Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali – May 20, 2020
Location: Mali
Event: Ongoing COVID-19 Response – May 21 Flight CONFIRMED
The Embassy has confirmed the planned May 21 flight to the United States. Individuals who purchased tickets will receive their tickets electronically—if you have not received your ticket, please contact us immediately. If you have not yet purchased a ticket for this flight and wish to do so, please contact ACSBamako@state.gov immediately. Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to board the flight.
Check-in time at Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport for Washington Dulles International Airport is 2:00 p.m.; the flight will depart at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Thursday, May 21. The flight will make a brief stop in Lomé, Togo, before continuing onward to the United States. The flight is scheduled to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport at approximately 06:00 a.m. (Washington D.C. time) May 22. Please note onward travel from Washington Dulles is the responsibility of the traveler. Passengers should book onward travel no earlier than the evening of Friday, May 22.
Other important flight information:
- Passengers should wear a mask and gloves throughout their travel.
- The luggage allowance for this flight is two checked bags with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms (50 pounds) per bag. Passengers are also permitted one carry-on item weighing up to seven kilograms (15 pounds).
- Meals will be provided on the plane for passengers, but passengers are encouraged to bring snacks or food for special diets.
- Passengers traveling with pets will need to pay associated fees directly to Ethiopian Airlines
Prior to landing in the United States, paperwork will be disseminated to passengers regarding appropriate health care procedures. Quarantine rules of the country you are entering apply. All international travelers arriving in the United States are recommended to stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. However, expect these recommendations to change based on onward destination within the United States.
The Embassy is not currently planning to organize any additional flights to the United States; however, the Embassy will remain in close contact with the airlines to encourage commercial flight options. Should any additional flights become available, information will be announced through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are not already enrolled in STEP, please register at step.state.gov.
Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako has canceled all routine passport, notary, and consular report of birth abroad appointments. If you are in need of an emergency appointment, please email us at ACSBamako@state.gov.
If you have previously applied for a passport or citizenship service, you should expect significant delays receiving your passport. Contact us at ACSBamako@state.gov to check the status of your passport or citizenship document (such as a CRBA).
In an emergency, the U.S. Embassy can assist with an emergency passport for an adult or a minor. For emergency passport services, please contact us at ACSBamako@state.gov to schedule an appointment.
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 U.S. Embassy in Bamako has suspended routine nonimmigrant visa appointments. Visit the Visas section of the Embassy website for updates.
The Government of Mali has announced that as of May 20, 2020 there are 931 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mali, including 55 deaths and 543 recoveries.
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. 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:
- Face masks are mandatory in public.
- Schools and universities are closed until June 2, 2020.
- Sporting events, festivals, and gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned, and bars and night clubs have also been closed.
- The daily curfew imposed on March 26, 2020 was lifted on May 9, 2020.
- 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.
- Operating hours of certain stores are through June 30, 2020. Open-air markets (including vegetable stands and livestock markets) are open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Supermarkets and other food stores are open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Small neighborhood shops are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Visit the Malian Ministry of Health website for updated information on COVID-19 in Mali.
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 website on 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 and Facebook