Mali entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Malagasy passport holders need a visa to enter Mali. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Madagascar citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead to avoid delays at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Malian embassy or consulate | Madagascar passport holders need a visa before traveling to Mali. Apply at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days; expect to submit a passport photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.Mali MFA — visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mali. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Mali | Immigration officers at Bamako–Sénou International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mali. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 150,000 XOF (about $250 USD) for a short trip. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mali. You must apply at a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel. Arriving without a visa means immediate denial of entry.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Mali requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over 1 year old. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Malian embassy or consulate in your country. Submit the application form, passport photos, and any required documents. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before departure.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and a hotel for your first night. Keep digital copies on your phone — immigration may ask to see them at the border.
3
Arrive at Bamako–Sénou International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport. Check the stamp for the correct entry date and allowed stay duration. You can then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable at immigration office
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Malian embassy; extension possible but not guaranteed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Madagascar passport holders; apply at Malian embassy. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | ~$5 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Mali require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with airline.
Transit hubsBamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Madagascar is considered endemic, so certificate may be required.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mali; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Nation, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Bamako
Ambassade du Mali (for visa applications)
Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa applications; not for in-country extensions.
Practical information for MG 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 = 562.67 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. Madagascar passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at any Malian entry point.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days at the embassy or consulate. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to account for any delays.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or travel insurance. Check with the specific embassy for exact requirements.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy for the current fee schedule.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or difficulties with future travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Mali. Make sure you get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no way to obtain a visa at the airport. Always arrange your visa before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.