Mali entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option, so you'll need to apply through a Malian embassy or consulate in advance. Plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mali visaYou must obtain a visa in advance from a Malian diplomatic mission; you cannot get one on arrival. Apply at an embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Madagascar passport holders. There is no eVisa available for your nationality. Apply at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mali. Check the expiry date well before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your travel itinerary ready. Proof of departure from Mali | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mali before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Mali. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash (CFA francs) as proof. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Madagascar passport holders entering Mali. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate visas are accepted for your passport. Not available for your nationality | Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for Mali's eVisa program. Do not attempt an online eVisa application; apply through an embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mali. Arriving without a visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Always secure your visa before departure.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Mali requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
Visa is not extendable
Your Malian visa cannot be extended. Overstaying is a serious offense that can lead to fines, detention, or a ban from future entry. Make sure your travel dates fit within the visa validity period.
What happens at the border
1
Locate the nearest Malian embassy or consulate
Find the Malian diplomatic mission that covers your country of residence. If there is no embassy in Madagascar, you may need to apply through a Malian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Kenya, South Africa, or France) or use a visa service. Contact them first to confirm their jurisdiction and application procedures.
2
Prepare your application documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make photocopies of everything. Check the embassy's website or call to confirm if any additional documents are needed (e.g., bank statements, employment letter).
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy, you may need to appear in person for biometrics or an interview. Some embassies accept applications by mail. Submit your complete package and pay the fee. Ask for a receipt and note the expected processing time (often 5-10 business days, but can be longer).
4
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport or it will be mailed back. Check the visa sticker for accuracy: your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. Report any errors immediately.
5
Arrive in Mali and go through immigration
At Bamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO) or another entry point, present your passport with the visa, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the officer asks for. Be prepared to answer questions about your stay. After clearance, you'll receive an entry stamp.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of purpose
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Malian immigration authorities. Apply at Malian embassy or consulate abroad.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Available at Bamako-Sénou International Airport and other entry points. Must have valid passport and proof of onward travel. | Free (for stays up to 90 days) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Bamako before current visa expires. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee charged at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required for Madagascar passport holders if leaving the international transit area. Airside transit without visa is permitted for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
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 = 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. Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no exception for tourism or business.
No. Mali does not offer an eVisa for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply through a Malian diplomatic mission. Do not rely on any online visa portal claiming otherwise — they are not official.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 5 to 10 business days. In some cases it can take up to 3 weeks, especially if the embassy needs to refer your application to Bamako for approval. Apply well in advance — at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees are set by the Malian embassy and vary based on visa type (single-entry, multiple-entry) and duration. There is no fixed published fee for Madagascar citizens. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee schedule and acceptable payment methods.
Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Mali. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Border officials will check this document — without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which is not ideal).
No. The visa for Madagascar passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Mali before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from future entry. Plan your stay within the validity period granted.
If there is no Malian embassy in Madagascar, you'll need to apply through a Malian embassy in a nearby country (e.g., Kenya, South Africa, or France) or use a reputable visa service. Contact the embassy to confirm they accept applications from non-residents. You may need to mail your passport or travel to that country to apply in person.
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.