Travel Information
Security and Travel Update
U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali
Travel to Northern Mali and Timbuktu Region
November 15, 2008
This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Mali.
The Embassy of the United States of America in Bamako, Mali, would like to renew its caution to U.S. citizens regarding travel to the town of Timbuktu and areas north of Timbuktu. This includes Essakane, site of the Festival of the Desert, scheduled for January 2009. If, despite this warning, you intend to travel to this area, please exercise extreme vigilance and avoid large gatherings. Travelers should be aware that, since October 2006, all official travel by U.S. government employees to Timbuktu must be approved by the Embassy’s Chief of Mission.
All travelers to Mali are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov . Travelers may also register in person at the Embassy, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday from 08:00 am to 11:00 am. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297 in Bamako. The Embassy Telephone numbers is 2070-2300. The consular section email is consularbamako@state.gov.
For additional information on travel to Mali, see the Department’s Travel Alert and the Country Specific Information for Mali, available via the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, 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 U.S. federal holidays).