Embassy Bamako Begins Off-Site Visa Fee Collection

On July 30, 2007, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Mary Beth Leonard participated in a signing ceremony with Mr. Mamadou Igor Diarra, the President and Director General of Malian bank, Banque Internationale pour le Mali, of an agreement for off-site visa fee collection. Under this agreement, Malian visa applicants will now pay the $100 visa application fee at any branch of Banque Internationale pour le Mali, instead of at the U.S. Embassy. This new process will allow Consular staff to better focus their time and ressources on visa interviews, vice money collection, and therefore increase the quality and quantity of service provided to the Malian public.

In her remarks, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Mary Beth Leonard underscored the importance that the United States accords to the social, cultural, and economic exchange made possible by international visitors to our country. She also highlighted the U.S. government's commitment to respectful, open, and lawful treatment of every visitor to our Consular section. During this same event, reported on national television and radio, acting Consul Allyson Algeo also provided a power point presentation on the correct process for applying for a visa to the United States. (more)