New Embassy Travel Policy
March 6, 2014
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this security message to inform U.S. citizens of recent travel policy changes for official Embassy personnel, and to remind U.S. citizens to remain vigilant.
On March 3, the U.S. Embassy informed official Embassy personnel that the area of permitted travel in the southern part of Mali has been expanded. The authorized area now includes Bamako; the northern Koulikoro Region along National Roads 1, 4, and 14 (RN1, RN4, and RN14) from Kolokani to Banamba through Mourdiah; all southern parts of the Koulikoro Region; all of the Sikasso Region; parts of the Segou Region, from the cities of Souba, Segou, and San along National Road 6 (RN6); and areas in that region to the south. Prior notification to the Embassy’s Security Officer is required only for overnight travel within these zones, though general road safety and security precautions for travel are still advised. This updated travel policy reflects the Embassy’s assessment of the current security situation in this region of Mali.
Travel to all other areas for personal or official purposes remains restricted or prohibited, and is approved solely on a case-by-case basis after a careful security review. The Embassy reviews its travel restrictions on a regular basis. U.S. citizens planning to travel to Mali, particularly to destinations outside of Bamako, should consult the U.S. Embassy’s website or your host organization(s) for the most recent security assessment of the areas where you plan to travel.
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Mali, given continuing aspirations of terrorists to conduct attacks. It strongly warns against travel to the northern parts of the country and along the border with Mauritania, particularly in areas that are not patrolled and where there is little to no security presence. There remains ongoing conflict in northern Mali and continuing threats of attacks on and kidnappings of westerners and others. While the security situation in Bamako and southern Mali remains relatively stable, the potential for attacks throughout the country, including in Bamako, remains.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mali despite the Travel Warning for Mali enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 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, (including the Travel Warning for Mali), Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mali. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” 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, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App 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 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.
