U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this message to update U.S. citizens on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) U.S. travel restrictions. We are aware of three restrictions currently in place: quarantines in three states for any traveler who has had direct contract with EVD; post-arrival monitoring of travelers whose travel originates in Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea; and authorized arrival in the United States of travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea at only five designated U.S. airports.
First, Illinois, New Jersey and New York have initiated a mandatory 21-day quarantine (in some cases at home) for any traveler that has had direct contact with someone who is infected with EVD while in Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea.
There has been no announcement to date on whether travelers from Mali will be included in this quarantine. Travelers from Mali should consult the resources listed below for the most up-to-date information in advance of travel, as guidance may change without notice:
Illinois: http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12783
New Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/552014/approved/20141024b.html
New York: http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/10242014-ebola-screening-protocols
Second, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that public health authorities will begin active post-arrival monitoring of travelers whose travel originates in Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea. Active post-arrival monitoring means that travelers without fever or symptoms consistent with EVD will be followed up daily by state and local health departments for 21 days from the date of their departure from West Africa.
There has been no announcement to date on whether travelers from Mali will be included in this post-arrival monitoring. Travelers from Mali should consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information in advance of travel, as guidance may change without notice:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p1022-post-arrival-monitoring.html
Third, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that additional screening and protective measures are in place at ports of entry for travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. All travelers from those countries must enter the United States at one of five designated airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York, NY
- Washington Dulles International Airport – Washington, D.C.
- Newark Liberty International Airport – Newark, NJ
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, IL
- Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta, GA
There has been no announcement to date on whether travelers from Mali will be included in this 5-airport restriction. Travelers from Mali should consult the DHS website for the most up-to-date information in advance of travel, as guidance may change without notice:
http://www.dhs.gov/ebola-response
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mali despite the Travel Warning enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mali. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297. The Consular Section can be contacted at +223 2070 2505, or via email at acsbamako@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.
