Which countries can Mali passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Malian citizens enjoy visa-free access to 32 countries including all ECOWAS nations (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde), other African countries (Algeria, Tunisia, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Mauritania, Rwanda), Caribbean nations (Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname), and Asian destinations (Hong Kong, Macao, Philippines). Micronesia and Cook Islands are also included.

Do Malian passport holders need a visa for the United States, UK, or Schengen countries?

Yes, Malian passport holders require visas for the United States, United Kingdom, and all Schengen Area countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, etc.). These visas must be obtained in advance from the respective embassies or consulates. No visa-on-arrival or e-visa options are available for these destinations. Applicants should prepare for thorough documentation requirements, interviews, and processing times that can range from several weeks to months.

Can Malians get a visa on arrival in Dubai or the UAE?

No, Malian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi). However, Mali citizens can apply for an e-visa online before travel. The UAE offers electronic visa options that must be arranged through airlines, hotels, or authorized visa service providers prior to departure. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Visa on arrival is not available at UAE airports for Malian nationals.

Which countries offer e-visa or visa online options for Mali passport holders?

Malian passport holders can apply for e-visas to 38 countries including popular destinations like Turkey, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Albania, Colombia, Cuba, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya (e-visa available), Pakistan, and several others. These electronic visas are applied for online before travel, with processing times varying from 24 hours to several weeks depending on the destination country.

Is military service mandatory for Malian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Mali does not have mandatory military service for all citizens. The Malian Armed Forces operate on a voluntary recruitment basis. However, during national emergencies or security crises, the government has the authority to implement conscription. Military service status does not typically affect passport issuance for civilians. Young men of military age traveling abroad are not generally restricted, though during periods of political instability or conflict, additional exit requirements may be temporarily imposed.

Can Malian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

Yes, under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Malian citizens have the right to enter, reside, and establish economic activities in all 15 ECOWAS member states without requiring work permits. This includes countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Citizens can live and work freely within the region for up to 90 days initially, with the ability to extend residency. However, some countries may require registration with local authorities for longer stays or formal employment.

What documents are required to apply for a Malian passport in 2025?

To apply for a Malian passport, citizens need: (1) completed passport application form, (2) birth certificate or national identity card (NINA card), (3) certificate of nationality (for first-time applicants), (4) two recent passport-sized photos with white background, (5) proof of residence, (6) payment receipt for passport fees (approximately 60,000-75,000 CFA francs for standard processing), and (7) previous passport if renewing. Biometric data collection is mandatory. Processing takes 2-4 weeks for standard service. Applications are submitted at Direction Nationale de la Population in Bamako or regional offices.

How long does it take to renew a Mali passport and what is the validity period?

Malian passport renewal typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard processing within Mali, though delays can occur due to administrative backlogs or technical issues with biometric systems. Expedited services may be available for additional fees. The standard Malian biometric passport is valid for 5 years for adults and 3 years for minors under 18. For Malians abroad, renewal through embassies can take 4-8 weeks or longer. It's recommended to begin renewal at least 6 months before expiration to avoid travel disruptions.

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Malian passport holders?

While no countries explicitly ban Malian passport holders, visa requirements are strict for most Western nations, Gulf states, and developed countries due to security concerns and immigration control. Israel may scrutinize applications more carefully due to regional politics. Some countries have temporarily restricted travel from Mali during periods of political instability or health emergencies. The 2020-2022 period saw increased scrutiny following military coups. Malians face visa refusal risks in Schengen countries, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, requiring strong documentation of ties to Mali and financial stability.

Mali Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 54 Countries

The Mali passport currently ranks 88th globally in 2025, offering visa-free access to 54 destinations worldwide. This West African travel document has experienced fluctuating mobility over the years, with rankings ranging from 59th (2006) to 94th (2021), though it has maintained relatively stable visa-free access between 50-56 countries throughout this period. While the Mali passport provides limited global mobility compared to top-tier passports, it still grants its holders reasonable travel advantages within the ECOWAS region and select African, Asian, and other international destinations.

Global Rank

#88

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Mali passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

133

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Mali passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

32 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

19 countries

🔐 ETA Required

3 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles
Morocco

💻 E-Visa

39 countries

❌ Visa Required

133 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Mali's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 29 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Mali Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

🔗

U.S. Department of State - Mali Travel Advisory

🔗

UK Foreign Office - Mali Travel Advice

🔗

Global Affairs Canada - Mali Travel Advice

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France Diplomatie - Mali

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DFAT - Mali Travel Advice

Compare Mali Passport with Other Passports

See how Mali's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Mali (You are here)	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Rwanda	#78	65	45/100	62/100
Sierra Leone	#79	64	35/100	21/100
Zimbabwe	#80	63	42/100	21/100
Mozambique	#82	61	28/100	18/100
Sao Tome and Principe	#82	61	45/100	19/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Malian passport holders can visit 54 countries without a prior visa. This includes 32 visa-free destinations, 19 countries offering visa on arrival, and 3 requiring electronic travel authorization (ETA). Mali ranks 88th globally on the Henley Passport Index. Visa-free access primarily covers ECOWAS member states (West African countries), select African nations, and a few Caribbean and Asian destinations like the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Mali's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Mali Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 54 Countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Mali's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 29 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Mali Passport with Other Passports

See how Mali's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Mali (You are here)	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Rwanda	#78	65	45/100	62/100
Sierra Leone	#79	64	35/100	21/100
Zimbabwe	#80	63	42/100	21/100
Mozambique	#82	61	28/100	18/100
Sao Tome and Principe	#82	61	45/100	19/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Mali passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Mali's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Mali Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Mali Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Malian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries can Mali passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Malian passport holders need a visa for the United States, UK, or Schengen countries?

Can Malians get a visa on arrival in Dubai or the UAE?

Which countries offer e-visa or visa online options for Mali passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Malian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Can Malian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

What documents are required to apply for a Malian passport in 2025?

How long does it take to renew a Mali passport and what is the validity period?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Malian passport holders?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Mali passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Mali's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Mali Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Mali Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Malian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries can Mali passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Malian passport holders need a visa for the United States, UK, or Schengen countries?

Can Malians get a visa on arrival in Dubai or the UAE?

Which countries offer e-visa or visa online options for Mali passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Malian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Can Malian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

What documents are required to apply for a Malian passport in 2025?

How long does it take to renew a Mali passport and what is the validity period?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Malian passport holders?

Explore More Passport Rankings