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Russian Federation to Mali visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders need a visa obtained in advance to visit Mali. There is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival (discontinued for Russians in 2015). A consular visa can be obtained from the Embassy of Mali in Moscow, and an online pre-arrival authorization (e-visa) is now available via the Mali Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. As of mid-2026, Mali requires Russian citizens holding an ordinary passport to obtain a visa before travel for tourism. Visa-on-arrival was discontinued for Russian nationals on 9 March 2015 and remains unavailable. Travelers apply either at the Embassy of Mali in Moscow (paper/consular visa) or through Mali's official online portal (diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml), which issues a pre-arrival entry authorization ("Autorisation d'entree"). The standard single-entry tourist visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days and carries validity of around 90 days from issue; multiple-entry options exist for longer or repeated travel. A passport valid at least six months with a blank page, proof of onward/return travel, hotel reservation, and a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate are required. Because no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel can be confirmed for Russian ordinary passports, the conservative and correct verdict is visa-required.
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Tourist/short-stay visa (consular or online pre-arrival authorization)
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days (single entry); 60-90 days on some multiple-entry visas
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. EUR 80-130 / USD 70-130 (single entry); higher for multiple entry
consular fee only
Processing time
Approx. 3-10 business days
standard track
Validity
Around 90 days from issue (single entry); up to several years for multiple-entry options
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa and gather documents
Verify the visa-required status; assemble a passport valid 6+ months with a blank page, photos, return/onward ticket, and hotel booking.
· Visa required in advance· Passport valid 6+ months
/02
Get a yellow fever vaccination
Obtain the yellow fever vaccination and keep the International Certificate of Vaccination (carnet jaune); it is mandatory for entry into Mali.
· Mandatory· International Certificate of Vaccination
/03
Choose your application channel
Apply either at the Embassy of Mali in Moscow (consular visa) or online via the official portal diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml for a pre-arrival authorization.
· Embassy in Moscow· Online portal in French
/04
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill the application form, upload/submit supporting documents (passport copy, invitation or hotel booking, flight details, yellow fever card), and pay the visa fee.
· Fee non-refundable· Pay by transfer or at consulate
/05
Submit and wait for processing
Submit your application and allow several business days to about two weeks for processing and approval.
· 3-10 business days typical· Up to 2 weeks online
/06
Collect visa or authorization and travel
Receive the visa sticker in your passport or print the Autorisation d'entree, then present it with your yellow fever certificate on arrival in Bamako.
· Carry printout· Present at Bamako border
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Mali · Tourist/short-stay visa (consular or online pre-arrival authorization)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond stay with one blank page
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
RequiredValid yellow fever vaccination certificate (carnet jaune)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredConfirmed hotel reservation or letter of invitation
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RequiredVisa fee payment (consular or online)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCopies of all documents (digital and printed)
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.
Application link included: Wikipedia - Visa requirements for Russian citizens
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Single-entry tourist visa~EUR 80 / USD 70-90Up to 30-day stay; standard consular or online fee
Multiple-entry tourist visa~EUR 130-250 / USD 130-26060-90 day stays and longer validity
Service/processing or agency fee~USD 20-60Applies if using a visa service or courier; varies
Total estimate~USD 70 (EUR 80)~USD 260 (EUR 250)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Online portal (diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml)
A few days to ~2 weeks
Submit application and documents online; receive an Autorisation d'entree to print. Portal is in French.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No visa-free agreement
Russia and Mali have no mutual visa-waiver covering ordinary passports for tourism, so a visa is required.
High
/02
Visa-on-arrival discontinued
Mali stopped issuing visas on arrival to Russian citizens on 9 March 2015; it cannot be relied upon.
High
/03
Pre-arrival authorization mandatory
Entry requires a visa or online Autorisation d'entree obtained before boarding; airlines check this.
Medium
/04
Mandatory yellow fever certificate
Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, independent of the visa.
High
/05
Conservative default on conflicting sources
Where no clear no-visa channel is confirmed, the safe and accurate verdict is visa-required.
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
Russia to Mali route verified
Confirmed via Wikipedia visa-policy data and embassy references that Russian ordinary passport holders require a visa in advance for Mali; visa-on-arrival discontinued (2015); official online e-visa portal (diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml) now available; yellow fever certificate mandatory.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Russian citizens get a Mali visa on arrival?
No. Mali discontinued visa on arrival for Russian nationals on 9 March 2015. You must obtain a visa or online pre-arrival authorization before traveling.
Does Mali have an e-visa for Russians?+
Is a yellow fever vaccination required?+
How long can I stay in Mali on a tourist visa?+
Where do Russians apply for a Mali visa?+
How much does a Mali tourist visa cost?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Russian Federation passport

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