Mali slaps visa bond on US travelers in retaliation
Mali Implements Visa Bond Requirements for US Citizens
Mali Implements Visa Bond Requirements for US Citizens
On Sun, Oct 22, 2023, the Foreign Ministry in Bamako announced that Mali will introduce visa bond requirements for United States citizens. This decision is a reciprocal measure in response to US regulations set to take effect on Mon, Oct 23, 2023, which will require Malian business and tourist visa applicants to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Mali contends that the US policy contravenes a 2005 bilateral accord that ensures long-term visa access. As a result, Mali will implement similar conditions for holders of US passports. The ministry emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the US to manage irregular migration while upholding legal and human dignity standards, affirming its commitment to reciprocity.
The US initiative is part of a year-long pilot targeting countries with high visa overstay rates, including Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania. Other countries in the program are Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia.
Mali Implements Visa Bond Requirements for US Citizens On Sun, Oct 22, 2023, the Foreign Ministry in Bamako announced that Mali will introduce visa bond requirements for United States citizens.
Travellers must pay bonds in advance via the US Treasury Department. Entry is permitted through three designated airports. Bonds are refundable if travellers depart before the visa expiry; otherwise, they are withheld for overstays or asylum claims. Standard $185 visa fees apply.
The US Department of Homeland Security cites national security concerns, noting over 300,000 visa overstays in 2023 as justification for the measure.
Some critics argue that the bond requirements could discourage legitimate visitors and negatively impact tourism, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The program's implementation aligns with broader US efforts to pressure African governments into accepting deportees, occasionally in exchange for aid or political concessions.
In recent developments, Burkina Faso lost US visa services after declining to accept third-country deportees, necessitating applicants to travel abroad. South Sudan had visas suspended before agreeing to accept eight non-African deportees. Eswatini accepted up to 160 migrants in exchange for $5.1 million in US funding. Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda have made similar agreements.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
