Travel Advice for Mali - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
/Advice/Mali?20020904MLThursday, 26 April 2012, 12:32:13, +1000
2012 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeWhile every care has been taken in preparing this travel
information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its
agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff
abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in
respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels
| Mali overall | Do not travel |
It contains new information under Safety and security: Terrorism (Swiss national kidnapped in Timbuktu on 15 April was released on 24 April). Australians in Mali advised to leave by commercial means, if it is safe to do so. The overall level of the advice has not been changed.
It contains new information under Safety and security: Terrorism (Swiss national kidnapped in Timbuktu on 15 April was released on 24 April). Australians in Mali advised to leave by commercial means, if it is safe to do so. The overall level of the advice has not been changed.
Summary
We strongly advise you not to travel to any part of Mali because of political instability following a military coup, ongoing military operations against rebel groups in the north, the activities of armed groups, including terrorists and bandits, and the threat of kidnapping. Australians in Mali are advised to leave by commercial means, if it is safe to do so.
On 21 March 2012, elements of the Malian military staged a coup. The political and security situation is unpredictable and could change with little warning. There were reports of gunfire and looting in Bamako. If you decide to remain in Mali you are advised to remain off the streets where possible, and avoid any protests and demonstrations.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and coup leaders reached an agreement for the coup leaders to hand power over to a transitional administration which would work towards elections in Mali. An interim president was sworn in on 12 April.
Senou International Airport in Bamako resumed operations on 27 March 2012. Flight schedules may be subject to change with little warning. You should check with your airline on flight and seat availability before travelling to the airport.
Since the coup rebels have taken control of the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu. We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal and Mopti, and the provinces of Koulikoro (north of the town of Mourdiah), Segou (north of the town of Niono) and Kayes (east of the town of Nioro), because of the risk of fighting between rebel groups and the Malian military, banditry, kidnapping and the activities of armed extremist groups.
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. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times when travelling in Mali and avoid travel in remote areas.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Mali. The Canadian Embassy in the Malian capital, Bamako, provides consular assistance to Australians in Mali (except the issue of passports). The Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana can also assist Australians in Mali.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mali for the most up to date information.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Mali and on exit from the country.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Civil unrest/Political tension
We strongly advise you not to travel to any part of Mali at this time because of political instability resulting in a unpredictable security situation. Australians in Mali are advised to leave, by commercial means, if it is safe to do so.
On 21 March 2012, elements of the Malian military staged a coup. The political and security situation is unpredictable and could change with little warning. There were reports of gunfire and looting in Bamako.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and coup leaders reached an agreement for the coup leaders to hand power over to a transitional administration which would work towards elections in Mali. An interim president was sworn in on 12 April.
If you decide to remain in Mali you are advised to remain off the streets where possible, and avoid any protests and demonstrations. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should leave if it is safe to do so, otherwise remain indoors and away from the windows. The security situation may change rapidly, roads may be blocked and flights into and out of Bamako could be disrupted. Mali’s land borders with Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal, which were closed under sanctions by ECOWAS, have been reopened.
Senou International Airport in Bamako resumed operations on 27 March 2012. Flight schedules may be subject to change with little warning. You should check with your airline on flight and seat availability before travelling to the airport.
Australians should monitor the media for updated information.
In early February 2012 there were a number of violent protests in Bamako. The protests involved widespread looting and damage to property.
We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal and Mopti, and the provinces of Koulikoro (north of the town of Mourdiah), Segou (north of the town of Niono), and Kayes (east of the town of Nioro), because of the activities of armed terrorist and rebel groups, the risk of kidnapping and banditry.
Since January 2012, there has been an increase in attacks across northern Mali. There have been several clashes between Tuareg rebel groups, other armed groups and the Malian army across northern Mali. These have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, and in Malian soldiers being taken hostage by rebels. Civilians have also been affected. Following the coup rebels have taken control of the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu.
Bandits are active in remote areas of Mali and have been responsible for a number of carjackings.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
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.
We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal, and Mopti and the provinces of Koulikoro (north of the town of Mourdiah), Segou (north of the town of Niono), and Kayes (east of the town of Nioro, because of the activities of armed terrorist and rebel groups, the risk of kidnapping, and banditry. Since 1 April, rebels control the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu.
A Swiss national was kidnapped in Timbuktu on the 15 April, before being released on 24 April 2012. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Money and valuables
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 the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Mali. 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.
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.
Local travel
Public transport is limited and unreliable.
Landmines have been used in the north and north east of Mali.
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. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Laws
When you are in Mali, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Following the military coup in March 2012, it is unclear what local laws are being enforced.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the
Consular Services Charter.
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 Mali 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.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
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.
Information for dual nationals
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.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, 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, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in the capital Bamako are very limited and even more basic in rural areas. Up-front payment is usually required before commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could exceed $A100,000.
Malaria is common in West African countries, including Mali. Other mosquito-borne diseases (including yellow fever and dengue fever) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, hepatitis, meningitis, polio and, tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For more information see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Mali. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Mali. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. The Canadian Embassy has resumed operations. The address is:
Canadian Embassy, Bamako
Immeuble Semega
Route de Koulikoro
Bamako, Mali
Telephone: (+223) 20 212 236
Facsimile: (+223) 20 214 362
Email: bmakog@international.gc.ca
You can also obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian High Commission which is in Accra, Ghana:
Australian High Commission, Accra
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana
Telephone: (+233) 302 216 400
Facsimile: (+233) 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
If you are travelling to Mali, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above Embassy or High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
The rainy season is June to September when flooding may occur. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
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 parents
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 overseas 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.