Africa · country-level file · Updated September 27, 2026

Mali Travel Risk Overview

By Travel Risk Calculator Editorial Team · Updated September 27, 2026 · Live data refreshed on cadence (advisory every 6 h · disasters every 30 min)

Official US advisory · Level 4

Do Not Travel

This decision takes precedence over the analytical baseline composite.

Is Mali safe right now? Checked 21 October 2026

Mali scores 75/100 on our travel risk index (Extreme). The US State Department rates Mali Level 4 (Do Not Travel, updated 8 Jun 2026); the UK FCDO advises against all travel to the whole country (updated 10 Jul 2026); Canada says: avoid all travel. No change in government advice in the last 7 days.

        
        Audio Safety Briefing (AI Voice)
      

    Text Size:

Mali has a Travel Risk Calculator score of 75 out of 100 (extreme risk tier); city-level files are available for 60 cities. The score combines five layers (security, crime and scams, health and medical access, natural hazards, current alerts) built from government advisories and open data. This page also covers nine safety categories (crime, disease & health, government advisory, political & civil unrest, natural disaster & weather, transport & route, environmental, digital security, money safety), the current US State Department advisory, GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices for Mali, recent news headlines, plus links to every city we have an editorial file for.

Run a personalized Mali assessment

AI safety snapshot · refreshed Oct 20, 2026

Mali currently maintains an extreme risk baseline composite score of 75 out of 100 and carries a Level 4 US State Department advisory. Travelers should also be aware of a Level 2 global polio health notice issued by the CDC.

AI-summarized strictly from the live public-source data below (US State Dept advisory, GDACS, CDC, Google News). Auto-refreshed at most once per day on the first visit. Not official advice.

Live conditions last refreshed: Oct 21, 2026 07:32 UTC

How safe is Mali to visit in 2026?

Mali is currently under a US State Department Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. That official decision takes precedence. The 75/100 extreme baseline composite remains visible only as analytical context and must not be read as permission to disregard the advisory. The full live US State Department advisory text for Mali, current GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices, and recent news headlines are shown in the Live conditions section below. For city-specific files (Bamako, San, Togou), see the City Risk Files section below — they include neighborhood-level scam patterns, transport notes, and medical-access details where available.

Baseline: 75/100 Tier: Extreme City files: 60

Data file

Source	Editorial regional baseline 2026-05-15 (GPI + State Dept advisory + WHO health/transport + INFORM disaster)
Last updated	2026-05-18 02:25:55
City files	60

Assessment memory

Anonymous assessments help Travel Risk Calculator identify which country and city files deserve deeper review.

Saved assessments	0
Average composite	No saved signal yet

Safety categories

Crime

Disease & Health

Government Advisory

Political / Civil Unrest

Natural Disaster & Weather

Transport & Route

Environmental

Digital Security

Money Safety

Official Government Travel Advisories

Cross-referenced official travel advice from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, normalized to a unified 1–4 risk scale.

🇺🇸 United States Lvl 4/4

Department of State

Level 4 · Do Not Travel

“Level 4: Do Not Travel”

Do not travelto Mali for any reason. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali. Crime Violent crime is common t…

Updated Jun 8, 2026 Official site →

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Lvl 4/4

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Level 4 · Do Not Travel

“FCDO advises against all travel to the whole country”

FCDO travel advice for Mali. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

Updated Jul 10, 2026 Official site →

🇨🇦 Canada Lvl 4/4

Global Affairs Canada

Level 4 · Do Not Travel

“Avoid all travel”

Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño

Updated Oct 9, 2026 Official site →

UK content contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Canadian advice provided by Global Affairs Canada under open government terms. US advice provided by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Entry Requirements & Local Laws

Official travel advice summary from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

🛂 Entry Requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mali’s current rules for the most common types of travel. The authorities in Mali set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malian Embassy in Europe, which covers the UK. Passport validity requirements To enter Mali, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Dual nationals Whe

Summary of UK FCDO advice, updated Jul 10, 2026 · Full requirements →

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Travel Advisory Level History

Historical official advisory level changes over time.

Scale: Level 1 (Normal) · Level 2 (Caution) · Level 3 (Reconsider) · Level 4 (Do Not Travel) Historical captured records

What Changed This Month in Mali

Chronological record of verified security, advisory, health, and hazard updates over the past 30 days.

Oct 21, 2026 GDACS Alert Green forest fire notification in Mali (green).
Oct 18, 2026 GDACS Alert Green forest fire notification in Senegal, Mali (green).
Oct 18, 2026 GDACS Alert Green forest fire notification in Senegal, Mali (green).
Sep 23, 2026 CDC Notice Level 2 - Global Polio (Alert).
Aug 25, 2026 CDC Notice Level 1 - Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa (Watch).

Kayes

pop 28,213

All towns in Mali (181 additional local facts pages)

These localities carry verified regional geography, nearest hospitals, airports, and natural hazard records with the country baseline risk score.

