Mali has announced a reciprocal visa policy targeting U.S. nationals after Washington imposed a $5,000 to $10,000 deposit on Malian applicants for business and tourist visas under a new U.S. pilot program.
The Malian government condemned the move as a “unilateral decision” that violates the 2005 bilateral agreement on long-term, multiple-entry visas between the two countries.
According to a statement issued in Bamako, the government will implement an identical system applying the same conditions and requirements to American citizens, though details on its launch date remain undisclosed.
While reaffirming Mali’s commitment to cooperation with the United States, particularly in combating illegal migration, authorities stressed the need for respect and mutual understanding.
The U.S. State Department’s visa bond program—introduced to discourage visa overstays—targets applicants from selected countries, including Mali, and requires consular officers to collect deposits ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on individual risk assessments.
