Mali and Burkina Faso Announce Travel Ban on US Citizens in Reciprocal Action
Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will prohibit United States citizens from entering their territories, citing reciprocity after both countries were included in a newly expanded US travel restriction list.
The decision comes after the United States tightened its immigration controls following the return of President Donald Trump to office in January. Mali and Burkina Faso were among several countries subjected to full entry restrictions under the updated policy.
In separate official statements, both governments confirmed that the same measures would now apply to American nationals. Burkina Faso’s foreign affairs minister stated that the move was based on the principle of equal treatment between nations. Mali’s foreign ministry emphasized the need for mutual respect and sovereign equality in international relations.
Mali also expressed disappointment over the US decision, noting that such a significant policy change was implemented without prior consultation with its authorities.
The announcement follows a similar step taken recently by neighboring Niger, which also imposed travel restrictions on US citizens after being affected by the same policy.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are currently governed by military administrations that came to power through coups in recent years. The three countries have since strengthened ties with one another, forming a regional alliance while distancing themselves from traditional Western partners and deepening cooperation with Russia.
Earlier this month, US authorities confirmed that full entry restrictions would be applied to nationals from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, and holders of Palestinian Authority passports. The measures are set to take effect on January 1 and were described as necessary for national security.
Additionally, some countries previously facing partial limitations were moved to the full restriction category, while new partial restrictions were imposed on several other nations across Africa and Asia.
