Location: Mali
Event: Ongoing COVID-19 Response
The Government of Mali has announced that as of April 6 there are 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mali, including five deaths.
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is aware of the hardship current travel restrictions have created for U.S. citizens who need to return to the United States. The U.S. Embassy is exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions and remains in close contact with the airlines regarding commercial flight options. At this time, there are no flights scheduled, and the U.S. Embassy is not currently organizing any repatriation flights. All information about future flights to the United States will be announced through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are not enrolled in STEP, please register at step.state.gov.
Due to the possibility of an extended disruption, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
The Government of Mali has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The government has prohibited flights coming from countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 effective March 20 at midnight. This led to cancellations of flights into and out of Mali. The Malian government has also closed land borders to passenger traffic. Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to go into effect with little or no advance notice.
The Government of Mali has taken the following additional steps:
- Schools and universities are closed until April 9, 2020
- Sporting events, festivals, gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned, and bars and night clubs have also been closed
- There is a daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
- Vehicle occupancy has been restricted to promote social distancing
- The work schedule for all government offices (with the exception of defense, security, and health) has been reduced to 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- The General Directorate for Commerce and Competition set price limits for essential goods, including sugar, rice, cooking oil, and bread.
Visit the Malian Ministry of Health website for updated information COVID-19 in Mali.
Effective March 18, U.S. Embassy Bamako suspended routine nonimmigrant visa appointments. Visit the visas section of the Embassy website for updates. The U.S. Embassy continues to offer routine and emergency American citizen services on a limited basis. Visit the U.S. Citizens Services section of the website to schedule an appointment.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The CDC has issued a Level 3 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19. The Embassy has encouraged any Embassy staff with underlying health concerns to consider departing post. U.S. personnel were also advised to ensure they have sufficient supplies of prescription drugs on hand in case of future shortages.
U.S. government personnel are prohibited from leaving the City of Bamako.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
- Review the Malian Ministry of Health’s website.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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 - Follow us on Twitter
