Mali entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Mali. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
Apply for Mali eVisaOfficial portal: Mali eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Mali Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travel. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your departure. You will need a letter of invitation or hotel booking, a passport photo, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mali. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bamako-Sénou International Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Overland border crossings also check this. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (euros or CFA francs) or a bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but 100,000 CFA (~$170) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Tanzanians
You must get a visa before flying. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid visa. Double-check with the Malian embassy in your region.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Malian embassy
Contact the Malian embassy in Tanzania (or the nearest one, e.g., in Nairobi or Addis Ababa) to submit your visa application. You'll need your passport, photos, flight itinerary, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Check the embassy's website for the latest fee and form.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll show them at passport control in Bamako Modibo Keita International Airport.
3
Arrive at Bamako airport and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, visa, and supporting documents. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're in.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Apply at Malian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Mali. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) plus proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized Malian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Commerçant)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$50,000 USD in Mali. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Obtain from Malian embassy before travel. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per 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
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Mali, even if staying airside. Apply at Malian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsBamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mali; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Mali, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits.
Bamako
Ambassade du Mali (for visa applications)
Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa applications if not obtained in advance.
Practical information for TZ 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
No. Tanzania is not eligible for visa on arrival. You must get a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy. Expect around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes. Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked at immigration.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Bamako before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.
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.