Mali2024-01-29T10:51:39+01:00

Mali

Travel tips for Mali

Top 5 Experiences

Where history, culture, and magical desert unite. Highlights include:

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Sahara and Nomadic groups

Mali’s connection to the Sahara Desert highlights the historical influence of nomadic groups like the Tuareg. The vast Sahara region has played a role in shaping the cultural and economic dynamics of Mali.

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Timbuktu

The city served as a significant Islamic center in the 15th and 16th centuries and played a crucial role in the propagation of Islam.

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Old town of Djenne

Inhabited since 250 B.C., Djenne was a key player in the trans-Saharan gold trade. With approximately 2,000 traditional houses, Djenne’s architecture and historical continuity underscore its importance in the economic and trade networks of the region.

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Tomb of Askia

Constructed in 1495, this landmark stands as a testament to the power of the empire in controlling the trans Saharan gold trade led by Emperor Askia Mohamed.

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Bamako Grand Marché

As one of the largest markets in Mali, it symbolizes the contemporary economic and cultural vibrancy of the capital city, Bamako, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Mali’s present-day commerce and daily life.

Tourist infrastructure

While public transportation is limited in the capital city of Bamako, reliable taxis and minibuses are readily available in major urban centres, making it convenient to explore local attractions.
The country offers a variety of accommodations to cater to different tastes and budgets. From luxurious international hotel chains in urban hubs to charming lodges nestled in the heart of nature, travellers have plenty of options to choose from.

Climate and travel season

Mali is located in the outer tropics and can be divided into two climate zones:

Northern Region (Sahara): The milder temperatures of the winter months (November to February), ranging from 10 to 20°C, make this period more comfortable for travel in the northern Sahara. The extreme heat of the summer (March to October), with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, may be challenging for some visitors.

Southern Region (Transitional Tropics): The best time to visit the southern part of Mali, with its higher rainfall and lush landscapes, is during the dry and cooler season from November to February, when temperatures range from 20 to 25°C. This period allows for more pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. The hot season from March to May can be uncomfortably warm, while the rainy season from June to October may bring heavy rainfall.

Entry requirements

For entry requirements and visa information, please refer to the website of your respective embassy. Links provided below.

Impressions from Mali

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Our partners in Mali

Visas, Entry, and Updates

Federal Foreign Office ➝

Federal Ministry European and International ➝

Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs ➝

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Information of the
Tourism Board ➝

Country information

Current accessibility

  • Information on entry:

    Entry into Morocco is possible. Travelers from countries that are on the A-list of the Moroccan Ministry of Health, including Austria and Switzerland, can enter with a proof of a full corona vaccination or a certified, negative PCR test result in English, French or Arabic that is not older than 48 hours. Travelers from countries that are on the B-list, including Germany since October 20, 2021, must show a proof of vaccination as well as a certified, negative PCR test result in English, French or Arabic that is not older than 48 hours. Unvaccinated travelers from B-list countries must provide evidence of a certified, negative PCR test result in English, French or Arabic that is not older than 48 hours, as well as a booking confirmation for a 10-day stay in a quarantine hotel. Another PCR test must be performed on the 9th day. In addition, all travelers must fill out a health form.

    With effect from October 20, 2021, the Moroccan authorities suspended all direct flights between Morocco and Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain. However, travelers from Germany can still travel to Morocco via third countries. It can be assumed that flight connections with more countries may be suspended at a short notice. Ferry connection currently are only operated between Morocco and France and Italy.

  • Information on return:

    Since March 30, 2021, all travellers, no matter from which country they are coming and which means of transportation they use, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, before entering the Federal Republic of Germany. The PCR test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. In addition, travellers must register their entry at the entry portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de➝ before arriving in Germany and carry proof of the corresponding registration with them. For stays in high risk areas classified by the RKI➝ there is a 10-day quarantine obligation. The quarantine can solely be prevented when a proof of complete vaccination or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, was submitted on the entry portal. After five days at the earliest, travellers who are not vaccinated or did not recover from a Covid-19 infection can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. For stays in virus mutation areas a negative PCR-test, which must be performed at the earliest 72 hours before entering, needs to be shown before return and a fourteen-day quarantine must to be entered without possibility to shorten it.

