Wayne Lumbasi
Mali has announced a new visa policy that requires U.S. citizens to pay a refundable bond of up to $10,000 when applying for tourist or business visas. The move is seen as a direct response to the Trump administration’s visa bond program, which imposed similar financial requirements on nationals from several African countries, including Mali. Malian authorities say their decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, arguing that the U.S. policy was unfair, unilateral, and discriminatory.
According to Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bond will apply to U.S. travelers seeking short-term visas, including business and tourism categories. The exact amount ranging from a few thousand dollars up to $10,000 will depend on each applicant’s travel history and purpose of visit. The bond is refundable once the traveler leaves Mali or fulfills all visa conditions, but it may be forfeited if the visitor overstays or violates immigration rules.
Officials in Bamako have stated that this policy aims to ensure “equal treatment” and to remind Washington that international travel should be guided by mutual respect and fairness. The announcement has already sparked strong reactions, with some observers describing it as a bold assertion of sovereignty and others warning that it may discourage tourism and business travel from the United States.
The U.S. bond policy that triggered Mali’s decision is part of a pilot program targeting countries with high visa overstay rates. Under that rule, certain travelers from nations like Mali, Zambia, and Malawi must pay deposits of between $5,000 and $15,000 before receiving a visa. By mirroring that approach, Mali joins a growing list of countries pushing back against what they view as restrictive and unequal U.S. immigration measures.
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