Kolondiéba Sikasso · pop 57,898 Pèlèngana Ségou · pop 56,259 Gao Gao · pop 49,483 Dyero Ségou · pop 47,876 Sangarébougou Koulikoro · pop 45,518 Mondoro Mopti · pop 42,631 Kona Mopti · pop 36,767 Zinzana Ségou · pop 36,440 Dinangorou Mopti · pop 35,886 Diabali Ségou · pop 35,266 Diakon Kayes · pop 34,100 Katiéna Ségou · pop 33,180 Ansongo Gao · pop 32,709 Lobougoula Sikasso · pop 32,505 Dioungani Mopti · pop 32,418 Niéna Sikasso · pop 32,265 Dialoubé Mopti · pop 31,483 Kléla Sikasso · pop 31,334 Konséguéla Sikasso · pop 31,007 Diéma Kayes · pop 30,592 Ouatagouna Gao · pop 30,519 Ségala Mba Kayes · pop 30,305 Falou Koulikoro · pop 30,239 Bankass Mopti · pop 30,159 Bourèm Guindou Gao · pop 30,000 Didiéni Koulikoro · pop 29,349 Bamba Gao · pop 28,524 Douentza Mopti · pop 28,005 Sirakorola Koulikoro · pop 27,859 Sitakili Kayes · pop 27,501

Live conditions in Mali

Country-scoped real-time data — official advisory from the US State Department, disaster alerts from GDACS, health notices from the CDC, news from Google News. For city-specific weather and air quality, open any city page below.

Official travel advisory

Level 4 · Do Not Travel

Mali - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Issued 2026-06-08

Read full advisory → · US Department of State

Track Mali’s advisory

Get one email if the US State Department travel-advisory level for Mali changes. No account, unsubscribe anytime.

Traveller notes from government advice

LGBT+ travellers

Homosexuality is illegal in Mali. In December 2024, Mali’s National Transitional Council promulgated a new Penal Code which criminalises the promotion or participation in consensual same-sex relationships. The legislation introduced penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and fines of up to 500,000 francs.

There is an increased risk of violence and threats, such as blackmail and intimidation, against anyone being thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or perceived to be supporting their rights. There have been arrests for ‘immoral behaviour’, and LGBT+ individuals have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

UK government advice

Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 10 Jul 2026. Full advice

Local laws and customs

Mali is a secular country, but the people are predominantly Muslim. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend religious beliefs, especially during Ramadan or in religious areas.

French is the official language in Mali and not many officials or healthcare workers speak English. You may have difficulty communicating if you cannot speak any French. Make sure you can use translation apps in case of an emergency.

Personal ID

As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. You could face difficulties with security checks if you do not have the original document on you.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in…

Read the full UK government advice

Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 10 Jul 2026. Full advice

Entry requirements

The authorities in Mali set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malian Embassy in Europe, which covers the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Mali, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Read the full UK government advice

Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.

Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 10 Jul 2026. Official entry requirements

Disaster alerts

Active Disaster Alerts

Green forest fire notification in Mali GREEN · country-wide · 2026-10-21

On 13/10/2026, a forest fire started in Mali, until 18/10/2026.

GDACS report →
Green forest fire notification in Senegal, Mali GREEN · country-wide · 2026-10-18

On 12/10/2026, a forest fire started in Senegal, Mali, until 18/10/2026.

GDACS report →
Green forest fire notification in Senegal, Mali GREEN · country-wide · 2026-10-18

On 11/10/2026, a forest fire started in Senegal, Mali, until 19/10/2026.

GDACS report →
Green forest fire notification in Mali GREEN · country-wide · 2026-10-17

On 12/10/2026, a forest fire started in Mali, until 19/10/2026.

GDACS report →

“~N km away” = event centroid within ~500 km of this location; “country-wide” = a national/regional alert that may not be near this specific city. Source: GDACS · fetched 2026-10-21 07:13:14 UTC

Health notices

Health Notices for this Destination

Level 2 - Global Polio ALERT · 2026-09-23

Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nig

CDC notice →
Level 1 - Diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa WATCH · 2026-08-25

There are outbreaks of diphtheria in several countries in Africa. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against the disease. Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Soma

CDC notice →
Level 1 - Global Measles WATCH · 2025-05-28

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghan

CDC notice →

Source: CDC Travelers’ Health · fetched 2026-10-21 07:32:35 UTC

Recent headlines

No recent national headlines were returned for Mali. This is not evidence that conditions are quiet; check local and official sources.

Automated safety monitor

Recent safety-relevant news for Mali

Headlines are an early-warning monitor, not risk assessments. Verify material developments with official authorities and the linked publisher.

General Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso resume dialogue with ECOWAS regional bloc - France 24 www.france24.com · Oct 20, 2026 11:02 UTC · via Googlenews
General Human Rights Watch Accuses Mali’s Army and Rebels of Human Rights Violations - https://globalpost.com/ globalpost.com · Oct 20, 2026 07:44 UTC · via Googlenews
General US places 11 African countries on highest Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory list amid rising security threats - Business Insider Africa africa.businessinsider.com · Oct 19, 2026 15:24 UTC · via Googlenews
General On Our Radar - International Crisis Group www.crisisgroup.org · Oct 17, 2026 07:01 UTC · via Googlenews
General Mboro - sur - Mer : 53 candidats à l émigration irrégulière secourus après une panne de moteur leral.net · Oct 15, 2026 21:15 UTC · via GDELT
General Sécurité , démocratie et tensions politiques : Lanalyse sans concession du Timbuktu Institute sur le Sahel et lAfrique de lOuest pressafrik.com · Oct 15, 2026 19:45 UTC · via GDELT
General Mali , Niger , Burkina Faso : lAlliance des États du Sahel face à l épreuve de la sécurité et de lintégration régionale pressafrik.com · Oct 15, 2026 19:45 UTC · via GDELT
General Moyiré is rebuilding her life far from home - www.nrc.no www.nrc.no · Oct 15, 2026 17:59 UTC · via Googlenews

This country currently has a Level 4 US advisory. Compare the high-risk-country watchlist →

See the global travel safety news monitor →

1991–2020 climate normals

Seasonal risk & best time to visit Mali

The most weather-stable two-month window for Mali is December–January, when typical daily temperatures run from about 18°C to 33°C and monthly rain averages 0 mm.

Seasonal planning flags include extreme heat in February–June; heavy rain season in July–August; monsoon in July–August. These are climate patterns, not forecasts.

Jan 18°–33° 1 mm

Feb 21°–35° 1 mm extreme heat

Mar 23°–38° 1 mm extreme heat

Apr 25°–39° 5 mm extreme heat

May 27°–38° 17 mm extreme heat

Jun 25°–35° 87 mm extreme heat

Jul 23°–29° 261 mm heavy rain season

Aug 23°–28° 276 mm heavy rain season

Sep 23°–30° 172 mm

Oct 23°–33° 34 mm

Nov 20°–34° 1 mm

Dec 18°–32° 0 mm

Climate normals are planning context, not a short-range forecast. Source: Open-Meteo Climate API. Refreshed Aug 14, 2026.

Calculate risk for these travel dates Compare seasonal windows →

Emergency Numbers

Police	17
Ambulance	15
Fire	18
General emergency	112

Backfilled from the public international emergency-number registry. The GSM standard 112 (and 911 in the Americas) is redirected to local emergency services on mobile networks in most countries. Verify locally on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mali safe to visit right now?

Follow the current official advisory. The baseline composite is analytical context and does not weaken that decision. Composite baseline: 75/100 (Extreme risk). Always cross-check with your home country's foreign-ministry advisory within 7 days of departure; the live US State Department advisory is shown above. Last refreshed October 2026.

What is the current travel advisory for Mali?

The current US State Department advisory level for Mali is shown in the Live conditions section above and is re-fetched every 6 hours from the official RSS feed. UK FCDO, Canada GAC, and Australia DFAT also publish advisories — for high-stakes trips, cross-check at least one foreign-ministry advisory in addition to your home country's. See our travel advisory guide for how to read each tier system.

Is it safe to visit Mali in October 2026?

For October 2026, the baseline composite for Mali is 75/100 (Extreme risk). Live data — advisories every 6 hours, disaster alerts every 30 minutes, health notices every 12 hours, news every hour — is shown in the Live conditions section above. For a personalized risk briefing for your specific trip and traveler profile, use the Travel Risk Calculator linked above.

How are these country-level travel risk scores calculated?

Each category is scored 0-100 from government advisories (US State Dept), crime indices, Global Peace Index data, WHO/CDC health context, and curated regional editorial knowledge. The composite is a weighted sum across nine categories — see /methodology for the full weight breakdown. Live data (advisories, news, disaster alerts, health notices) is layered on top of the baseline at request time.

Where can I find city-specific safety information for Mali?

City-specific files for Mali are listed in the City Risk Files section above. Each city page covers the same nine categories at city scope, plus city-specific scam patterns, transport-hub safety notes, medical-access detail, and (where available) neighborhood-level guidance. Use the header search to find a specific city directly.

When was this page last reviewed?

The baseline scores for Mali were last reviewed on May 18, 2026. Live intelligence (advisory, disaster alerts, health notices, news) refreshes automatically on the cadences described above.

Is this a substitute for an official travel advisory?

No. Travel Risk Calculator provides estimated risk information for planning purposes only. Always check your home country's official travel advisory and any health notices from your national health authority before traveling.

When is the best time to visit Mali?

December–January is the most weather-stable two-month window in the stored 1991-2020 normals. The most weather-stable two-month window for Mali is December–January, when typical daily temperatures run from about 18°C to 33°C and monthly rain averages 0 mm.

What is the rainy, hurricane, or severe-weather season in Mali?

extreme heat: February–June; heavy rain season: July–August; monsoon: July–August.

Community Safety Sentiment

Have you visited Mali recently? What was your safety experience?

Vote to share your experience with travelers.