Following the announcement of reciprocal measures in response to visa restrictions imposed by Washington, the Malian government specified, this Friday, January 2, 2026, the terms of application of the ban on entry of American nationals into its territory.

Key takeaways from the measure

Although the suspension is officially "total," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established several notable exceptions. The following are not affected by this ban:

1. Permanent residents: American citizens who have already established their residence in Mali.
2. Holders of valid visas: Those whose travel documents were issued before the implementation of the measure.
3. Strategic profiles: Diplomats, athletes, as well as any person whose presence is deemed to be in line with the interests of the Republic of Mali .

The principle of reciprocity at the heart of the crisis

This decision by Bamako follows the inclusion of Mali, in mid-December 2025, on a US list restricting access to US territory for seven countries.

As early as December 30, Mali had warned that it would strictly apply the law of diplomatic retaliation : to impose on American citizens the same demands and constraints as those suffered by Malians.

"The government of the Republic of Mali will apply, with immediate effect to American nationals, the same conditions and requirements as those imposed on Malian citizens," the Malian diplomatic service reaffirmed.

A diplomatic rift

The transitional government strongly criticized Washington's stance, denouncing a "unilateral" decision made without consultation. Bamako firmly rejects the security argument put forward by the United States to justify these restrictions, believing that the real reasons for this sanction are political in nature and do not reflect the reality on the ground.