Emergency Messages

U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
Emergency Message - November 30, 2011

The U.S. Embassy continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risk of travel to Mali, and to recommend to all U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Mali against all travel to the north of the country due to kidnapping threats against Westerners.   U.S. citizens should also maintain good personal security practices and remain aware of their surroundings at all times, including always locking their homes and cars, varying routes and time of travel, and avoiding drawing attention to themselves.

Last week, two separate kidnapping incidents occurred in Mali.  The most recent kidnapping on November 25, resulted in the death of a German national and the taking of three persons (Dutch, British, and Swedish) by unknown persons in Timbuktu.  This followed the November 24,  kidnapping of two French nationals in Hombori, in eastern Mali, also by unknown persons. 
U.S. Citizens may review the most recent Travel Warning on Mali issued by the Department of State on October 4, 2011, warning U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling to Mali.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Bamako web site. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information .  If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).
 If you are going to live in or travel to Mali, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297. The Consular Section can be contacted at +223 20 70 25 05, or via email at consularbamako@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Marine Guard at (+223) 20 70 23 01 or 20 70 23 02.