|
|||||||||||||
|
Information Pays > BDL > Mali Travel
Advice Country Description Mali is a developing West African nation with a democratic government. Facilities for tourism are limited. The capital city is Bamako. Entry Requirements A passport and visa are required. All travelers must have international vaccination cards with a current yellow fever immunization. Areas of Instability Mali's northern regions and the Mauritanian border have historically been plagued by banditry. During the first half of the decade they witnessed armed rebellions. Recent government-rebel peace initiatives ended the insurgency. However, banditry and especially carjackings persist. Travellers should exercise caution while in the north or to any isolated area within Mali. Medical Facilities Medical facilities are limited, and many medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation, has proved useful. Malaria is prevalent in many areas of Mali. Information on Crime While the level of violent crime remains low, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are common. Occasionally, female travelers, in particular, have reported being harassed in public places. There have been limited reports of incidents of armed robberies and banditry in Bamako and outlying areas. Train travelers are advised to be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. Travelers should stay alert, remain in groups and avoid poorly lit areas after dark. The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest embassy or consulate. Traffic Safety & Road Conditions The information below concerning Mali is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance: Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Mali has a few paved roads which are in fair condition. Travellers by road should exercise extreme caution. Poorly maintained, overloaded transport and cargo vehicles frequently break down and cause accidents. Undisciplined drivers render traffic movements unpredictable. Construction work is often poorly indicated. Speed bumps - -commonly used on paved roads in and near villages - - are seldom indicated. Night time driving is particularly hazardous because vehicles frequently lack headlights and/or tail lights. Mali's unpaved roads vary in quality. Deep sand and/or ditches are common. During the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September, dirt roads often become impassable. Four wheel drive vehicles with full spare tires and emergency equipment are recommended. Photography Photography is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what may be considered off limits varies. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious viewpoint. It is helpful to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali. Currency Regulations Currency exchange facilities are slow and often involve out-of-date rates. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels, a few travel agencies and selected restaurants. Cash advances on credit cards are performed by only one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and only on a "VISA" credit card. Telephone Service International calls are expensive, and collect calls cannot be made from outside Bamako. Exportation of Artifacts Mali is signatory to the Treaty on Cultural Property that restricts exportation of certain Malian archeological objects, in particular those from the Niger River valley. Visitors seeking to export any such property are required by Malian law to obtain an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako. Drug Penalties Travellers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
