Multiple governments urge visitors not to travel to northern Mali, including the border areas with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger. Foreigners are also advised to avoid Timbuktu, Essakane, Gao, Kidal, Tessalit, Lere, Goundam and Menaka and not to go north of the Lere / Ansongo line along the Niger River.
The threat of kidnapping and terrorism, particularly in the north of the country, from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is an ever-present risk. AQIM has openly declared its intention to kidnap foreign nationals within Mali and there have been several bomb attacks against embassies and Malian security forces attributed to the group. While Mali is politically stable, 2012 will see a referendum on constitutional reform and a presidential contest, which could increase domestic politics tensions.
Manmade risks: As one of the poorest countries in the world, economically motivated street crimes, such as pick pocketing and theft, is a considerable threat. Travelers are advised to avoid challenging petty criminals as the threat of violence escalates when challenged. Occasional violent crimes such as muggings and physical assaults with the use of guns or knives occur in the capital, Bamako, especially at night and against lone individuals. Banditry and carjacking, while not specifically targeting foreigners, have been an ongoing problem in rural areas and along highways. Driving conditions and roadways are particularly dangerous with poorly maintained roads, excessive speeding, limited streetlights, livestock commonly on the roads, and badly maintained vehicles. The threat of terrorism in Mali is high. Kidnapping, murder, and bomb attacks against domestic and foreign individuals and embassies occur. Particularly, members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are known to be operating in the northern provinces of Kidal, Gao, Koulikoro, Segou, Tombouctou, Mopti and the border regions along Mauritania. They have openly declared their intention to target foreign nationals. Terrorist incidents involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have also struck the capital and Malian security forces. While the release of militants in exchange for foreign hostages has raised tensions with neighboring countries, recent cross-border joint military operations with Algerian and Mauritanian troops against AQIM in the county’s north appear to demonstrate a more robust commitment towards combating terrorism. Despite the considerable economic and regional challenges, Mali has a relatively stable political system that is considered one of the most stable in Africa.
Natural Hazards Mali has very few natural hazards besides the occasional flooding along the Niger River.
Vaccine Requirements/Recommendations:
Required: Yellow Fever for all travelers arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Meningococcus (especially during the dry season, November through June)
Polio (One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) (Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given)
Tetanus-diphtheria (Revaccination recommended every 10 years)
Lookout!
Safety issues that are common in parts of the country
