U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this security message to remind U.S. citizens of the continued risk of terrorist attacks throughout Mali, including Bamako, the capital.
The Department of State announced on February 26 that it had terminated Authorized Departure status for Embassy Bamako, thereby allowing the return of non-emergency personnel and dependents who had previously departed Mali. Nevertheless, serious security threats remain. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy continues to advise U.S. citizens to:
- reduce exposure to restaurants, bars, clubs, churches, mosques, theaters, shopping centers, museums, and public organized events.
- reduce exposure to places frequented by westerners. If going to these venues, carry redundant forms of communication and advise someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- use the buddy system by partnering with someone when travelling in and around the city for practical reasons, such as to go food shopping or visit recreational facilities. We remind all U.S. citizens that movement during daylight hours is preferred and far safer than at night.
- exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, and vary routes and times. Try to be unpredictable.
- ensure your personal communications devices are usable in a crisis.
- fully employ any safety measures (locks, grills, alarms, etc.) at your residence.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Country Specific Information for Mali.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Mali, located at ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297. The Consular Section can be contacted at +223 2070 2505, or via email at consularbamako@state.gov. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Marine Guard at +223 2070 2301 or 2070 2302.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays
