Expat guide to Mali
 

Mali

Mali

Famous for the iconic Timbuktu, Mali has played host to historical African empires, whose deep cultural inflections are still resonant today. It also gave the country a marvelous skyline, dramatic landscapes the celebrated its rich history. Despite being plagued rebel situation, Mali’s deep-rooted tradition and customs still shine through, endearing tourists and expats. If you’re taking a trip out to Mali, take a look at some useful information we’ve collected.


Mali

Expat Clubs


There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Mali and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.

International Schools 


American International School of Bamako

The American International School of Bamako is a small international school with a very strong sense of community, educating students aged 2 - 18 years old. Students in the high school have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The language of instruction is English and all students also learn French.



Curriculum: American

Address: U.S. Embassy, B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali

Tel: +223 2022 0348, +223 2022 4738

Mobile: +223 7096 09 86, +223 7292 71 05

Fax: +223 2022 08 53

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.aisbmali.org

Local News in English


All Africa Mali

AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic.

Website: allafrica.com/mali/

Country Information 


Location: Africa

Capital City: Bamako

Other Important Cities: Djenne, Mopti, Ségou Timbuktu

Currency: CFA franc

Language: French

Calling Code: +223

Internet TLD: .ml

Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz.

 

Country Information

en.wikipedia.org

Embassy Information


embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/mali

Residents Visa and Work Permit information


Nationals from these countries may enter Mali visa free: Algeria, Benin, Burkina, Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau. Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia.



Citizens of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka must obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate. The rest, may obtain a visa upon arrival. There are two kinds of visas: tourist visas, strictly for leisure, and business visa which allows the expat to participate in business meetings, trade shows and exhibitions.



Documents required:
  • A valid passport, minimum 6 months
  • Two (2) recent passport size photographs (Please glue them on the application forms)
  • Two (2) completed application forms
  • A copy of the yellow fever certificate.
  • Visa fees

For more information please visit: www.maliembassy.us/index.php/consular-services/visas



The US government has issued a travel warning to Mali:



The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Mali, given continuing aspirations of terrorists to conduct attacks.  We strongly warn against travel to the northern parts of the country and along the border with Mauritania, particularly in areas that are not patrolled and where there is little to no security presence.  There remains ongoing conflict in northern Mali and continuing threats of attacks on and kidnappings of westerners and others.  While the security situation in Bamako and southern Mali remains relatively stable, the potential for attacks throughout the country, including in Bamako, remains.  There are also ongoing security concerns and military operations taking place in the northern and western parts of the country.  Mali continues to face challenges including food shortages, internally displaced persons, and the presence in northern Mali of extremist and militant factions.  This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Mali dated July 18, 2013.

-          From US Passport and International Travel >>


Accommodation


The country’s capital, Bamako, one of Africa’s rapidly growing cities. Estimated at about 1.8 million residents, the city serves as Mali’s administrative center, with commercial and industrial establishments headquartered within the city proper. Areas in Bamako are divided into communes and neighborhoods. The most populated one, at 400,000+ is Commune 5 and 6, while Commune 3 has only 100,000+ residents. Commune 3 is Bamako’s administrative center and hosts the two largest markets in the capital. Cost of living is also relatively cheap, 1 bedroom apartments are rented between $100 - $200 per month, while 3 bedrooms go for $200 - $400 per month. It’s important to note that most rentals are unfurnished.

Driving License


Foreigners may use their domestic and international licenses to drive legally in Mali. However, driving in the country should be done with caution, especially during night time. The rebel situation in the country has prompted police checkpoints and other safety and security measures. The rainy season also renders the roads dangerous to traverse. Four-wheel drive vehicles are the preferred vehicle as deep, sandy areas are prominent across the country.

Healthcare


The facilities and services in Mali are limited and are not up to Western standards. Medication supply is mostly European brands. Precautionary vaccinations that include Hepatits A and B, typhoid and malaria are recommended. Vaccination certificate against Yellow Fever is required. It is highly advised to obtain a health insurance that can cover medical evacuation.



Insurance Companies

Cigna Global Health Options

Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.

Website: www.cignaglobal.com/

 

Hospitals

Koutiala Hospital

In May of 2006 The Koutiala Women's and Children's Hospital, built on a 8 acre campus just outside the city of Koutiala in southeastern Mali, opened its doors providing full maternity services to the city and surrounding areas. The Hospital is a part of CPAM (Center Protestant for Assistance Medical) an NGO that also supervises 8 rural clinics within a 150 mile circle surrounding Koutiala.

Website: www.koutialahospital.org/

 

Hopital Gabriel Toure

Address: Medina Coure, BP 267, Bamako, Mali

Tel: +223 222 27 12

 

Clinique de Farako

Address: Badianlan 3 Pres du Pont Richard B.P. 813, Bamako, Mali

Tel: +223 222 5387

Fax: +223 221 5249

 

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du Point G

Address: BPE 2193, Bamako, Mali

Tel: +223 222 5002, +223 222 5003

Fax: +223 222 9790