What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Mali, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to the whole country
No numbered levels
Updated 10 July 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:Updated information about recent terrorist attacks in Mali (‘Safety and security’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Mali” of the UK government's travel advice for Mali, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Emergency response capacity is very limited. If no help is available, take local advice and arrange your own transport locally.
Police: 17
Ambulance: 15
Fire: 18
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Mali, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Mali is a secular country, but the people are predominantly Muslim. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend religious beliefs, especially during Ramadan or in religious areas.
French is the official language in Mali and not many officials or healthcare workers speak English. You may have difficulty communicating if you cannot speak any French. Make sure you can use translation apps in case of an emergency.
Personal ID
As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. You could face difficulties with security checks if you do not have the original document on you.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
play loud music or dance
swear in public
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
check opening hours of shops and restaurants
be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
be patient and show tolerance
Using cameras
Do not take pictures of military or government installations. Always ask permission before taking photographs that include local people.
Commercial disputes
If you’re involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute in Mali, the Malian authorities may detain you, prosecute you or prevent you from leaving Mali until the matter is resolved.
LGBT+ travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in Mali. In December 2024, Mali’s National Transitional Council promulgated a new Penal Code which criminalises the promotion or participation in consensual same-sex relationships. The legislation introduced penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and fines of up to 500,000 francs.
There is an increased risk of violence and threats, such as blackmail and intimidation, against anyone being thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or perceived to be supporting their rights. There have been arrests for ‘immoral behaviour’, and LGBT+ individuals have experienced physical, psychological, and sexual violence.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Mali, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Pharmacies are easily identifiable throughout Bamako. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Mali, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The rainy season in Mali is from June to October. Heavy rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesCE
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
22 °C (72 °F)
Lows
14 °C (58 °F)
Highs
30 °C (85 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
February
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
17 °C (63 °F)
Highs
33 °C (91 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
March
Average
29 °C (84 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
37 °C (98 °F)
Rain
1 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
April
Average
32 °C (89 °F)
Lows
24 °C (76 °F)
Highs
40 °C (103 °F)
Rain
5 mm (0.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
May
Average
34 °C (93 °F)
Lows
27 °C (80 °F)
Highs
41 °C (106 °F)
Rain
15 mm (0.6 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
June
Average
34 °C (94 °F)
Lows
28 °C (82 °F)
Highs
41 °C (105 °F)
Rain
37 mm (1.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
July
Average
33 °C (91 °F)
Lows
27 °C (80 °F)
Highs
39 °C (101 °F)
Rain
80 mm (3.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
August
Average
31 °C (88 °F)
Lows
25 °C (78 °F)
Highs
37 °C (98 °F)
Rain
110 mm (4.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
September
Average
31 °C (89 °F)
Lows
25 °C (78 °F)
Highs
38 °C (100 °F)
Rain
61 mm (2.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
October
Average
30 °C (87 °F)
Lows
24 °C (74 °F)
Highs
37 °C (99 °F)
Rain
18 mm (0.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
November
Average
27 °C (80 °F)
Lows
19 °C (67 °F)
Highs
34 °C (94 °F)
Rain
1 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
December
Average
23 °C (73 °F)
Lows
15 °C (60 °F)
Highs
30 °C (87 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Mali.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.