- 1 h / - 2 h during our summer time

Bamako

French

• 230 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type G sockets is required

Banks

8.00 am - 1.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

7.30/8.00 am - 4.00/5.00 pm (Mon - Sat)
Supermarkets and street stalls are open daily.

• 1 January  - New Year’s Day
• 20 January  - Army Day
• 26 March - Martyrs’ Day (Democracy Day)
• Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) - (date varies)
• Easter Monday - (date varies)
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 25 May - Africa Day
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - (date varies)
• Independence Day - 22 September
• Maouloud (birthday of the Prophet Muhammad) - (date varies)
• Christmas Day - 25 December

The following documents are required for entry into Mali:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

• Swiss citizens require a visa.

• A return or onward ticket is required, as well as valid documents for onward travel to the next country. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover expenses throughout the stay.

• Minors: For minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents, a travel authorisation is recommended.

As of: February 2025

Mali has a predominantly dry climate due to its geographical location and can be divided into three main zones:

• Sudanian zone: This area has a tropical climate with a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall in August. Temperatures are high during this period, and the humidity often makes the heat uncomfortable.

• Sahel zone: The climate is semi-arid, with very hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season is shorter and less intense than in the south and occurs mainly between July and September.

• Sahara: Northern Mali lies within the Sahara and experiences extremely dry and hot conditions. Rainfall is rare and unpredictable, and daytime temperatures can be extremely high, while temperatures may fall sharply at night.

• Temperature ranges: During the hottest months, particularly between April and June, temperatures can rise above 40°C in northern and central Mali. Even in the southern regions, temperatures above 30°C are common.
  
  The ideal time to travel to Mali:

• Cultural tours: November to February, ideal for visiting Timbuktu and Dogon villages.
• City trips: November to February, with pleasant weather in Bamako and other cities.
• River cruises: August to November, ideal for trips on the Niger when water levels are high.
• Desert expeditions: November to February, with milder temperatures in the Sahara.

• Using a mobile phone in Mali may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and restaurants.
• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card to make mobile calls and use the Internet at lower cost during your stay in Mali.

• Timbuktu: Known as the “City of 333 Saints”, it is famous for its centuries-old mosques and its historic role as a major centre of Islamic scholarship.

• Djenné: Home to the Great Mosque of Djenné, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mud-brick structure in the world.

• Dogon Country: A region known for its fascinating culture, cliff dwellings and traditional masked dances.

• Bandiagara Escarpment: This dramatic chain of cliffs is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers spectacular views and excellent hiking opportunities.

• Mopti: Often referred to as the “Venice of Mali”, it is a lively port and market town at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers.

• Bamako: The capital of Mali, known for its lively market, National Museum and zoo.

• Ségou: This historic city was once the capital of the Bambara Empire and is now known for its traditional pottery and attractive riverside promenade.

• Gao: An ancient city on the Niger River, famous for its history as an important trading centre and for the impressive Tomb of Askia.

• Koulikoro: A popular starting point for river cruises on the Niger, located close to historic camel caravan routes.

Malian cuisine is characterised by local ingredients and traditional cooking methods that reflect the country’s culinary diversity. Here are some of the main features of Malian cuisine:

• Grain dishes: Millet and rice are staple foods in Mali. They are often used as a base for stews or cooked into porridge, which is traditionally served with meals.
• Meat and fish dishes: Lamb, beef and fish are popular sources of protein. They are often grilled or cooked in rich sauces, such as the well-known peanut sauce locally known as "Tigadegena".
• Vegetables: Leafy vegetables, yams and cassava are important parts of the diet and are often prepared in flavourful stews.
• Street food: Street stalls often serve „Acarajé“, fried bean balls, and „Fufu“, a popular starchy preparation made from cassava.
• Sauces: In addition to peanut sauce, tomato and okra sauces are also popular and are often served alongside main dishes.
• Tropical fruits: Mangoes, papayas and bananas are widely available and are eaten fresh or used in desserts.
• Drinks: Popular homemade drinks include „Djabani“, a fermented millet drink, and „Bissap“, a refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers.

