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TRAVEL REPORT
Mali

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 (Ramadan) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Mali

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

While most Canadians travelling to Mali do not experience problems, they should be aware of the risk of terrorism and banditry in the country.

On December 20, 2008, a military base in Nampala in the north of Segou, 500 km north-east of Bamako, was attacked by armed rebels. A number of casualties have been reported. Subsequent incidents have occurred in towns near the border with Mauritania and in the Koulikoro region. While attacks by rebel groups are generally limited to the northern part of Mali (see regional warning below), Canadians are advised to exercise caution and remain close to urban centres.
 
Mali has tightened its security measures at the border with Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea due to the ongoing instability in those countries. Despite these measures, banditry is on the increase and travel between major cities at night should be avoided.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the regions of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal due to the presence of armed groups and the threat of banditry and kidnapping, even in big cities. Caution should be exercised at all times. Travel to these regions by road is advised against in particular between the cities of Gao and Kidal. There have been reports of an increase in banditry in the Kidal region and the vicinity of Tizaouatene.
 
There is a high risk of kidnapping in these regions, and Westerners are a favourite target. In past instances, some hostages have been detained for months before being released, and some have been killed. If Canadians plan to visit these areas despite the high risk, it is recommended that they use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another. Canadians should be particularly cautious in the regions bordering Mauritania and Niger, especially close to Menaka, southeast of Gao.

There have been several clashes between various armed groups and the Malian army in the northern part of the country, resulting in a number of deaths, injuries and hostage takings. In June 2009, members of an armed group killed a Malian army lieutenant-colonel in his Timbuktu residence.

In May 2008, armed rebels attacked a Malian army post in Abeibara in the Kidal region, where over 30 people were killed and another 30 or so were injured. Some soldiers were also taken hostage.

Landmines have also exploded near the border with Algeria.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Petty crime occurs. There has been an increase in robberies at gunpoint primarily at night. Panhandlers are common. Canadians should be careful of scam artists at the airport. Tourists should travel in groups, remain alert, ensure their personal belongings and travel documents are secure, and avoid poorly lit areas after dark. Corruption is prevalent. Police may stop motorists and request payments for unknown reasons. Food products are sometimes sold past their expiry date. Higher prices may be charged for merchandise bought in markets.

Women's Safety

Travellers, particularly women, have been harassed in public places. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Kidnapping

In addition to the ongoing threats in the northern part of the country, it is being reported that the risk of kidnapping has increased in the southern part, including in and around Bamako. We advise Canadian citizens in Mali to maintain a high level of vigilance.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Malian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Mali and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Mali. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Mali - BAMAKO, Embassy of Canada
Address: Immeuble Séméga, Route de Koulikoro, Commune II, Bamako, Mali
Postal Address: P.O. Box 198, Bamako, Mali,
Tel.: 223 20-21-22-36
Fax: 223 20-21-43-62
E-Mail: bmakog@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.mali.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Bamako and follow the instructions. You can also make a call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east). Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale in this region. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information and health recommendations concerning meningitis, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.

Recent cases of measles have been reported in Mali.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited especially outside of Bamako. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment.

Travellers should ensure they have a sufficient supply of prescription medicine. Tourists should avoid purchasing medications in local markets which may turn out to be counterfeit products.

Water-borne, parasitic and food-borne diseases are common in Mali. Travellers should also cover up and use mosquito repellent to avoid the potential risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Tourists should drink only boiled or bottled water, avoid drinks with ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to Mali’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Although homosexuality is not a criminal offence, it may be considered contrary to accepted standards of behaviour and persons may face sanctions.

The Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, to which Mali is signatory, restricts the export of certain Malian archaeological objects, particularly those from the Niger River Valley. Under Malian law, an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako is required by visitors seeking to export such items.

Photography of military personnel and installations is prohibited. Interpretation of what subjects may be photographed is influenced by cultural and religious factors. Ask permission before taking photographs.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Exercise extreme caution when driving. Road conditions off major roads are poor. Driving standards, lack of traffic signals, excessive speed, pedestrians and livestock on roadways, traffic congestion, the absence of sidewalks and poorly lit streets all pose serious risks. Overloaded transport vehicles often break down and cause accidents. Many vehicles lack lights. Roadside assistance is not available. Tourists should avoid driving at night.

Public transportation is unreliable in the capital. Taxi fares should be determined before departure.

During the rainy season, some dirt roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Vehicles should be equipped with spare tires and an emergency kit. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the African Financial Community franc, or CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside a few major hotels. Carry traveller's cheques in Euros or U.S. dollars which may be exchanged at major hotels and in banks – Canadian traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. Banks do not exchange traveller's cheques on Saturdays and Sundays. The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has a foreign exchange bureau close to the Grand Hôtel on Koulikoro Road. Exchange facilities are often slow and offer rates that are out of date.
 
Access to ABM machines is limited outside of Bamako. 

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

There are three main seasons: the rainy season (June-October); the dry, cool season (November-February), when temperatures can drop to 15°C in January (in the evening); and a dry, hot season (March-June), with temperatures reaching 45°C. Local flooding can occur during the rainy season.

Dust storms and sand storms frequently occur.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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