    All travellers older than 12 years, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering Austria. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Since January 15, 2021, travellers must register their entry here ➝ („Pre-Travel-Clearance“) before arrival. With the above mentioned certifications a quarantine can be fully prevented when entering from a country classified as safe. The certifications can be handed in 24 hours later if no hotel stay is planned. For vaccinated people arriving from countries not classified as safe or from virus mutations areas the quarantine does not apply neither. Non-vaccinated people however need to present a negative Covid-test or a proof of recovery as well as enter a 10-day quarantine. After five days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early.

    All air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection within the past 6 months must register their entry on www.swissplf.admin.ch before or during arrival in Switzerland and need to carry the generated QR-code with them. Air passengers older than 16 years must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection as well need to enter a 10-day quarantine and present a PCR-test. In addition, they need to inform their corresponding cantonal authority latest within two days after arrival. After seven days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. The obligation to test or enter quarantine does not apply to fully vaccinated people who can present a certificate such as the EU Digital Certificate or a Swiss Covid certificate.

Für Einreisende in die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, die sich in den letzten 10 Tagen vor Einreise in einem Risikogebiet aufgehalten haben, besteht seit dem 08. November 2020 die Pflicht, sich unverzüglich in eine zehntägige Quarantäne zu begeben. Darüber hinaus müssen Reisende vor ihrer Ankunft in Deutschland ihre Einreise unter https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de ➝ anmelden und den Nachweis über die entsprechende Anmeldung mit sich führen. Nach frühestens fünf Tagen können sich die Reiserückkehrer Covid-19 Test unterziehen. Mit einem anschließenden Negativergebnis kann die Quarantänepflicht frühzeitig beendet werden.

ACHTUNG: Wer sich in den letzten 10 Tagen vor Einreise in Deutschland in einem Hochinzidenz-Gebiet oder einem Virusvarianten-Gebiet aufgehalten hat, muss bereits bei Einreise einen ärztlichen Nachweis oder ein negatives Testergebnis bei sich tragen und diesen bei Aufforderung der zuständigen Behörden vorlegen können. Der Test darf nicht älter als 48 Stunden vor Einreise sein. Darüber hinaus ist das negative Testergebnis auch vor Antritt der Rückreise dem entsprechenden Beförderer vorzulegen. Sollte es den Einreisenden aus etwaigen Gründen in einem Hochinzidenzgebiet oder einem Virusvarianten-Gebiet nicht möglich sein, sich vor Abreise testen zu lassen, können die entsprechenden Beförderer vor Abreise einen Schnelltest durchführen und bei Negativergebnis die Beförderung vornehmen. Der Beförderer darf den Test maximal 12 Stunden vor Abreise durchführen. Dieser Test muss den Anforderungen des RKI entsprechen: https://www.rki.de/tests ➝

Covid-19

Corona precautionary measures

  • Restrictions in the country:

    The state of emergency applies until at least October 31, 2021: A minimum distance of 1.5m must be maintained and the hygiene regulations must be respected. Public, national transport is limited with a capacity of 75%, unvaccinated people without special permission are not allowed to travel within the country. There is currently a curfew between 11 pm. and 5 am. Restaurants and public facilities are allowed to open with a capacity of 50%. Meetings and celebrations are prohibited. Numerous facilities and hotels are still closed.

  • Mouth and nose protection:

    In public space mouth and nose protection must be worn as well as in cars when more than one household is present. Breaches of the mandatory mask wearing are fined with 300 DHS.

  • Hygiene measures in the country:

    There is currently no information about a uniform measure catalogue. However, hotels can get certified with the „Welcome Safety Label“, which was introduced by the Ministry of Tourism based on the sanitary standards of the WHO and UNWTO.

Status: 03.03.2022

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