WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State on Thursday updated its travel advisory for Mali, reaffirming a Level 4 warning — “Do Not Travel” — and ordering all non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave the country due to escalating safety risks.
The advisory, issued October 30, 2025, replaces an earlier version released six days prior. It cites widespread crime, terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and limited health care as key reasons Americans should avoid traveling to the West African nation.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. government personnel are presently prohibited from traveling outside the capital city of Bamako. Officials warn that the U.S. government “cannot offer routine or emergency services” to citizens outside the capital due to safety risks.
Violent crime — including armed robbery, assault, kidnapping, and home invasion — is described as common throughout the country, particularly in Bamako during local holidays and events. Armed groups continue to set up roadblocks nationwide, and attacks against government, civilian, and commercial targets have been reported along major highways, the U.S. Department of State said in its statement.
The advisory also notes that terrorist organizations frequently carry out attacks without warning, targeting foreigners for ransom and locations such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, diplomatic missions, and places of worship. Ongoing armed conflict between Malian government forces and insurgent groups has led to civilian casualties and instability even in and around Bamako.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued additional restrictions on flights operating within or near Mali due to potential threats to civil aviation.
The Department of State urges all U.S. citizens currently in Mali to make plans for emergency departure independent of government assistance, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, and maintain a personal security plan.