• Greetings: In Mali, it is customary to greet people with a friendly handshake. Maintaining direct eye contact is considered polite. In many cases, people place a hand over their heart after shaking hands as a sign of respect and sincerity.

• Saying please and thank you: Simple expressions of politeness such as “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you) are appreciated in Mali and can be used in French or, where possible, in a local language such as Bambara.

• Clothing: Visitors should dress conservatively, particularly women. Long skirts or trousers and tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms are appropriate.

• Dining etiquette: In Mali, people often eat together from a large shared bowl. Food is generally eaten with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Wait until you are shown where to sit, and do not begin eating before the eldest person or the host has started.

• Smoking: Smoking is often tolerated in public areas, but it is polite to ask permission when around others, particularly indoors or near children and women.

• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Mali, but it is appreciated in the tourism sector. In restaurants and hotels, a small tip may be given as a sign of appreciation for good service.

• Tap water in Mali is generally not considered safe to drink, so travellers should use bottled or boiled water. Water should also be boiled or otherwise purified for household uses such as washing fruit or brushing teeth in order to reduce health risks.
• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, except for airport transit passengers. An exception applies to transit passengers who do not leave the airport.
• Make sure that you and your children are up to date with standard vaccinations in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health. Additional vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox may be advisable.
• There is a risk of malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. Take the recommended antimalarial medication and protect yourself against mosquito bites. Schistosomiasis is widespread, so avoid contact with stagnant or slow-moving water.

• Medical care in Mali is limited and does not meet European standards. In larger cities such as Bamako, there are some better-equipped private clinics, but most public healthcare facilities are under-resourced. Medicines and medical equipment are often in short supply, and access to healthcare is severely limited in rural areas.
• It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• Pharmacies in Mali are mainly found in larger cities such as Bamako, but they often stock only a limited range of medicines. Availability and quality can vary, and counterfeit medicines are a known problem. It is therefore strongly recommended to bring a well-stocked travel medical kit containing essential medicines, particularly for gastrointestinal illnesses, fever and infections.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Travel to Mali and stays in the country are not recommended. The security risk is high throughout the country, and the risk of kidnapping is particularly high.
• Swiss nationals who travel to or stay in Mali despite the FDFA’s recommendations should be aware that, in an emergency, Switzerland may be able to provide only very limited assistance or no assistance at all.
• Attacks can occur at any time and anywhere in Mali. Islamist terrorist groups in particular are active throughout the country.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: October 2025

• Traffic drives on the right.
• An international driving permit is recommended and is only valid when accompanied by a Swiss national driving licence.
• To rent a car, drivers generally need to be at least 21 years old.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0%

• Buses: A number of private bus companies connect the larger cities. Journeys are often long and uncomfortable, however, and may be affected by poor road conditions. Travel on intercity buses is strongly discouraged.
• Shared taxis (Sotramas): In cities such as Bamako, green minibuses known as Sotramas are the most common form of public transport. They are inexpensive, but often overcrowded and not always safe.
• Taxis: Official taxis are available in cities, but they generally do not have meters. The fare should be agreed before starting the journey.
• Motorcycle taxis: Motorcycle taxis are available in many cities. They are faster, but also more risky, particularly in heavy urban traffic.
• Road conditions: Many roads are in poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Overland travel should be planned carefully, and it is advisable to check the security situation in advance.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Mali; however, connecting flights with stopovers are available. The country’s main international airport is:

• Bamako-Sénou International Airport (BKO) – Mali’s main airport, located in the capital, Bamako.

International airlines offering flights to Mali include Air Algérie, Royal Air Maroc and Ethiopian Airlines, among others.

Domestic flights: Regular domestic flights are only available on a limited basis in Mali. Some charter airlines offer connections to cities such as Timbuktu, Mopti and Gao. Due to the limited infrastructure and security situation, domestic flights should be booked well in advance and only with reliable operators.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss number)

• Police: 17 or 112

• Ambulance: 15

• Fire brigade: 18

Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency:
Cité du Niger (1), Rue 30, Bamako

Tel. +223 20 21 73 62
Email: bamako@eda.admin.ch

• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.
• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Always carry your identification documents with you and cooperate during checks.
• Avoid overland travel in general and do not drive after dark under any circumstances.