U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
August 3, 2015
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this security message to inform U.S. citizens of a heightened security risk to westerners in southern Mali, including the area outside Bamako city. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy has informed its personnel that until further notice:
- Official governmental personnel must seek advance authorization for all travel outside the confines of Bamako city.
- All U.S. citizens are advised to reduce exposure to places frequented by westerners.
U.S. citizens should review their personal security plans, exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, vary routes, and take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety. Also, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. This should be the standard operating procedure at all times. Ensure your personal communications devices are usable in a crisis, and 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).
