Mali entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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 need a visa to enter Mali. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Malian embassy or consulate | Colombian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Mali. Submit your application at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you will need to submit your passport in person or by mail.Mali MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mali. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bamako–Sénou International Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mali. Immigration may ask for it during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay, or carry cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars). Immigration rarely asks, but the visa officer may request proof of financial means. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Mali visa processing can be slow — up to 3 weeks. Don't leave it to the last minute. Also, check if the embassy requires you to appear in person; some do.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before you fly. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Malian embassy
Find the Malian embassy or consulate nearest you (e.g., in Washington D.C., Paris, or another regional hub). Check their website for visa application forms, fees, and whether you can apply by mail or need to appear in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport photos, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, and any additional documents the embassy requests (like a letter of invitation or yellow fever vaccination proof).
3
Submit and pay
Submit your application and pay the visa fee. Fees vary by embassy — expect around $50–$100 USD. Processing can take 5–15 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and entry conditions before you travel.
5
Arrive in Mali
At Bamako Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO), go through immigration. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in — no additional forms needed.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Apply at Malian embassy or consulate; requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship or work/study permit; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Malian embassy. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 3 months. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, charged per day. | ~$10 USD (10 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative overstay fine. | ~$300 USD (300 USD) |
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Mali generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen, US, UK, or Canada may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 = 563.41 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. There is no visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee.
Fees vary by embassy, but expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the specific embassy website for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Yes. Mali requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa from outside the country.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. Mali does not offer an e-visa. All visa applications must go through an embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.