Mali entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens. You need to apply through a Malian embassy or consulate, and processing can take several weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mali visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before your trip. Apply at embassy/consulate | Vietnamese citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Mali. Apply at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate. No eVisa is available for Vietnamese passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mali. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a free page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready in case immigration asks to see it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket confirming you will leave Mali before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but it's wise to carry proof of financial means. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Mali, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the certificate with you. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Vietnam. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Vietnam citizens entering Mali. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens
Even though some nationalities can use Mali's eVisa system, Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible. Do not rely on eVisa portals — you must go through a Malian embassy or consulate.
No Malian embassy in Vietnam
You'll need to apply through a Malian embassy in a neighboring country, such as Thailand, China, or France. Contact them well in advance to arrange your application, as you may need to mail your passport or travel to the embassy in person.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry into Mali. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your flight and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Malian embassy or consulate
Find the Malian diplomatic mission that covers your region. In Vietnam, there is no Malian embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the Malian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, China, or France) or via a visa service. Call or email them first to confirm requirements and appointment procedures.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, photos, completed form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make photocopies of everything. Double-check that your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy's policy, you may need to appear in person for biometrics or you can mail your documents. If applying by mail, use a traceable courier service. Include a prepaid return envelope.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Ask the embassy for the current timeline. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee.
5
Collect your visa and check the details
When you get your passport back, verify the visa sticker: your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
6
Prepare for arrival in Mali
At Bamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO), have your passport with the visa, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Keep copies of your documents in your carry-on.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Malian company and business registration documents.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity7 days from issue
Cost$40 (approx.)
For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed onward ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mali visa (single entry, up to 90 days)Fee varies by nationality and duration; payable at Malian embassy/consulate. | $100 (approx.) |
| Mali visa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Fee varies; check with issuing authority. | $150 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Bamako. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include departure tax. | Included in airfare |
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
Vietnamese citizens require a visa even for airside transit through Mali. A transit visa is available at Malian diplomatic missions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements.
Transit hubsModibo Keita 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 = 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. Mali does not offer visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel, from a Malian embassy or consulate.
No. Mali's eVisa system is not available to Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply through a Malian embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
Processing times vary by embassy. Typically it takes 5–10 business days, but it can take longer if documents need to be sent to Bamako for approval. Contact the embassy for the current timeline and consider applying at least a month in advance.
Visa fees are set by the embassy and vary based on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry) and processing speed. Expect to pay roughly $50–$150 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact fee.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Mali. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival, and you'll need to show the certificate at immigration and when applying for the visa.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international zone, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa. Check with the airline and the nearest Malian embassy to confirm.
No. The Malian visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you overstay, you may face fines or other penalties.
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.