Mali entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Colombian citizens, so you need to apply through the Malian embassy or consulate in advance. Plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mali entry visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online — you must visit a Malian embassy or consulate in advance. Visa required | Colombian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali. Apply at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate; no eVisa is available for Colombian passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before you go. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mali. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely blank page (not just a margin) for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamping. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA ticket showing you will leave Mali is often asked for at check-in or border control. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Mali. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof of money can help if asked. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Mali, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the certificate — it's often checked at Mali's borders. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and may be requested at entry. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form for Mali. Not required | Mali does not require an arrival declaration form for Colombian citizens. | Not required |
No visa on arrival or eVisa
Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa for Mali. You must get a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without a visa means you will be refused entry and sent back.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate both when applying for the visa and at immigration in Mali. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Malian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Malian embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for Colombian residents. Since there is no Malian embassy in Colombia, you may need to apply through a Malian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., the Malian embassy in Washington, D.C., or Paris) or use a visa service. Call or email to confirm the exact requirements, appointment process, and current fee schedule.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything for your records. Ensure your passport has at least 1 blank page and is valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. If applying by mail, use a traceable courier service. Pay the visa fee as instructed and keep the receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5 to 10 business days, but can take longer. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your visa and travel
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the dates and personal details are correct. At Bamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO), present your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate at immigration.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)
For travelers needing to exit and re-enter Mali.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires official invitation or supporting documents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mali visa (single entry, 3 months)Fee varies by nationality and duration; payable at Malian embassy/consulate. | $100 (approx.) |
| Mali visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Fee varies; check with issuing authority. | $150 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Bamako. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include departure tax. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mali
Transit visa required
Colombian citizens require a visa to transit through Mali, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsBamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mali; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bamako
Direction Nationale de la Police des Frontières (DNPF)
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport and photos.
Bamako
Ambassade du Mali (for visa applications)
Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa applications and inquiries; not for extensions.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalBamako
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with grounding hole)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Colombian citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Mali does not offer an eVisa for Colombian passport holders. You must apply through the embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload. It's best to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa, and are set by the Malian authorities. Contact the embassy for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 USD, but confirm directly.
If you are transiting and will not leave the international zone, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you will need a visa. Check with your airline and the embassy for transit rules.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before travel.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.