For urgent consular assistance call
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
12 January 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
All our 177 travel advisories on Smartraveller are set at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Do you or someone you know need help?
For urgent consular assistance call
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
We haven’t changed our level of advice:
Do not travel to Mali due to the national state of emergency, and the high risk of terrorism and kidnapping. This includes the capital, Bamako.
Call 18.
Call 15 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 17 or:
2023 9511
8000 1114
8000 1115
2022 1335
2023 9515
Or visit the nearest police station.
We haven’t changed our level of advice:
Do not travel to Mali due to the national state of emergency, and the high risk of terrorism and kidnapping. This includes the capital, Bamako.
Do not travel to Mali.
Do not travel to Mali overall due to the national state of emergency and the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
Do not travel to:
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorists are highly likely to carry out attacks in Mali including in the capital, Bamako.
The security situation in northern Mali, Bamako and areas bordering Mauritania is dangerous and volatile.
Several attacks in southern and central Mali show the security environment in the south is getting worse.
Attacks can be random and occur in places foreigners visit, such as
To protect yourself from terrorism, stay alert and avoid all large gatherings, including festivals, large sporting events and any public demonstrations or protests. Follow the advice of local authorities.
If an attack occurs, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
On 31 December 2020, the US Government issued an alert reminding of the heightened risk of attacks during the holiday season. Pay attention to your personal safety.
Recent terrorist incidents include:
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
Have an exit plan ready if you must go to a place that is a possible target.
If there's an attack near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Avoid the area after an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping by groups such as Al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM) and other regional Islamist groups is a very high risk across Mali.
Several active terrorist groups have the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners. Criminal gangs kidnap people to receive financial rewards from terrorist groups.
Possible targets include:
Several foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in Mali.
Recent kidnappings include:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
On 19 August 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation following a military coup and months of large-scale political protests. An interim President and Prime Minister have been appointed and will lead a transition to elected government over the next 18 months. The situation is currently calm though unpredictable.
Avoid protests, marches, riots or barricades as these can escalate quickly into violence.
Expect a strong security presence, including:
French and UN forces have been in Mali since 2013.
Despite a peace agreement between the Malian Government and rebels, clashes with rebels and terrorist attacks still happen in northern regions. The recent Military coup has created further destabilisation.
If you travel to Mali, despite our advice, be aware that:
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Demonstrations happen often in Bamako. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
The political and security situation could get worse suddenly.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
If you do get caught up in a protest, stay indoors and away from the windows. Leave the area as soon as it's safe.
More information:
Armed robbery, kidnapping and carjackings occur, particularly in the northern regions. 4WD vehicles are common targets.
Bandits are active in remote areas.
Pickpocketing and theft is common in urban areas.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali:
Internet fraud is common and often starts in West African countries. People have lost money to internet scams.
Internet scams may present to you as romances, friendships, or business and employment opportunities. These scams usually start via internet dating sites or chat rooms.
Victims have also travelled to Mali or other West African countries to meet a friend or someone they intend to marry that they have met online, or to get back money. They've been at risk of kidnapping, assault and robbery. Some victims have been killed.
Criminals might:
To protect yourself from scams:
If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice.
Don't travel to Mali to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.
Flooding can occur during the rainy season from June to September.
Severe weather can affect your travel. Monitor local media for up-to-date information.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Mali and you're visiting an area affected by severe weather:
In the event of flooding and severe weather, follow the advice of local authorities.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Mali.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mali. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Mali.
Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow local authorities' advice.
If you are symptomatic in Mali call 36061 to self-report.
Yellow fever (Department of Health) is widespread in Mali. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria, dengue (World Health Organization) and other insect-borne diseases also occur.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
The HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection rate is high.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.
Lassa fever (World Health Organization) may be a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks can occur. If there is a serious outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities in Bamako are limited. Facilities in rural areas are even more basic.
Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.
Medical expertise is lacking. Burns and mortuary facilities are limited.
Most medical staff only speak basic English.
You'll need to pay up-front for medical services.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. You could receive a heavy fine or a long jail sentence.
More information:
The death penalty applies for serious offences, including:
It's illegal to photograph:
Same-sex sexual activity isn't explicitly illegal in Mali. However, it may be 'contrary to accepted standards of behaviour', which is illegal.
More information:
You'll need permission from the National Museum in Bamako to buy or remove archaeological objects from Mali.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Mali recognises dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular service we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
If you're a dual national, you may be need to perform civil or military service in Mali. Check with the nearest embassy of Mali before you travel.
More information:
Conservative standards of dress and behaviour apply in Mali.
Avoid revealing clothing and inappropriate displays of public affection. Take care not to offend.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.
Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.
If you decide to travel to Mali despite our advice, you'll need to get a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy of Mali for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Mali’s regional borders remain closed until further notice. This may limit commercial flights into Mali. Contact your travel provider for details.
Expect additional border closures, travel bans and other restrictions. Check with the nearest Malian embassy for details.
If you're permitted to enter Mali you'll either need to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate or be tested upon arrival at the airport. While waiting for the test results, you will either have to isolate at home or in a hotel.
Curfews and movement restrictions can be implemented at short notice. Check with local authorities for any restrictions.
Avoid public transport to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Arrange registered taxis and limousines through your hotel.
You may not be able to access offices, schools, universities, entertainment and sporting facilities or participate in social events and religious services.
If you’re in Mali:
The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Mali.
Travel via France
If you plan to transit through France back to Australia, you must carry a government certificate. Also take hard copies of your plane tickets with you. Australian passport holders transiting Charles de Gaulle airport may not leave the international transit zone.
Contact your closest Australian Embassy or High Commission with your flight details. They can provide them to the Australian Embassy in Paris which will give advance notice of your transit to the French border police.
More information:
You'll need to carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mali. You may be asked to show it at the airport when you leave.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Mali.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).
More information:
Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF) (World Health Organization)
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
Declare all amounts over XOF25,000 (or equivalent) on arrival.
Exchange traveller's cheques at major banks.
ATM facilities are limited.
Some major hotels in Bamako accept credit cards.
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside Bamako. Make sure you have enough cash to meet your needs.
Landmines and improvised explosive devices are found in the north and north-east of Mali.
To drive in Mali, you need both:
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Crime and poor conditions make road travel dangerous, particularly at night. Exercise extreme caution.
Driving conditions get worse in the rainy season from June to September.
To reduce your risks, get professional security advice before you leave.
Only travel by road if you have proper security measures in place.
Always wear a helmet when travelling by motorcycle.
More information:
Avoid taxis where possible due to poor driving and security threats. If you must travel by taxi, use registered taxis. It's best to arrange them through your hotel.
Public transport is dangerous due to security threats. Avoid public transport.
Flight schedules can change and flights can be cancelled with little warning.
At Senou International Airport in Bamako, authorities may search your vehicle at a checkpoint. Make sure everyone in the vehicle has identification with them.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Mali's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 18.
Call 15 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 17 or:
Or visit the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Mali.
The Canadian Embassy in Bamako gives consular assistance to Australians in Mali. This includes issuing provisional travel documents.
If the security situation in Mali deteriorates, the level of consular assistance the Canadian Embassy can give to Australians may be limited.
Koulikoro Street
Séméga Building
District II
Bamako, Mali
Phone: (+223 44) 98 04 50
Fax: (+223 44) 98 04 55
Email: bmakog@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/mali
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
You can also get consular assistance from the nearest Australian high commission, in Accra, Ghana.
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216 400
Fax: +233 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @AusAmbGHA
The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana. This will likely be reduced further as COVID-19 develops.
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.