Fire and rescue services
Call 18.
Medical emergencies
Call 15 or go direct to the hospital.
Police
Call 17 or:
-
2023 9511
-
8000 1114
-
8000 1115
-
2022 1335
-
2023 9515
Or visit the nearest police station.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Mali due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
Call 18.
Call 15 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 17 or:
2023 9511
8000 1114
8000 1115
2022 1335
2023 9515
Or visit the nearest police station.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Mali due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
Do not travel to Mali.
Do not travel to Mali due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
See Safety.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout Mali, including intermittent high-profile attacks in the capital Bamako, which can result in serious injury and death.
The security situation in northern, central, and increasingly in southern Mali is dangerous and volatile. Attacks targeting security forces, civilians and foreign interests regularly occur by terrorist and other armed groups who operate in these areas. These groups have fuelled inter-community tensions in the area, resulting in regular ethnic group clashes. There are ongoing military operations throughout the country.
If you're in Mali despite our advice, you should consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so.
Further attacks are very likely. Attacks can occur in places visited by foreigners, including:
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali, stay alert to protect yourself from terrorism:
Have an exit plan ready if you must go to a place that is a possible target.
If an attack occurs, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Kidnapping by groups such as Al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM) and other regional Islamist groups is a very high risk across Mali.
Several foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in Mali. Active terrorist groups maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners.
The kidnapping risk of foreign nationals in southern Mali is increasing. Foreign nationals and foreign interests, including mining operations, may be targeted.
Possible targets include:
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
The Malian armed forces initiated a coup d’état in August 2020, establishing a transitional government. Presidential elections have been postponed from 2024 to 2026. Monitor local media and register for security alerts from the US Embassy in Mali and the Canadian Embassy in Mali.
Due to the withdrawal of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the security situation across the Sahel, there is a heightened risk of increased instability in Mali.
The security situation could deteriorate quickly.
A state of emergency is currently in effect throughout Mali. Heightened security measures are in place, including random identity checks and roadblocks. Carry identification and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.
Expect a strong security presence, including police patrols, vehicle and personal security checks and police and security checks on restaurants.
Be aware that:
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali, protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Demonstrations, protests and mass gatherings often occur in Bamako. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent, with reports of death and injuries. Public demonstrations in and around Bamako have encountered a strong police and security force presence.
The political and security situation could get worse suddenly.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
If you get caught up in a protest, stay indoors and away from the windows. Leave the area as soon as it's safe.
More information:
Crime is on the rise in Mali, particularly in Bamako, which has seen an increase in armed assaults and robberies.
Armed robbery, kidnapping and carjackings occur, particularly in the northern regions. 4WD vehicles are common targets.
Bandits are active in remote areas.
Pickpocketing and theft are common in urban areas.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
Internet fraud is common and often starts in West African countries. People have lost money to internet scams.
Internet scams may present to you as romances, friendships, or business and employment opportunities. These scams usually start via internet dating sites or chat rooms.
Victims have also travelled to Mali or other West African countries to meet a friend or someone they intend to marry that they have met online or to get back money. They've been at risk of kidnapping, assault and robbery. Some victims have been killed.
Criminals might:
To protect yourself from scams:
If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice. Don't travel to Mali to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Flooding can occur during the rainy season from June to September.
Severe weather can affect your travel. Monitor local media for up-to-date information.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali and you're visiting an area affected by severe weather:
In the event of flooding and severe weather, follow the advice of local authorities.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
You'll likely need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Mali.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mali. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care) is widespread in Mali. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria, dengue (World Health Organization), and other insect-borne diseases also occur.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
The HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection rate is high.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.
Lassa fever (World Health Organization) may be a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks can occur. If there is a serious outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.
To protect yourself from illness:
Medical facilities in Bamako are limited. Facilities in rural areas are even more basic.
Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.
Medical expertise is lacking. Burns and mortuary facilities are limited.
Most medical staff only speak basic English.
You'll need to pay up-front for medical services.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling. Malian authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as criminal that would not be considered as such in Australia. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws for unintentionally breaking the law.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. You could receive a heavy fine or a long jail sentence.
More information:
The death penalty applies for serious offences, including:
It's illegal to photograph:
You'll need permission from the National Museum in Bamako to buy or remove archaeological objects from Mali.
Same-sex sexual activity isn't explicitly illegal in Mali. However, it may be 'contrary to accepted standards of behaviour', which is illegal.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Mali recognises dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular service we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
You may need to perform civil or military service in Mali if you're a dual national. Check with the nearest Embassy of Mali before you travel.
More information:
Conservative standards of dress and behaviour apply in Mali.
Avoid revealing clothing and inappropriate displays of public affection. Take care not to offend.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Mali. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to Mali, you'll need to get a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy of Mali for details about visas, currency, customs, and quarantine rules.
You must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mali. You may be asked to show it at the airport when you leave.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Mali.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care).
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
Exchange traveller's cheques at major banks.
ATM facilities are limited.
Some major hotels in Bamako accept credit cards.
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside Bamako. Make sure you have enough cash to meet your needs.
The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Mali.
Landmines and improvised explosive devices are found in the north and northeast of Mali.
To drive in Mali, you need both:
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Terrorist attacks on convoys, crime, kidnapping, and poor conditions make road travel dangerous, particularly at night. Exercise extreme caution.
Driving conditions get worse in the rainy season from June to September.
To reduce your risks, get professional security advice before you leave.
Only travel by road if you have proper security measures in place.
Always wear a helmet when travelling by motorcycle.
More information:
Avoid taxis where possible due to poor driving and security threats. If you must travel by taxi, use registered taxis. It's best to arrange them through your hotel.
Public transport is dangerous due to security threats. Avoid public transport.
Flight schedules can change, and flights can be cancelled with little warning.
At Senou International Airport in Bamako, authorities may search your vehicle at a checkpoint. Make sure everyone in the vehicle has identification with them.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Mali, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). Airlines may issue their own travel advice if, despite our advice, you travel to Mali. Check with your travel provider.
Check Mali's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 18.
Call 15 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 17 or:
Or visit the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Mali.
The Canadian Embassy in Bamako gives consular assistance to Australians in Mali. This includes issuing provisional travel documents.
If the security situation in Mali deteriorates, the level of consular assistance the Canadian Embassy can give to Australians may be limited.
You can also get limited consular assistance from the Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana.
Koulikoro Street
Séméga Building
District II
Bamako, Mali
Phone: (+223 44) 98 04 50
Fax: (+223 44) 98 04 55
Email: bmakog@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/mali
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours.
2, Second Rangoon Close (cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216 400
Fax: +233 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA
The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.