🇯🇵Japan

🇲🇱MaliJP-ML

Japan to Mali visa requirements

Q: Is there an e-visa for Mali for Japanese travelers?

No reliable official e-visa channel exists for Japanese nationals. The only route is a paper visa from the Embassy of Mali in Tokyo.

Q: Where do I apply for the Mali visa in Japan?

At the Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Tokyo (Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku). You can apply in person or by mail/courier.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Mali?

Yes. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, and you should carry the international certificate when you travel.

Q: How long does processing take?

Typically around 3-7 business days after a complete application is submitted, though it can vary.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Mali?

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently advises citizens to avoid travel to Mali due to the security and military situation. Check the latest advisory before planning a trip.

Yes, a visa is required. Japanese ordinary passport holders must obtain a paper entry visa from the Embassy of Mali in Tokyo BEFORE traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa for Japanese nationals. A Japan ordinary passport holder needs a visa to enter Mali for tourism. Japan is not on Mali's visa-exempt list (which covers ECOWAS states, several North African neighbors with 3-month access, Hong Kong/Macao at 30 days, and the UAE at 90 days), and visa-on-arrival is limited to a handful of countries (e.g., Rwanda). Mali has no functioning e-visa channel for Japanese travelers, so the only route is a paper visa issued in advance. The Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Tokyo explicitly states that entry visas are delivered to residents of Japan (and Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and the Philippines) by the Ambassador in Tokyo, and that "visas will not be issued at the airport upon arrival in Mali." Applicants apply in person or by mail/courier, paying the fee by bank transfer in Japanese yen per the embassy's 2024 fee memorandum. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Note: the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a strong advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to Mali due to the security and military situation, so verify current conditions before planning a trip.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Embassy (consular) tourist/entry visa - paper visa issued in advance

Maximum stay

Typically up to 30 days (longer durations possible depending on visa granted)

per entry

Entries

Single or multiple entry (per application)

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. JPY 9,000-15,000 depending on type/duration (paid by bank transfer in JPY per embassy 2024 fee memorandum)

consular fee only

Processing time

Approx. 3-7 business days after a complete application is submitted

standard track

Validity

Validity begins from the date of issuance; commonly 3 months from issue

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need a visa and check the travel advisory

Japan passport holders are not visa-exempt for Mali. Before applying, review the Japanese MOFA advisory, which currently urges citizens to avoid travel to Mali due to the security situation.

· Visa required· Check MOFA advisory

/02

Gather required documents

Prepare a passport valid beyond your stay, completed application form, passport photos, proof of onward/return travel, accommodation details, and your yellow fever vaccination certificate.

· Passport + photos· Yellow fever certificate

/03

Submit your application to the Embassy of Mali in Tokyo

Apply in person during drop-in hours (Mon-Fri 11:00-16:00) or by mail/courier to the embassy in Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.

· In person or by mail· Shinagawa, Tokyo

/04

Pay the visa fee in Japanese yen

Pay the entry visa fee per the embassy's current fee memorandum. Mail/courier applicants pay by bank transfer in JPY (note that international transfer fees may apply).

· Bank transfer (JPY)· Per 2024 fee memo

/05

Wait for processing and collect the visa

Processing typically takes several business days. Collect in person (pickup Mon-Fri 13:30-16:00) or have the passport returned by prepaid courier.

· ~3-7 business days· Pickup 13:30-16:00

/06

Travel with your documents and vaccination proof

Carry your passport with the affixed visa and your yellow fever certificate; both may be checked on arrival in Mali.

· Carry visa + certificate

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Japan -> Mali · Embassy (consular) tourist/entry visa - paper visa issued in advance

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid for the duration of stay with blank pages

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted Mali visa application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredRecent passport-size photographs

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRound-trip / onward flight reservation

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredProof of accommodation in Mali (hotel or invitation)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredVisa fee paid in JPY (bank transfer for mail applications)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedPrepaid return courier envelope (for mail/courier applications)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the trip

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

recommended

RecommendedReview Japanese MOFA travel advisory for Mali before booking

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesEmbassy of the Republic of Mali in Japan - Visa Information Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Japan - Travel Formalities Visa policy of Mali - Wikipedia

Application link included: Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Japan - Visa Information

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Entry visa fee (single entry)~JPY 9,000-12,000Per embassy 2024 fee memorandum; amount varies by duration

Entry visa fee (multiple entry)~JPY 12,000-15,000Higher than single entry; depends on validity requested

Bank transfer / international transfer fee~JPY 500-3,000Applies to mail/courier applicants paying by bank transfer

Return courier postage~JPY 500-1,500Optional, for return of passport by mail

Total estimate~JPY 9,000 — ~JPY 19,000incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard embassy processing (Tokyo)

~3-7 business days

Apply in person or by mail/courier to the Embassy of Mali in Tokyo; the only available channel for Japanese passport holders.

In-person same-region applicants

Drop-in 11:00-16:00, pickup 13:30-16:00 (Mon-Fri)

Submitting and collecting in person can shorten turnaround compared with mail.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Japan is not on Mali's visa-exempt list

Mali waives visas only for ECOWAS states, certain North African neighbors, Hong Kong/Macao, and the UAE - Japan is not included.

High

/02

No visa-on-arrival for Japanese nationals

Mali offers VoA to only a few countries (e.g., Rwanda); the Tokyo embassy confirms visas are not issued at the airport.

High

/03

No e-visa channel available

Mali has no functioning e-visa for Japanese travelers, so a paper embassy visa obtained in advance is the only option.

Medium

/04

Mandatory yellow fever vaccination

A yellow fever certificate is required for entry and is part of the documentation check.

Medium

/05

Security situation / travel advisory

Japan's MOFA urges citizens to avoid travel to Mali, which can affect visa issuance and trip feasibility.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

Japan to Mali route verified

Verified against the Embassy of Mali in Tokyo and Mali visa policy sources: visa required in advance, no VoA, no e-visa for Japanese passport holders.

/09 — The questions