Africa
Is Mali safe?
L4Do not travel
Is Mali safe?
The UK advises against all travel to Mali. JNIM militants blockade key routes and operate in Bamako's surroundings; kidnapping of foreigners is a serious, ongoing threat.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-06-07.
- Road deaths: 22.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
- Solo women: Conservative outside Bamako. Kidnap risk makes solo travel inadvisable for anyone.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Kidnapping by JNIM and ISGS
- Fuel and supply blockades on roads into Bamako
- Military coups and sudden curfews
- Airstrikes and drone attacks in the north and centre
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing soldiers, checkpoints or official buildings leads to detention.
- A 2024 law criminalises same-sex relations.
- Criticising the government publicly can result in arrest.
Quick answers
Is Mali safe for tourists?
The UK advises against all travel to Mali. JNIM militants blockade key routes and operate in Bamako's surroundings; kidnapping of foreigners is a serious, ongoing threat.
Is Mali safe for solo female travelers?
Conservative outside Bamako. Kidnap risk makes solo travel inadvisable for anyone.
What is the emergency number in Mali?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Mali
- World Bank open data
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