Mali Travel Forum

Does anyone know if you can visas on arrival at Bamako Airport? I have heard mixed stories!

Thanks in Advance

Hi,

It would seem that some agents and even, I believe "The Rough Guide" book says that yes you can get them at the airport. I've flown into BKO 3 times now, albeit at silly times in the early morning,and I've never seen anyone get a visa on arrival. Here in Europe, big carriers like Air France or BA will not let you on if you have no visa. Last time I went on Royal Air Maroc, my visa was not checked in Paris but was whilst in transit in Casablanca. It would seem that it is not worth taking the chance as BKO airport is not the best place to be for a few hours if you are refused entry. Visas are available on entry by road from Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Senegal.

Cheers

We went at the beginning of the year and at that time it was cheaper to fly to Burkina Faso which we did as you can get a visa for Burkina here in the UK - Honorary Consule just outside Croyden I think it was - just turned up at this home and he did it. Very easy to get Mali visa in Ouga - capital of Burkina - and great transport links to Mali plus an extra country - maybe even nicer than Mali if that is possible.
Alternatively go to Brussels beforehand but think you have to post documents and then go and collect three days later - google always has the answer!

I went to mali on december 2007 and i got my visa at bamako airport. you'll need 1-2 photos and of course money (about 15-20euros). That visa is only for 5 days, you will need to renew it (you can do it in another city, don't worry about this), this time for one month. You'll spend 40euros in total and 2-4 photos. Just remember to renew your visa during the following 5days or u will have problems to leave the country!
Elisa

i am going to bamako, and then to mopti with a flight the day after arrival. when you got a 5day visa at Bamako airport, did you have to wait 24 hrs for it? (if so, then i might lose my mopti flight...)
thanks
h

i am going to bamako, and then to mopti with a flight the day after arrival. when you got a 5day visa at Bamako airport, did you have to wait 24 hrs for it? (if so, then i might lose my mopti flight...)

what airline did you fly with? (is it true that you might not be allowed onboard with big carriers like air france?)

thanks
h