Mali

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Mali because of the activities of armed terrorist groups, the threat of kidnapping and the risk of banditry.

There is an ongoing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners in the north and west regions of Africa, including Mali and the remote and desert areas of Mauritania, southern Algeria and Niger. Al Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a terrorist group responsible for the kidnapping of foreigners, is active in northern Mali and poses a significant security threat and risk for travellers. Foreigners, Western oil interests and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) may be possible targets.

On 24 November 2011, two French nationals were kidnapped from the town of Hombori in Mopti province. On 25 November 2011, one western tourist was killed and three others kidnapped in an attack on a restaurant in central Timbuktu. As a result of these kidnappings, local authorities evacuated tourists from the city of Timbuktu on 25 November 2011.

We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal, Koulikoro (north of the town of Mourdiah), Segou (north of the town of Niono), Mopti and to border areas with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger, because of the activities of armed terrorist and rebel groups, and the risk of banditry, carjacking and kidnapping. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution along the border with Burkina Faso due to the threat of kidnapping.

There are ongoing military operations in the north of Mali.

On 5 January 2011, the French embassy in Bamako was attacked by an individual using explosives and a handgun. No one was killed in the attack. Also in January 2011, two French nationals were kidnapped and killed in Niamey, Niger, near the border with Mali.

Cultural festivals held in north and west African are attractive places for terrorists and criminals to identify and target tourists for kidnapping. A number of Westerners were kidnapped in Mali in 2009, including from major cultural festivals in northern Mali. At least one kidnap victim was executed. Westerners almost certainly will continue to be the primary targets of further kidnapping attempts in Mali, and these festivals bring Westerners to predictable locations along unsecured routes. We strongly advise Australians not to attend major festivals such as the Tuareg ‘Festival in the Desert’ and the ‘Sahara Nights’ festival in northern Mali and the Tamadach Festival in eastern Mali. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

In planning your activities, you should be aware that terrorist targets could include places frequented by foreigners and identified with Western interests, including embassies and international schools. We advise you to avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas.

We advise Australians to take increased security precautions when in their homes or cars and watch for any suspicious or unusual activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

There have been several clashes between Tuareg rebel groups and the Malian army in the Kidal region, near the borders with Niger and Algeria. These have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, and in Malian soldiers being taken hostage by rebels. Civilians have also been affected.

Bandits are active in remote areas of Mali, especially along the border with Mauritania, and have been responsible for a number of carjackings. We advise you not to travel to areas bordering Mauritania.

The security situation near the border with Cote d’Ivoire is uncertain.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft are common in urban areas of Mali. Thieves target large public gatherings and are also active on trains, particularly at night.

In the north of the country, armed banditry, kidnapping and carjacking occur. Four-wheel drive vehicles are particularly targeted. Where possible, we recommend you travel by plane or boat if you must travel to this region.

Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in West African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from West African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Mali, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in Mali. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels in the capital city, Bamako. They are rarely accepted outside of Bamako. Travellers' cheques may be exchanged at banks. There are limited ATM facilities in Mali and it is recommended that you check details with your card provider before arrival in the country.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Mali. Women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs, and a headscarf. You should take care not to offend.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.

While the Government of Mali recognises dual nationality, officials may place restrictions on the ability of Australian officials to provide consular assistance to Australian/Malian dual nationals if they are detained or arrested. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Australian/Malian dual nationals may be liable for civil/military obligations. Before travel, dual nationals should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mali.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

The rainy season is June to September when flooding may occur. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Mali we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.