Do Not Travel
“Do not travelto Mali for any reason. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S.”
Updated Mon, 08 Jun 2026
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Is Mali safe? 🇲🇱
Africa · Updated
As of October 2026, Mali scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. The U.S. State Department rates Mali Level 4: Do Not Travel. Of the 2 Mali destinations assessed, Bamako scores highest (20/100), while Timbuktu scores lowest (20/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Mali 🇲🇱
Mali · Assessed 25 October 2026
18
/ 100
Elevated risk — reconsider
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 20 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime33/100ElevatedHomicide 10.0 / 100k
Sentiment25/100ElevatedExtremely Negative
Advisories0Elevated
Stability30Elevated
Health58Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
Advises against all travel
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Mali FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:21:12Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Mali: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-10-09T10:15:05.2442522-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Elevated
Mugging & robbery risk
Severe risk
12
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
10 / 100 (Extremely Negative)
10
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
10.0 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
46
Robbery / mugging
SevereArmed assaults and robberies are on the rise, particularly in Bamako, with carjacking a significant risk, especially in the north.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and scams are noted around transit hubs and major attractions, though the overall risk is overshadowed by more severe threats.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Elevated
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Elevated
Traveller sentiment score
Extremely Negative
25/100
Reported feel10Extremely Negative
Robbery risk12Severe risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travel sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with all government advisories strongly warning against travel due to severe security risks.
Mali is extremely unsafe for travelers, with all major governments strongly advising against any travel.
Mali faces severe risks from ongoing conflict, terrorism, and widespread crime, making it one of the most dangerous countries globally. All official advisories are at the highest level, urging 'Do Not Travel' due to unpredictable security conditions and a high risk of kidnapping and attacks.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Gunmen killed over 40 civilians in Mali.— Channels Television
- Jul 2026Security continues to deteriorate across the Sahelian region, impacting Mali.— Africa Center for Strategic Studies
- Apr 2026The U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a security alert regarding reported blockades.— U.S. Embassy in Mali
- Apr 2026France urged its citizens to leave Mali and warned against travel due to attacks.— BBC
Common scams
- Scams targeting tourists, particularly around transit hubs.
- Bribery may be encountered when dealing with police.
Full briefing
Mali is currently assessed as extremely unsafe for any form of travel. All major governments, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, have issued the highest level advisories, strongly recommending against any travel to the country due to severe and unpredictable security conditions. The risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and widespread crime is exceptionally high.
Recent reports indicate a worsening security situation, with incidents such as gunmen killing over 40 civilians in October 2026. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako has issued security alerts regarding blockades, and France has urged its citizens to leave the country. Armed assaults and robberies are on the rise, particularly in the capital, Bamako, with carjacking being a significant concern, especially in northern regions. While pickpocketing is a risk in crowded areas, it is overshadowed by the more severe threats of violence and abduction.
Given the extreme risks, travel to Mali is not advised. If travel is absolutely unavoidable, it is critical to register with your embassy, develop a comprehensive evacuation plan, and remain constantly vigilant. Avoid intercity travel, especially at night, and exercise extreme caution if you must drive. The ongoing conflict and instability mean that official guidance should be followed without exception.
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06 · Destinations
Mali destinations by safety score
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07 · Questions
Mali safety FAQ
Is Mali safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Mali Level 4 of 4 — Do Not Travel. On our composite index Mali scores 18/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 25 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Mali?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Bamako currently scores highest at 20/100 (High Risk). Timbuktu scores lowest at 20/100.
Where does this Mali safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.