Mali entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali for any purpose, including tourism and business. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply through a Malian embassy or consulate in advance. Start the process early to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mali visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online — plan a visit to the nearest Malian embassy or consulate. Obtain before travel | A visa is required for Tanzanian passport holders. Since Tanzania is not eligible for Mali's eVisa program, you must apply at a Malian embassy or consulate before departure. Submit your application well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mali. Check your passport's expiry date before booking anything. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShows you plan to leave Mali before your visa or stay expires. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Mali, such as recent bank statements or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration or online health form is required for Tanzania passport holders entering Mali. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate applications are accepted for your nationality. Not applicable | Tanzanian passport holders are not eligible for Mali's eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online — go directly to a Malian embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No visa on arrival – apply in advance
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mali. Arriving without a visa means you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Apply for your visa well before your trip.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Malian immigration strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without the certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.
No embassy in Tanzania
Mali has no embassy in Tanzania. You'll need to apply through a Malian embassy in another country, such as Addis Ababa or Nairobi. Plan extra time for mailing or traveling to the embassy, and confirm their exact requirements before sending anything.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Malian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Malian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your region. Call or email them to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and fee schedule. Some embassies require an in-person appointment.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and any additional documents the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on embassy policy. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, but can take longer – apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date.
4
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Immediately check that your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries are correct. Any errors must be corrected before you travel.
5
Arrive at Bamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
On arrival in Mali, proceed to immigration control. Have your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit – answer clearly. After stamping, you'll collect your luggage and exit.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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 to 1 year
Cost$150–$250 (approx.)
For frequent travellers; issued by Malian embassy.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$400 (approx.)
Requires official invitation or residence permit application.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Mali. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) plus proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized Malian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Commerçant)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$50,000 USD in Mali. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mali visa (single-entry, up to 90 days)Fee varies by nationality and duration; payable at Malian embassy or on arrival if pre-approved. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Bamako before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Some land border posts may charge a small exit fee; not always applied. | $20 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Tanzanian passport holders require a visa to transit Mali, even if staying airside. Obtain a transit visa before travel.
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 all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mali; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Mali, including urban 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
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits.
Bamako
Ambassade du Mali (for visa applications)
Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa applications if not obtained in advance.
Practical information for TZ 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. Tanzanian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival in Mali. You must obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy and time of year. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the Malian embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as instructed.
You will likely be denied a visa and refused entry. Renew your passport before applying for the Malian visa. There are no exceptions.
Yes. Mali requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over 1 year old. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the certificate with you – it will be checked at immigration.
Visa extensions are generally not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter with a new visa, or contact the Malian immigration authorities before your visa expires to inquire about any possible options.
Mali does not have an embassy in Tanzania. You will need to apply at a Malian embassy in a neighboring country or the nearest one that accepts applications from Tanzanian residents. Common options include the Malian embassy in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) or Nairobi (Kenya). Contact them directly for application instructions.
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.