Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Mali.
Mali Status
DISRUPTION
Travel in Mali is severely affected by terrorism, kidnapping risks, attacks on major roads, armed-group blockades and fuel shortages. Commercial flights continue from Bamako, but official travel advisories warn against travel throughout the country.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Bamako Airport
Commercial flights continue to operate through Bamako’s international airport. However, flights can be cancelled or diverted at short notice and travellers should confirm their flight directly with the airline.
Airport security
Security around Bamako airport is heavy. Vehicles may be searched before entering the airport area and travellers should use trusted pre-arranged transport.
Previous airport closure
A major series of coordinated attacks on 25 April 2026 included fighting near Bamako International Airport and resulted in the airport temporarily closing.
Airports outside Bamako
Airports elsewhere in Mali face substantially greater security risks. Terrorist groups have attacked or shelled aviation infrastructure, including Timbuktu Airport.
Major road blockades
Armed groups have established blockades and checkpoints on important routes in southern and western Mali, including routes affecting Bamako.
Fuel shortages
Mali is currently experiencing fuel shortages. Fuel can be difficult to obtain in some areas and long queues occur where supplies are available.
Overland travel
Road travel outside major urban areas carries serious risks from terrorist attacks, kidnapping, landmines, improvised explosive devices and armed checkpoints.
Leaving Mali overland
Current UK guidance specifically advises people in Mali not to attempt to leave through overland routes to neighbouring countries because of terrorist attacks along national highways.
Terrorism
Armed groups remain active across Mali. Although northern and central regions have historically experienced the greatest levels of violence, attacks have increasingly affected southern Mali and areas around Bamako.
Kidnapping
There is a very high kidnapping risk. Foreign nationals, humanitarian workers, journalists and business travellers can be targeted.
Bamako
The capital is not isolated from the wider security situation. Armed groups have demonstrated the ability to carry out attacks in and around Bamako.
Fuel and transport disruption
Attacks against fuel convoys and transport routes can create shortages and make road journeys substantially more difficult.
Latest Travel Changes
Security situation remains severe
Mali continues to experience attacks by armed groups across several regions, including areas closer to Bamako.
Major attacks continue
Coordinated attacks during 2026 have targeted military installations and other locations across the country, demonstrating that the conflict is not limited to remote northern areas.
Road blockades remain a major problem
Armed groups continue to target important routes in southern and western Mali, including fuel supply routes serving Bamako.
Fuel shortage continues
Current official travel guidance reports fuel shortages, long queues and increased prices in parts of the country.
Commercial flights remain available
Despite the severe security situation, commercial flights continue to provide an international route into and out of Bamako.
UK advises against all travel
Current UK guidance advises against all travel anywhere in Mali because of unpredictable security conditions.
Canada advises against all travel
Canada also currently advises against all travel to Mali because of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and fuel shortages.
Before You Travel
Check the latest official travel advisory for your nationality before considering travel to Mali.
If you are already in Mali and planning to leave, check commercial flight availability directly with airlines and monitor the security situation around Bamako airport.
Do not assume an overland border route is a safe alternative to flying. Major highways and routes towards neighbouring countries can be affected by terrorist attacks and armed blockades.
Avoid travelling outside major urban areas without professional security advice and appropriate arrangements.
Keep additional supplies of essential items because fuel and transport shortages can develop or worsen quickly.
Be prepared for flights, roads and transport arrangements to change at short notice.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.