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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Mali...
Terrorism
We strongly advise you not to travel north of Timbuktu and to the border areas with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger, because of the risk of banditry and the activities of armed extremist groups. The Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC), a terrorist group responsible for the kidnapping of foreign hostages in Algeria in 2003, is active throughout this region and poses a significant security threat. Banditry is also a major problem in the area.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the border region with the Cte d'Ivoire due to violent ethnic tension, banditry, and the uncertain security situation in Cte d'Ivoire.
Crime
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.
Local Travel
Public transport is limited and unreliable.
Driving in Mali can be dangerous, especially at night, as most roads are in poor condition or non-existent and vehicle maintenance is poor. Driving conditions deteriorate in the rainy season (June September) as roads become impassable. We recommend that you travel to Timbuktu by plane or boat in preference to driving.
Natural Disasters
The rainy season is June to September when flooding may occur. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Serious offences, including murder, sedition and spying, carry the death penalty.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include heavy fines and lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
It is illegal to photograph around military zones, military assets and/or military personnel, transportation facilities and government buildings.
Homosexual activity is not explicitly illegal in Mail but may be considered 'contrary to accepted standards of behaviour', which is a criminal offence subject to a prison term of up to two years.
Written authorisation from the National Museum in Bamako is required for the purchase and/or removal of archaeological objects from Mali.
Mali is a very conservative Muslim society and you should dress and behave so as not to offend.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Travellers should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mali well in advance of travel.
A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is required for entry into Mali and on exit from the country.
Health Issues
Medical facilities are limited in Mali, especially outside the capital Bamako.
Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Mali. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophylaxis against malaria and using an insect repellent. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis, bilharzia, tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and uncooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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