n POPULATION (2017 EST.): 19,100,000 n CAPITAL: Bamako n MAIN CITIES: Segou, Sikasso n VISA: U.S. passport holders require a visa, costing $131. If visitors can’t show evidence of yellow fever immunization, they may be required to be re-immunized on the spot as a condition of entry into the country n HEALTH: Yellow fever certificate required. Precautions against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and malaria recommended. Also meningitis, depending on area visited and time of year n CURRENCY: CFA franc (XOF) n EXCHANGE RATE (APPROX.): XOF584 = $1
n TIPPING: 10 percent is acceptable in restaurants n TIME: GMT n ELECTRICITY: 215/240 volts. Adaptor required n DRIVING: On the right. International permit required n PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2020): Mar 26; Apr 17; May 25; Jun 5, 26; Sept 2, 22; Dec 1, 25. Includes a number of Muslim festivals, the dates of which are approximate n LANGUAGE: French n RELIGION: Mainly Sunni Muslim; traditional beliefs n COUNTRY DIAL CODE: +223
GETTING THERE
n MAJOR GATEWAY: Bamako (BKO) Domestic airports in Mopti (MZI) and Timbuktu (TOM) n TYPICAL FLYING TIME: From New York, 12.5h via Dakar
SAFETY & SECURITY Security risks continue to exist in Mali. It’s advised to check travel.state.gov before you travel
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER
n ESF Travel See International Members section for details
ALGERIA
MA URIT ANIA
MALI Lac Faguibine Timbuktu Lac Debo Mopti Segou Bamako GUINEA Sikasso BENIN CO TE D’IV OIRE 446 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2020 GHANA
