Mali Demands $10,000 Deposit from U.S. Travelers

• Mali responds to US measure with new visa policy
• $10,000 deposit to be required
• Diplomatic tensions rise

According to CNN, Mali announced new immigration measures in direct response to a policy imposed by the United States, heightening diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that starting October 23, US citizens applying for a visa will be required to pay a deposit of up to $10,000.

The decision was described as a move of “diplomatic reciprocity” against an identical policy recently implemented by Washington.

According to the official statement, the measure seeks to respond proportionally to what Mali considers unfair treatment toward its citizens.

Mali visa policy sparks bilateral tensions

Mali hits back at Washington — imposing a $10,000 visa bond on US visitors after the Trump administration added Mali to its own bond programme 🇲🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/H7YtG8ugov

— RT (@RT_com) October 13, 2025

The US Embassy in Bamako had previously announced that the mandatory bond program would apply to Malian citizens due to “high overstay rates” and “migration risks.”

Washington also cited foreign policy considerations as part of the decision.

In response, Bamako condemned the measure and declared it would not accept policies deemed “discriminatory.”

The Foreign Ministry asserted that “no nation has the right to impose unilateral conditions.”

Mali redefines alliances after break with the West

Since the 2021 coup, the military junta ruling Mali has distanced itself from traditional allies such as the United States and France.

The government expelled French troops and reduced cooperation with European security missions.

In their place, Mali has strengthened alliances with Russia and the Wagner paramilitary group.

Analysts believe that the Mali visa policy reinforces the regime’s nationalist narrative and its pursuit of sovereignty in foreign relations.

Mali visa policy amid internal security crisis

As diplomatic tensions escalate, Mali faces a severe internal military and security crisis.

Extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS operate across multiple regions of the country.

Violence has intensified despite military deployments and Russian support.

Thousands of civilians have been displaced, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly.

Economic and social impact of the measure

Experts warn that the new Mali visa policy could negatively affect commercial and academic exchanges between Mali and the United States.

Civil organizations argue that the required deposit poses an economic barrier, restricting legitimate travel by students and professionals.

Likewise, US companies operating in Mali may face challenges relocating staff, potentially hindering investment projects.

International analysts suggest that this policy marks part of a broader diplomatic escalation that could have far-reaching implications across the Sahel region.