Mali Slaps $10,000 Bond on U.S. Visas in Retaliatory Move Against Trump Administration Policy

Bamako, Mali — October 13, 2025 — Mali announced Sunday that it will require U.S. citizens to post bonds of up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas, mirroring a similar measure imposed by the Trump administration on Malian nationals set to take effect October 23. 

The West African nation’s Foreign Ministry described the move as a reciprocal response to what it called Washington’s “unilateral and discriminatory” policy that violates the 2005 bilateral visa agreement.

The announcement follows the U.S. State Department’s expansion of its pilot visa bond program on October 8, which added Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Tanzania to the list of countries whose citizens must post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for B-1/B-2 business or tourist visas. 

The Gambia was included effective October 11, while Malawi and Zambia were added earlier on August 20.

In a statement, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had “no choice but to apply the principle of equality” by establishing an identical visa program imposing the same conditions on U.S. nationals. 

The ministry emphasized Mali’s cooperative history with the United States on irregular migration while maintaining “respect for human rights and dignity.”

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako defended the requirement as consistent with “America’s commitment to protecting its borders and safeguarding national security,” citing high overstay rates and screening deficiencies. 

According to the State Department, more than 300,000 holders of business and tourist visas overstayed their authorized visits in 2023.

Mali’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. measure as a violation of the 2005 “Agreement on the Establishment of a Multiple-Entry Long-Term Visa” between the two countries. 

It reaffirmed Mali’s commitment to “promoting fruitful cooperation with the United States within a framework of dialogue and mutual respect.”

The decision resonated across West Africa, where many social media users praised Mali’s stance against perceived visa discrimination. Business leaders, however, voiced concern over potential impacts on trade and investment, especially in the mining sector.

The move follows similar actions by Chad, which suspended all visas for U.S. citizens in June after Washington added it to a restrictive travel list. 

Analysts see these developments as evidence of a growing readiness among African nations to retaliate against policies viewed as unfair.

The dispute reflects deepening strains in U.S.–Mali relations since the 2021 military coup that brought Colonel Assimi Goïta to power. 

Mali has since pivoted toward Russia, expelling French troops and hosting Wagner Group mercenaries, now rebranded as Africa Corps under Russia’s Defense Ministry. 

Despite these tensions, bilateral trade reached $184 million in 2023, with U.S. companies maintaining a strong interest in Mali’s gold and lithium reserves.

Mali’s reciprocal visa move fits a broader pattern in Africa, where governments are increasingly pushing back against U.S. immigration measures viewed as discriminatory. 

The bond policy, first expanded during the Trump administration, has been used as leverage to press some African nations to accept deportees.

Under the new rule, the Malian visa bond will match U.S. conditions: deposits will be refunded if visitors leave on time, but forfeited for overstays or asylum filings. 

Both policies underscore growing diplomatic friction despite recent attempts at engagement, including July talks on counterterrorism and economic cooperation.

The standoff may complicate U.S. interests in Mali’s strategic mineral resources and security partnerships, potentially setting a precedent for other African governments considering reciprocal action over restrictive visa policies.