Getting a visa for some African countries can be quite a hassle. The varying procedure from embassy to embassy, unclear steps, archaic bureaucracy — there are so many ways it could go get tricky. So when an embassy has a simple procedure, it should be seen as a gift from above. At the moment, getting a visa for Mali at the embassy of Nouakchott is easy and can be done within a day while reports show that other embassies of Mali have a much more complicated process. Without further ado, here is our guide to the current situation for all of those who need a visa to visit Mali.

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Getting there

The Embassy of Mali has changed address many times in recent years and map apps are not always updated. It is now located centrally, very close to the Chinguitel Headquarters and most taxi drivers should know where it is. It is open from 8:30 but the administrator is more likely to show up around 9, usually a bit late. You can still go there at 8:30 to fill the form with the assistant and be the first in line. Note that the embassy is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

What you’ll need

To get your visa for Mali in Nouakchott, you will need the following things for sure:

• Your passport;
• A copy of your passport photo page;
• The application form, given at the embassy, one very simple page filled by hand;
• Two recent visa-type photos (white background, 2 inches);
• 650 Mauritanian Ougiyas for the visa fees (they don’t take foreign currency, or if they do, they will give you a terrible rate);
• Letter of Invitation (YPT will provide you one if you book one of our tours to Mali).

Things the administrator might also want to see, so you might as well bring them:

• Flights in and out of Mali (at the moment, they do not like people to travel overland, and honestly, it’s not the best idea to do so);
• Travel Insurance;
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (They will probably not need it but if you have it, it cost nothing to bring it. I always carry it with my passport).

Getting the visa

Provided that you arrive first thing in the morning and have all things in hand, you’ll leave your passport there and come back by noon to get your visa on the same day! Easy peasy. You are now all set to visit the neighbouring country: Mali.