Mali has imposed a $10,000 bond on United States travellers for business and tourist visas in response to a similar requirement that President Donald Trump’s administration imposed on Malian travellers.

Mali’s foreign ministry said on Sunday the bond had been imposed unilaterally, and it had decided to “establish an identical visa programme” for US citizens.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the US embassy in Mali said the visa fee had been introduced to reinforce Washington’s “commitment to protecting America’s borders and safeguarding US national security.”

The visa policy shift comes despite moves to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Recently, the Trump administration has turned to African countries as a destination to deport migrants to as part of its crackdown on immigration.

In July, US officials visited Mali to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and economic partnerships, including potential access to Mali’s gold and lithium reserves.

Prior to the visit, relations between both countries deteriorated after a coup in Mali in 2021 led to Gen Assimi Goïta sweeping to power.
Goïta subsequently pivoted Mali towards Russia in a bid to stem a growing insurgency by jihadists.

The Mali leader expelled French troops, and brought in mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group, which is under Moscow’s defence ministry. They have since been replaced by Africa Corps.