Regulation: Visa Bond Requirements Between Mali and the United States

Mali has implemented visa bond requirements for United States citizens, reciprocating measures imposed by Washington on Malian travelers. This decision was announced by Mali’s Foreign Ministry on Sun, Oct 22, 2023, following the US’s requirement for Malian nationals to secure bonds between $5,000 and $10,000 for business or tourist visas starting Mon, Oct 23, 2023.

Policy Details

The US visa bond programme is part of a pilot scheme targeting countries with high visa overstay rates. It mandates travelers to pay bonds via a US Treasury Department portal and restricts entry and exit to three designated airports. The bonds are refundable upon timely departure but forfeited in cases of overstays or asylum applications.

Mali’s response to mimic the US policy is based on the principle of reciprocity, as it claims the US programme violates a 2005 bilateral agreement ensuring long-term visa access.

Other Affected Nations

In addition to Mali, the US visa bond pilot scheme affects several African countries, including:

• Mauritania
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Tanzania
• Gambia
• Malawi
• Zambia

Operational Impact

The US State Department cites national security concerns, supported by data indicating over 300,000 business and tourist visa holders overstayed in 2023. The visa bonds supplement standard $185 visa fees, potentially affecting legitimate travel and tourism, especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The US has also engaged in negotiations with several African nations, offering financial incentives or facing diplomatic actions related to deportation cooperation. For instance, Eswatini agreed to receive deportees in exchange for $5.1 million in US funding, while Burkina Faso and South Sudan faced varying consequences related to visa services and deportation policies.

The Malian government, while expressing interest in maintaining cooperative relations, insists on these measures for US citizens to uphold reciprocity.