Mali: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Mali.
Not published.
Visa needed before travel. South Africa's visa exemption agreement with Mali covers only diplomatic, service and official passports and is not yet ratified. UK advice says Mali's visa application and payment are now fully online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml), with an entry permit issued electronically once approved. The portal itself opened but its results did not load, so the online route is not confirmed for South Africans.5416
Travel advice
Travel not advised
The UK advises against all travel to the whole of Mali because of unpredictable security, terrorist blockades on main roads and a high kidnapping threat.
We show UK and US government advice because they publish detailed, regularly updated assessments. Checked 5 October 2026.
Read the full advice: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Before you travel
Length of stay
Not published by official sources
Purpose of visit
Not published by official sources
Passport validity
Valid for the duration of your stay (UK advice).4
Not yet confirmed by an official source
How to apply
Apply online on the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml/vitrine, which has a 'Do I need a visa?' checker by nationality. An entry permit is issued electronically after approval (UK advice). Fee and processing time not published on the pages read.54
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Where South Africans apply
Online at diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml. Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be contacted at contact.mdc@diplomatie.gouv.ml. A Malian mission in South Africa was not confirmed.5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Not published by official sources
Proof of funds
Not published by official sources
Accommodation or invitation
Not published by official sources
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
MALI: A yellow fever certificate is required to enter (UK advice). SOUTH AFRICA: Mali is on South Africa's yellow fever risk list (DIRCO). Everyone over 1 year old, South Africans included, returning to South Africa from Mali, or after an airport transit of more than 12 hours there, must show a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in South Africa. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel; the certificate is valid for life.24
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Arrival forms
Not published by official sources
Extending your stay and overstaying
Not published by official sources
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
What changed
Sources
Official
The destination's own government
- 5Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, online visa portal diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml
Other government
Official advice from other governments
- 2DIRCO, South African High Commission Canberra dirco.gov.za
- 4UK FCDO gov.uk
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.