On Sunday, Mali’s Foreign Ministry in Bamako announced that U.S. nationals must post bonds up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas. The move was in response to a similar action imposed on Mali tourists visiting the U.S.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department launched a pilot program that targets seven African countries, which the Trump administration said were responsible for more than 300,000 overstays in 2023. The new U.S. fees are in addition to the standard $185 visa cost.
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Framing the step as reciprocal, Mali said the bond applies to business and tourist visa categories, while the Foreign Ministry in Bamako called the U.S. measure unilateral.
Americans, whether traveling for business or pleasure, could face greater hurdles entering Mali. Likewise, regional cooperation on migration and security could be affected after the 2021 coup brought Gen. Assimi Goïta to power.
Regional tensions continue as the Trump administration employees visa restrictions for leverage while Mali strengthens its ties with Russia amid a domestic insurgency. The country is also expelling French troops.
