, it appears there will be space for close family members of U.S. citizens.
  • Travelers will complete a health check prior to boarding and anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board.
  • If you are confirmed for the flight, you will receive written notification and instructions. Please review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and travel.state.gov websites for the latest procedures and restrictions on entering the United States.
  • Onward travel from Washington Dulles International Airport is the responsibility of the traveler.
  • Each passenger will be allowed two checked bags. The combined weight limit for both bags is 50 pounds total. Passengers can have one carry-on and a personal item.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Normal services at Bamako International Airport are closed. The flight does include food and beverage service, though passengers are encouraged to bring snacks and/or food for special diets.

Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I travel if I have COVID-19? Passengers showing symptoms will not be allowed to board the aircraft.  Prior to landing in the United States, paperwork will be disseminated to passengers regarding appropriate health care procedures. Quarantine rules apply.  Please review the U.S. Department of Homeland Securityand travel.state.govwebsites for the latest restrictions on entering theUnited States.

Will I have to pay for the flight? Yes. Before boarding the plane, you will have to sign a promissory note agreeing to pay back the U.S. government for the cost of the flight.  We will provide the exact amount to confirmed passengers and/or in a follow-on STEP notice.

What is the baggage limit? Passengers will be allowed two bags within a fifty-pound total limit, plus a carry-on and personal item. Oversized items can likely be accommodated if they are within the 50-pound limit. Fifty pounds is the combined limit for both checked bags.

Do I have the option to pay for additional luggage? Unfortunately, no. The fifty-pound limit will be strictly enforced, and there is no mechanism to pay for additional weight. Please plan accordingly.

Will I have to quarantine or self-isolate in northern Virginia, or may I continue to my destination? You may continue to your destination and will be subject to whatever quarantine or self-isolation procedures are in effect there.  Please review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and travel.state.gov websites for the latest restrictions on entering the United States.

Is this my last opportunity to get home? This is likely the last repatriation flight that will be organized by the U.S. Embassy.  The U.S. government will continue to work with the airlines to encourage commercial flight options, but if you need to get back to the United States, you should take this opportunity. If you have questions about returning to the United States, read the Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

I have to travel with specialty equipment, can I have an exception to the baggage limit? Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy does not anticipate that specialty equipment will be accommodated. The baggage limits are set by the flight provider. The U.S. Embassy will follow up with confirmed passengers should this information change.

Can my family member accompany me on the plane if he or she is not a U.S. citizen? Space will be allocated to family members of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) on a space-available basis.  At this time, there appears to be space available for close family members.  Please note, anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or LPR needs to already have a visa to enter the United States. Please review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and travel.state.gov websites for the latest restrictions on entering the United States.  The Embassy will not be able to facilitate visa interviews before this flight.

Can Lawful Permanent Residents travel? Yes.

If I cannot afford a ticket, can I still travel? Yes. Everyone who boards the plane will sign a DS-5528 promissory note agreeing to pay the cost of the flight upon their return to the United States.  Please note, you will not be able to renew your passport until the debt to the U.S. government is paid.

I would like to travel with my family member, but he or she does not have a visa. Can I schedule a visa appointment before the flight? Unfortunately, no. There is not time to facilitate visa interviews for this flight.

Can my special medical needs be accommodated? Probably. Please include any special requests in your email, and we will endeavor to accommodate.

Will there be meals on the plane? Yes, though passengers are encouraged to bring snacks and/or food for special diets.

Where is the flight going and will you arrange transport to my destination? The flight is going to Washington Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia. You will be responsible for making travel arrangements from there to your destination.

Can I bring my pet on this flight? No. This flight does not allow pets in the cabin or in the cargo space.

All information about flights to the United States will be announced through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are not already enrolled in STEP, please register at step.state.gov.

U.S. government personnel are prohibited from leaving the City of Bamako.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bamako

ACI 2000

Rue 243, Porte 297

Bamako, Mali

+223 20 70 23 00

+223 66 75 28 60 (after-hours emergencies)

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

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By | 30 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert, News

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