Mali entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese 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 1 to 3 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Mali. Apply at the Mali Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the nearest Malian embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Mali. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry at Bamako airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking or invitation letter from a host helps satisfy immigration. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids problems. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Mali. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
Mali does not offer an e-visa or visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply at an embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Mali embassy
Contact the Mali embassy in Hanoi or the nearest accredited embassy in Southeast Asia. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 1 to 3 weeks. Fees vary — expect around $50 to $100 USD.
2
Pack your documents
Before your flight, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, flight tickets, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Bamako–Sénou International Airport
After landing, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation — have the address ready. You will get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Extensions possible but limited.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. For business purposes.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Malian embassy or consulate. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing multiple entries during validity. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | ~$10 USD per day (10 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
Vietnam passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Mali, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Transit hubsBamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Mali, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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 Générale de la Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
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. Check appointment requirements.
Practical information for VN 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 Vietnamese passport holders. You must get a visa from a Mali embassy before you travel.
The Mali embassy in Hanoi handles visa applications. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you may need to mail your documents or use a visa agency. Check the embassy website for exact requirements.
Processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around $50 to $100 USD. Check with the embassy for the exact amount in Vietnamese dong.
Typically 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Bamako before your visa expires.
Yes. Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask to see it.
Mali has security risks, especially outside Bamako. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.