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Mali Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Kenyan citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Bamako-Senou International Airport, though pre-arranging a visa through the Malian embassy is recommended to avoid delays.

Guide last updated September 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
  • Visa on arrival application form, completed at the airport immigration desk
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Mali)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
  • 2 passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm, white background) - carry spares as arrival kiosks may not have photo facilities
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured at the airport immigration counter
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry from Kenya
  • Travel health insurance: strongly recommended given limited healthcare infrastructure

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid for stays up to 30 days, fee approx. XOF 75,000 (about USD 125)
  • Business visa on arrival: requires an invitation letter from a Malian company or organization, single entry, up to 30 days, similar fee
  • Multiple-entry or longer-stay visas are not issued on arrival and must be arranged in advance through the Malian embassy nearest to Nairobi (accredited regionally)

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Bamako-Senou International Airport for Kenyan passport holders
  • Present your passport, yellow fever certificate, return ticket, and accommodation proof at the immigration desk
  • Complete the arrival visa form and pay the fee in XOF (CFA francs) or USD cash - card payment is not reliably available
  • Processing typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on queue length
  • Land border crossings may have less consistent visa-on-arrival availability; air arrival is the most reliable route

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival fee: approximately XOF 75,000 (roughly USD 125), payable in cash
  • No separate service fee since there is no third-party visa agency involved
  • Processing at the airport: 30-60 minutes
  • If applying in advance at an embassy instead, standard processing is 5-7 working days with a similar fee

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Carry the exact visa fee in USD or CFA francs cash, as change and card facilities can be unreliable at the airport
  • Ensure your yellow fever certificate is valid and easily accessible, as it is checked alongside the visa
  • Given occasional security and administrative delays, consider arranging your visa in advance through Mali's nearest accredited embassy if your itinerary is tight
  • Keep printed copies of your hotel booking and invitation letter (if applicable) to speed up processing
  • Register with the Kenyan High Commission's regional mission upon arrival if staying for an extended period

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.