Mali entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bamako–Sénou International Airport. No advance application needed — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. This policy has been in place since at least 2025.
Apply for Mali eVisaOfficial portal: Mali eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Mali. Airlines check this at check-in. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Bamako–Sénou International Airport | You can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Bamako. Have two passport-sized photos and cash (EUR or USD) ready — the fee varies by nationality, typically around 50–100 EUR. The queue can be slow, so budget 30–45 minutes after landing.Check MFA website | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel | Mali immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may request a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Book a refundable hotel if you don't have a fixed address yet. Keep a printed copy of the confirmation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — cash, bank statement, or credit card. Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about 300 EUR) available per week of your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Bamako. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring Euros or CFA francs — US dollars may not be accepted.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Carry your yellow card with your passport — it's checked at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bamako Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (show on phone), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros or CFA).
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry stamping.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55,000 XOF (~$91 USD)
Apply at Malian embassy in Nairobi or neighboring countries. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months
Cost100,000 XOF (~$166 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost200,000 XOF (~$332 USD)
Requires local sponsor and proof of sufficient funds. Apply at Malian embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Work
1 year, renewable
~150,000 XOF (~$250 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer in Mali. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~$83 USD) per year
For students enrolled at a recognized Malian institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$830 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of 10 million XOF (~$16,600 USD) in a Malian business. Requires business plan and approval from investment agency. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Kenya passport holders for stays up to 90 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; travellers should avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mali
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through Mali (e.g., Bamako Modibo Keita International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsBamako Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) · Mopti Ambodedjo Airport (MZI) · Gao International Airport (GAQ)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Kenya) or if transiting through an endemic area. Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mali, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended and practice food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bamako
Direction Nationale de la Police des Frontières (Immigration)
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bamako
Agence Nationale de la Sécurité (ANS) – Visa Section
Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles long-stay visa applications and renewals. Appointment recommended.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBamako
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with grounding hole)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically 30,000–50,000 XOF (about €45–€75). Pay in cash — Euros or CFA francs are accepted. Cards are not.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may check it.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Mali.
This information applies to Bamako–Sénou International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Malian embassy if entering by road.
No, Mali does not offer an e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival at the airport.
Your passport, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Have cash ready for the fee.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.