Overview:

Official Name: Republic of Mali

Area: 1 241 231 km ²

Population: 12 million

Capital: Bamako

Major cities: Bamako, Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Segou, Mopti, Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal.

Official language: French

Currency: Franc CFA (100 FCFA = 0,15 Euro)

National Day: September 22

Weather & Climate:

Mali, under the influence of the dry climate of the Sahara, is a very hot country. There are three seasons: the cool season from November to March, hot season from April to June and the rainy season, the rainy season which occurs in the form of thunderstorms mainly nocturnal (not daily). The ideal time to visit Mali beginning of October to March. From April to June, it's hot. But, it normally starts to rain on Mali from June, which cools the atmosphere.

In the desert, you just take minimal precautions to cover, sun protection and especially remember to bring lots of bottled water when you visit the country and especially the tourist sites.

Safety:

Mali is one of the few countries in Africa's most politically stable and secure with a multitude of ethnic groups living together peacefully.  

Visa & formalities:

The entry of Mali remains subject to obtaining a visa for nationals of the European Union. This visa is valid for 30 days and consular fees are from 28 euros

Evidence for the visa:

• Passport
• Two photos
• Fact Sheet (which you can fill with the embassy or you can even download it on the website of the Embassy
• Certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory

This visa is valid for one month and may be renewed at the premises of the Directorate General of Police of Bamako. For those who work on behalf of a corporation, additional formalities are expected. You must attach a letter of assignment from your employer indicating the dates, the management of your journey and address of the correspondent.

Useful addresses:

Embassy of France in Mali

Square Patrice Lumumba

BP 17 - BAMAKO
Tel: 221 31 41 - Fax: 221 31 36

Embassy of Mali in Paris

89, rue du Cherche-Midi

75006 Paris - M °: Saint-Placide

Tel: 01 45 48 58 43

Consulate of Mali in Paris

64, rue de Pelleport
75020 Paris

Tel: 01 48 07 85 85

Health

Before leaving, consults your home doctor (if your dentist) and subscribe to a company handling medical expenses covering the repatriation.

• Malaria:

Prevention of malaria parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites, which requires the use of personal protective measures (sprays, creams, electric diffusers, screens ...). With these measures, must be added a medication tailored to each individual: he should speak to your regular physician or a counseling center for travelers. Treatment should be continued after returning to France for a duration depending on the product used.
Classification: Zone 3.
During your stay and during the two months following your return in case of fever, medical advice must be taken quickly to implement as soon as possible anti-malarial potential.

• Vaccinations

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory (to practice in an approved center). The update of the diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis is recommended. Other recommended vaccinations (as hygiene and length of stay): typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B, meningococcal meningitis.Vaccination against rabies may also be proposed in some cases. Ask your doctor or a center of international vaccination. Outbreak of avian influenza:Mali is not so far affected by the epidemic. However, it is recommended that travelers avoid contact with poultry and birds, that is to say not to visit farms or markets to volatile. The general hygiene recommendations when traveling in developing countries, designed to protect microbial infections, are recommended. Bilharziose The risk of impairment caused by schistosomiasis are important in Mali. It is therefore not advisable to swim in rivers and lakes throughout Mali. Infection is possible, even in running water. This definition includes the pools of Banani (Dogon) and Siby (around Bamako), located in tourist areas.

• Food hygiene:

Prevention of traveler's diarrhea and cholera are advised not to drink tap water: prefer bottled water with capsules. Otherwise, drink filtered water, boiled and decontaminated. Avoid ingestion of ice, juice, fresh fruit, raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit. Avoid foods (fish, meat, poultry, milk) undercooked.

Ensure a regular and thorough washing of hands before each meal (very strict hygiene particularly hand out toilet).

• AIDS: Prevalence of significant HIV - AIDS. Any measure of prevention is essential.

Some simple rules:

Avoid walking barefoot on the sand and moist soils.
Do not cuddle the animals you encounter.
Make sure your road safety (wearing a seatbelt in a car or motorcycle helmet, do not drive at night outside cities, prudent and very careful).
Never consume drugs purchased on the street. Bring in your luggage medicines you may need

Useful phone numbers

Medical equipment and hospital is usually brief. The service Emergency Gabriel Toure hospital in Bamako, however satisfying (tel. 20.22.27.12 or 20.23.07.80 - Fax 20.22.60.90) but it only deals with emergencies.
If necessary, call the medico-social center of French cooperation in Bamako (tel 20.22.50.72, portable permanent 76.35.03.89)

Use to meet

Customs and habits: You should respect the sensitivities of people in Mali, a Muslim country at 90% and widely practiced (decent attire, appropriate behavior). Be courteous at all times. If you take pictures of people think to ask permission beforehand.