The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali reacted strongly to the unilateral decision of the United States of America to establish a pilot visa waiver programme for some of its nationals. In application of the principle of reciprocity, Mali has announced the establishment of an identical visa programme for US citizens. The US programme, which will take effect from 23 October 2025, requires Malian nationals eligible for a business or tourist visa (types B-1/B-2) to pay a deposit of five thousand (5 000) or ten thousand (10 000) US dollars to obtain their visa. I know. While taking note of this measure, the Malian Ministry “deplores the unilateral decision of the American Government which infringes the provisions of the Agreement relating to the institution of the long-term multiple-entry visa between the two States, which entered into force on 14 April 2005”.. Faced with the tightening of entry conditions for its citizens, Bamako has decided to apply reciprocity by creating a mirror visa programme. This measure will impose on American nationals applying for a visa for Mali the same conditions and requirements as those now applied to Malian citizens. The Ministry recalled that Mali had always cooperated constructively with the United States in the fight against illegal immigration, stressing that this cooperation had always been carried out “with respect for human rights and dignity”. Despite this difference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Mali to work for the maintenance and promotion of ” fruitful cooperation relations with the United States of America in the framework of dialogue and mutual respect “, reads the communiqué received by PressAfrik. This announcement marks a new stage in the diplomatic relations between the two countries and could have significant repercussions on the movement of persons between Mali and the United States.
Reciprocity of visas: Bamako responds to the new requirement of caution of the United States
