From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Mali Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 15:19:18 GMT Organization: The World, Public Access Internet, Brookline, MA Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1343 Path: world!leao Message-ID: <970528151918_76702.1202_CHN71-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: leao@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 134 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mali ============================================================ Mali - Public Announcement April 14, 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman National legislative elections are scheduled to take place April 13 and April 27 and presidential elections are scheduled for May 4 and May 18 in Mali. The Department recommends that during the election period, U.S. citizens maintain a low profile, avoid election polling places, rallies, demonstrations, and large crowds. U.S. citizens may wish to reduce travel during this period. In the event of trouble, U.S. citizens are advised to stay indoors and monitor news reports. The Department strongly encourages all American citizens in Mali to register with the Consular Section of the American Embassy For further information on travel to Mali, see the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Mali. This Public Announcement will expire June 18, 1997. Mali - Consular Information Sheet May 27, 1997 Country Description: Mali is a developing west African nation with a democratic government. Facilities for tourism are limited. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Embassy of the Republic of Mali, 2130 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 332-2249. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: Mali's northern regions and the Mauritanian border have historically been plagued by banditry. During the first half of the decade, they witnessed armed rebellions. Recent government-rebel peace initiatives ended the insurgency. However, banditry and, especially, carjackings persist. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution while traveling in the north or to any isolated area within Mali. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and many medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation, has proven useful. For additional information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. Information on Crime: Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are common. Less frequent, yet more serious, are the incidents of armed robberies and banditry that occur in downtown Bamako, along major travel routes and near principal cities. Travelers who stay alert, remain in groups and avoid poorly lit areas, especially after dark, may avoid problems. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Road Conditions: Mali has a few paved roads which are in fair condition. U.S. citizens traveling by road should exercise extreme caution. Poorly maintained, overloaded transport and cargo vehicles frequently break down and cause accidents. Undisciplined drivers render traffic movements unpredictable. Construction work is often poorly indicated. Speed bumps - commonly used on paved roads in and near villages - are seldom indicated. Night time driving is particularly hazardous because vehicles frequently lack headlights and/or tail lights. Mali's unpaved roads vary in quality. Deep sand and/or ditches are common. During the rainy season, from mid-June to mid-September, dirt roads often become impassable. Four wheel drive vehicles with full spare tires and equipment are recommended. Photography: Photography is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what may be considered off limits varies. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious viewpoint. It is helpful to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali. Currency: Currency exchange facilities are slow and often involve out-of-date rates. The U.S. Embassy cannot provide exchange facilities for private Americans. Use of credit cards is limited to payment for services at two hotels in Bamako. Cash advances on credit cards are performed by only one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and only on a VISA credit card. Telephone Service: International calls are expensive, and collect calls cannot be made from outside Bamako. Exportation of Artifacts: Since 1993, the U.S. government restricts the importation of Malian archeological cultural property from the Niger river valley and the Banoiagara cliff region. Visitors seeking to export any such property are required by Malian law to obtain an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako. Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Bamako at the intersection of Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Mali. The U.S. Embassy's mailing address is B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali. The telephone number is (223) 22-38-33. The fax number is (223) 22-37-12. No. 97-086 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 9, 1996, to update information on areas of instability and exportation of artifacts. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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