Mali travel advice

There is a high threat from terrorism in Mali. Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in the region and further kidnap attacks are likely. A group of European tourists were kidnapped in the area of the Mali-Niger border near Menaka on 22 January 2009 and a British national, who was part of this group, was later murdered. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Travellers are advised against all travel to the provinces of Mali north of the River Niger from Mopti. This includes the provinces of Kidal, Gao, Koulikoro (north of Mourdiah), Segou (north of Niono), Tombouctou (including the city of Tombouctou (Timbuktu)), areas bordering Mauritania east of Nioro in the Kayes province, and the north of Moptio province (north of the town of Douentza).

There have been reports of kidnap threats against westerners attending festivals in Mali.

There have been incidents of armed banditry, carjacking and kidnap in northern Mali. Extremist Algerian groups in the northern region present potential risks for travellers. On 3 January 2008, four Italian nationals were robbed at gunpoint in Araouane, north of Timbuktu. Bandits and smugglers are particularly active across the Mali-Algeria, Mali-Guinea and Mali-Niger borders and constitute a real risk to travellers, especially after dark.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel