By Joe Udo
BAMAKO (CONVERSEER) – The government of Mali has announced a reciprocal visa policy for U.S. nationals following Washington’s decision to impose a $5,000 to $10,000 bond requirement on Malian citizens applying for business and tourist visas under a new pilot programme.
In a statement issued in Bamako, Malian authorities condemned the U.S. move as a “unilateral decision” that breaches the 2005 bilateral agreement on long-term, multiple-entry visas between the two countries. The government described the measure as unfair and contrary to the spirit of cooperation.
As a response, Mali will introduce an identical system applying the same conditions and financial requirements to American citizens seeking visas to enter the country. Although the exact implementation date was not disclosed, officials confirmed that the policy will mirror the U.S. visa bond scheme.
While reaffirming its commitment to cooperation with the United States, particularly in addressing illegal migration, the Malian government stressed that mutual respect and understanding must guide bilateral relations.
The U.S. State Department’s visa bond programme is aimed at discouraging visa overstays. Under the initiative, consular officers are required to collect refundable deposits ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 from applicants deemed to pose a higher risk of overstaying their visas. Mali is one of several countries included in the scheme.
The move marks a rare diplomatic retaliation by Mali, which has in recent years sought to redefine its international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical alliances in West Africa.
