A landlocked country in the Sahel, Mali remains one of the poorest countries in the world, but it has wonderful musicians and some incredible sights, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites and the historic city of Timbuktu.
WARNING: Northern Mali—including the regions of Timbuktu, Kidal, Gao and Mopti, remains a dangerous region for Westerners to visit. Islamist rebels with close ties to an Al Qaeda branch (AQIM) is responsible for several kidnappings of foreigners from Mali (most of whom were killed after being held for months in remote desert camps). The risk of kidnapping remains, particularly in Northern Mali and along the borders with Mauritania and Niger. Most Western nations will not negotiate with terrorists in the event a citizen is kidnapped. Travellers cannot expect to get consular services in the event of an emergency. Also refer to war zone safety if you must visit such places.
A coup d’état occurred on 19 August 2020, where the Malian president was arrested and resigned due to opposition from the military. Another coup d’état happened in 2021. The situation remains unstable.
Due to the collapse of the tourism industry, many businesses have closed and the few tourists may make for easy targets for petty theft by destitute Malians.
Western governments recommend against all travel to the northern regions, and against all but essential travel to the rest of Mali, including Bamako.
COVID-19 information: To enter Mali you will either need to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate less than 72 hours old to the airport authorities, or be tested on arrival at the airport.
Mopti Most of Mali’s travel riches are concentrated in this region: unique rock formations at Hombori, the architecture of Djenné, and the unbelievable escarpment villages of Dogon Country
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