Mali has introduced a new visa rule requiring United States citizens to pay a refundable bond of up to 10,000 dollars before they can enter the country for business or tourism.
The decision, announced by Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, comes as a direct response to a similar policy introduced by the US government under President Donald Trump.
According to the ministry, the move is meant to mirror Washington’s own actions. “The bond was imposed unilaterally by the United States. In the spirit of reciprocity, Mali has decided to establish an identical visa programme for American citizens,” the statement read.
The US embassy in Bamako confirmed the new requirement on Friday, saying the fee reflects Washington’s “commitment to protecting America’s borders and safeguarding US national security.”
Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years, especially since Mali’s 2021 coup that brought Gen Assimi Goïta to power. His government has since strengthened ties with Russia, expelled French troops, and worked with Russian mercenaries previously under the Wagner Group, now known as Africa Corps.
Despite the tension, both countries had recently discussed ways to strengthen cooperation. In July, US officials visited Mali to explore counterterrorism strategies and investment opportunities in gold and lithium mining.
The new visa rule follows a growing trend of tit-for-tat diplomatic actions between Washington and West African nations. Just last week, Burkina Faso’s military government refused to accept deported migrants from the United States after Washington suspended visa services in the country.
Burkina Faso’s foreign affairs minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, had questioned the US embassy’s decision, calling it a form of “blackmail” after rejecting a proposal to take in migrants from third countries.
The Trump administration has recently turned to several African nations as potential destinations for deported migrants as part of its tough immigration stance, a policy that continues to stir diplomatic pushback across the continent.
