Mali visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Mali depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: citizens of some countries are exempt, while most other travellers must obtain a visa before arrival. Visas are issued by Malian diplomatic and consular missions under the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et de la Coopération Internationale, while entry control, residence permits and naturalisation involve the Police Nationale (Ministry of Security and Civil Protection) and Malian law. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality with an official Malian mission before you travel, as requirements can change.
Malian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Mali — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Mali to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Mali — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Mali.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Mali as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Mali long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Malian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Mali — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et de la Coopération Internationale (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Time zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
