Safety and Security

See the Department of State's Travel Warning for Mali and Worldwide Caution for the current security situation. Violent extremist elements including but not limited to al-Qaida in the Lands of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar al-Dine, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad (MUJAO), and extremists tied to al-Murabitun remain active in the region. Terrorists elements have been mostly dislodged from the major population centers, but do still occasionally operate in cities, including Gao and Timbuktu. AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets throughout the Sahel (including Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). This group has claimed responsibility for numerous recent kidnappings/attempted kidnappings and other violent events in the region. On March 7, 2015 al-Murabitun claimed responsibility for an armed attack on La Terrasse, a popular nightclub in the Hippodrome area of Bamako. Automatic rifle fire and explosives killed and injured several people.

Travel to the northern and western parts of the country is to be avoided because of continuing security and military operations. The situation in the north remains unstable and dangerous. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) along with French troops in collaboration with Malian security forces are deployed in the country and are conducting counterterrorism operations that target extremist elements.

There has been a recent uptick in police harassment and violent crime in Bamako, including several armed carjacking incidents, one with a fatality of a French citizen. While the government of Mali has increased security in the capital, the potential for additional attacks remains throughout the country, including in Bamako.

Large and small periodic street demonstrations occur regularly throughout Mali. U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Although demonstrations can occur spontaneously and the majority are contained by security forces, some have quickly turned violent, particularly in northern regions and at university locations in the south, and have resulted in deaths.

For hundreds of years, the Sahel has been used by traffickers of arms, drugs, and persons because of its remoteness and centralized location between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. While these elements usually attempt to avoid contact with outsiders, even an accidental encounter could generate a violent response due to the illicit nature of their activities.

The U.S. embassy permits overnight travel outside of the city of Bamako for official U.S. government employees only on a case-by-case basis, depending on the reason for travel except during times of heightened security risk. Though this restriction does not apply to private U.S. citizens, it should be taken into account when traveling to and within Mali.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mali on Twitter and the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, although there has been a recent uptick in armed carjackings in Bamako, as well as an armed attack with fatalities in Bamako on March 7 (see Safety and Security section). There are sporadic reports of night time robberies occurring on the roads outside of the capital; tourists should not drive outside of Bamako at night (See Travel & Transportation section).

Criminals will not hesitate to use violence if they encounter resistance from their victims. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are common in urban areas. Closely guard your passports and wallets when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets. You should be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. There have also been recent reports of possible police harassment. When asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas, or places where several officers are posted.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Response from local authorities and recourse for victims of crime is extremely limited, if not non-existent. When you do interact with local police always request a copy of the police report.

Due to the vigilantism which often occurs when criminals are apprehended in Mali, it is best to avoid the large crowds that may gather at the scene of a crime, a vehicle accident, or any altercation.

If you become the victim of a crime the U.S. embassy can: 

• Assist you in seeking medical assistance and provide a list of doctors.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, explain legal processes in general terms, and provide a list of lawyers.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys. Remember, however, that local authorities, not the U.S. government, are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
• Contact relatives or friends at your request and with your written consent.
• Replace a stolen passport.
• The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Mali is 8000-1115; connection and response, however, is not always reliable.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.