U.S. Citizen Services

The Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Bamako, Mali is committed to providing consular services respectfully, efficiently, and in accordance with U.S. law. We provide the full range of American Citizen Services. Appointments are required.

Mission:

• To assist and protect American citizens in Mali, and to facilitate travel to the United States.
• To improve U.S. border security by identifying those not eligible for visas, while welcoming legitimate travelers who greatly contribute to America’s social and economic well-being.

Values:

• Loyalty: Committed to the United States and the American people
• Character: Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity
• Service: Implementing consular rules and policies regardless of personal views
• Accountability: Achieving our mission while meeting the highest performance standards
• Community: Dedicated to teamwork, professionalism and outstanding customer service

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

Resources For U.S. Citizens Arrested In Mali

The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.

Assistance After Death of a U.S. Citizen

Mali is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Mali and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

If your child has been abducted from the U.S. to Mali, you can speak with a U.S. State Department officer to discuss your case by emailing AfricaIPCA@State.gov.

For additional information, please visit the Department of State’s webpage on International Parental Child Abduction in Mali.

Help for Child Abduction Cases

The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases.

Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime

The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.

U.S. Embassy Bamako is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while overseas.

U.S. Embassy Bamako is available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For emergencies during normal consular hours, contact the Consular Section at (+223) 20 70 23 00. You are also welcome to come to the Embassy for emergency assistance.

For after-hours emergencies involving an American citizen in Mali, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer at (+223) 66 75 28 60 or the main Embassy phone at (+223) 20 70 23 00.

U.S. Federal Benefits

U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.

Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.

Be wary of International Financial Scams.

When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.

Learn About Repatriation Loans

Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.

Guidance For Assisting a U.S. citizen in Mali

If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen relative or friend who is traveling or living in Mali, please contact the Consular Section at (+223) 20-70-25-05 or acsbamako@state.gov.

U.S. Embassy Bamako can use the information you provide to try to locate the individual and pass on your message. We can also check with local authorities in Mali to see if there is any report of a U.S. citizen hospitalized, arrested, or otherwise unable to communicate with those looking for them. If necessary, we may personally search hotels, airports, hospitals, or even prisons. The more information that you can provide about the person you are concerned about, the better our chances are of finding him or her.

Learn More About Voting

Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.

acsbamako@state.gov if you have any questions about federal benefits.