Mali, Burkina Faso impose reciprocal travel ban on US citizens
Mali and Burkina Faso have announced reciprocal travel restrictions on United States nationals following a permanent visa ban imposed by Washington on citizens of the two West African countries.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday, the governments said the measures were taken in line with the principle of reciprocity after the US expanded its travel restrictions to include Mali and Burkina Faso.
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it regretted that the US decision was taken without prior consultation. The ministry also questioned the security rationale cited by Washington, arguing that it “contradicts the real developments on the ground” and suggesting that the move was driven by other considerations.
“In application of the principle of reciprocity, the government of the Republic of Mali will apply, with immediate effect, to American nationals the same conditions and requirements as those imposed on Malian citizens,” the statement said.
Burkina Faso announced a similar response. Its foreign affairs minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, said the country would enforce equivalent visa measures on US nationals.
“The government of Burkina Faso has taken note of the decision announced on December 16, 2025, by the authorities of the United States of America regarding the strengthening of entry restrictions on their territory,” Traoré said, adding that the move was inconsistent with the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect.
The US restrictions form part of a broader immigration policy introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration, which permanently suspends or limits visa issuance and entry for nationals of several countries.
The White House has said the measures are necessary to protect US national security, citing concerns over identity management systems, gaps in information sharing, and high visa overstay rates in the affected countries.
