Visa war: Mali hits back at US with Sh1.3 million bond for American travellers

Mali will now require Americans to pay a $10,000 visa bond in response to US rules for Malian travellers. (Photo: Tribune News Service)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Sunday, October 12, 2025

Despite these reciprocal measures, Mali reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Washington.

Mali has announced that it will impose identical visa bond requirements on American nationals, following Washington’s decision to demand Malian travellers pay deposits of up to $10,000 (approx. Sh1.3 million) before obtaining US visas.

The move comes after the US introduced a new visa requirement, set to take effect on October 23, 2025. Under the policy, Malian citizens applying for business or tourist visas (B-1/B-2) must pay a refundable deposit of either $5,000 (Sh643,600) or $10,000 (Sh1.3 million) before being granted entry into the United States.

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The visa bond initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration and trade stance, aimed at countries with high visa overstay rates.

“Under this programme, consular officers must require any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by Mali who is found otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa to post a bond in the amount of $5,000 or $10,000,” the US Embassy in Mali said in a statement on Friday.

“The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 agreeing to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury's online payment platform. This requirement applies to all Malian passport holders regardless of place of application.”

'Unilateral decision'

In response, Mali’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US move as a “unilateral decision” that violates the 2005 Agreement on the Institution of the Multiple-Entry Long-Term Visa between the two countries. The ministry also emphasised that the bond requirement undermines previous diplomatic agreements.

“The Ministry, while acknowledging this measure, deplores the unilateral decision of the American Government, which undermines the provisions of the Agreement on the Institution of the Multiple-Entry Long-Term Visa between the two States, which entered into force on April 14, 2005,” the statement, issued in French, roughly translates.

“In accordance with reciprocity, Mali has decided to establish an identical visa program, imposing on American nationals the same conditions and requirements as those applied to Malian citizens.”

Despite these reciprocal measures, Mali reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Washington.

“The Ministry recalls that Mali has always collaborated with the United States of America in the fight against irregular immigration, with respect for the law and human dignity,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Mali to promote fruitful cooperative relations with the United States of America within the framework of dialogue and mutual respect.”