The concept of reciprocity when it comes to entry requirements for travel is nothing new. One country might start requiring visas for visitors from a certain country, and then that country introduces a similar policy. Well, here’s an extreme example of that…
In this post:
Americans traveling to Mali will be required to post bond
Recently, the United States announced plans to require visitors from select countries to post bond in order to get a visa. In the spirit of reciprocity, the West African nation of Mali has announced plans to require passport holders from the United States to post a bond of up to $10,000 in order to get a business or tourist visa for the country.
The United States stated on Friday that it was imposing this bond requirement as part of Washington’s “commitment to protecting America’s borders and safeguarding US national security.” Then on Sunday, Mali’s foreign ministry said that since the bond had been imposed unilaterally, it decided to “establish an identical visa programme” for US citizens.
This obviously reflects a souring of relations between the two countries. Prior to this, US officials recently visited Mali to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and economic partnerships, including possible access to Mali’s gold and lithium reserves. Relations haven’t otherwise been very close since Mali’s 2021 coup, which moved the country closer to Russia.
These tit-for-tat visa requirements are nothing new
Obviously President Trump’s immigration and border policy is controversial, and people will have varying takes on it. The policy of requiring select visitors to post bond is based largely on visa overstay rates for visitors from those countries.
It’s one of the most extreme visa requirements we’ve seen from any country in the world, but that’s not surprising, given Trump’s approach toward immigration.
So it’s interesting to see a country take a reciprocal approach with such an extreme travel requirement. I can’t imagine there are many Americans overstaying their visa when visiting Mali. Still, the goal is clearly to push back against this policy. It’s not like many Americans vacation in Mali, so I’d imagine the demand for travel there is pretty inelastic.
This policy will probably most harm business travelers, those working for non-profits, and those with family in Mali. It’ll be interesting to see if Mali maintains this policy in the long run, or if it reverses course.
Bottom line
With the United States requiring visitors from select countries to post bond in order to get a visa, we’re now seeing a country introduce a reciprocal policy. If any American wants to get a visa for Mali, they’ll now have to post a bond of up to $10,000.
Reciprocal visa requirements between countries is nothing new. However, when you see one of the most extreme policies ever introduced, it’s also interesting to see that reciprocated.
Do you think Mali will keep this $10K bond requirement in place?
Hopefully Europe, Japan and other countries do the same. To discourage Americans from travelling, and reduce the suffering and trauma loud and incoherent Americans inflict on the local population and tourists from more sensible countries.
Make Tourism Great Again.
Where? Did you mean Bali?
Good one... just like how you-know-who brokered peace between... *Albania* and Azerbaijan.
No big deal.
This is so sad. I've been to every country in the world and, literally, Mali is my favorite. Completely fascinating, every moment that you are there. My house is brimming with Dogon and Bombara art, and our Tuareg guide was one of the finest, most dignified persons that I've ever known.
And this is supposed to "protect" us from them visiting us? Really?? That's not the point at all. The point is that our Thief-in-Chief...
This is so sad. I've been to every country in the world and, literally, Mali is my favorite. Completely fascinating, every moment that you are there. My house is brimming with Dogon and Bombara art, and our Tuareg guide was one of the finest, most dignified persons that I've ever known.
And this is supposed to "protect" us from them visiting us? Really?? That's not the point at all. The point is that our Thief-in-Chief gets to be mean to a whole country, full of people whose skin is considerably darker than his, and very few of whom speak English, believe it or not. Why do some of us enjoy being mean to others?
No it’s simply to protect us from them overstaying their visas and you know it! (eyeroll)
It seems this was designed to upset you, in particular, Mr. Magellan. Since it has become more challenging to visit Mali, will you take the Victoria on another circumnavigation anytime soon? If the King of Portugal rejects your proposed expedition, I recommend consulting the King of Spain. Wait a minute... weren't you killed in the Philippines (1519)?
This isn't even reciprocal, it doesn't make sense to give Visa-free requirements to Mali citizens to the USA, too many would overstay their tourist visa. The US has to give Mali citizens a 10k bond to visit the USA now...
For any country which impose any fee will harm its economic growth.
There's a country called "Mali?"
Americans must be mortified...not!
Btw, as for Brazil, and other ilk, who are imposing "reciprocal" visas for US passport holders, it's akin to cutting off one's nose to spite one's face... Americans will gladly take their tourism money elsewhere...
You be nice to Mr. Dunn! (On average, about 600,000 Americans visit Brazil each year, many to see their family, and yes, some for tourism as well; it’s a lovely country. Brazilians also like to visit the USA, and spend money here, too. Perhaps, both countries should lower or eliminate their fees.)
Dude I read OMAAT to get away from Gary Leff and his mentally ill comment section, which is 25% 1990. Please don't comment here with your spambot posts.
I’ll consider it… since you asked nicely.
*request denied*
I will not self-censor. Nor should you. Speak your mind. Share your thoughts. Ideally, don’t just launch ad hominems against others you disagree with. Do better. More is more.
I don't disagree with you, I just think you're annoying. Your spam detracts from the conversations. At the time of this comment, there are 61 comments and 1990 makes up 16 of them. Over 25%. And all but 2, maybe 3, of your comments are in line with the spirit of this site. The rest are insults thinly veiled behind progressive quips.
"Do better" you arrogant twat. Calling random people bigots in one post and...
I don't disagree with you, I just think you're annoying. Your spam detracts from the conversations. At the time of this comment, there are 61 comments and 1990 makes up 16 of them. Over 25%. And all but 2, maybe 3, of your comments are in line with the spirit of this site. The rest are insults thinly veiled behind progressive quips.
"Do better" you arrogant twat. Calling random people bigots in one post and then crying "please no ad hominem attacks!" in another is par for the course from your crowd, along with your condescending tone. Head on back to VFTW where it seems like you've effectively drowned out any meaningful conversation.
There it is. The real reason: You think I'm a 'progressive,' so you want me 'out.' Got it. Notice how you're not complaining about the 'right-wing' views that some professed on here. Like, where are you when your fellow commenters whine about 'leftists,' hmm... that's telling. See you around, pal.
Dude, I agreee with 90% of your posts. Its too bad you spam and drown out the conversation. Unions, treatment of workers, pay, respect etc. What I dont agree with is your condescending tone. Like I said, youre a spamming a-hole who uses "progressive" quips to belittle others. Dont talk about respecting people when youre the main culprit who talks down to others.
Do better. Hypocrite.
This is dumb.
Why not require $1M bond and show Trump who's the boss.
Don't worry, if you're really, really nice... then, Daddy Donald will love you.
Don't worry 1990, no one loves you.
(I don't like Trump, but your posts are childish.)
Ah, we meet again, 1991...
"Good, good, let the hate flow through you..."
We’ve given Mali close to $2 billion dollars in Aid over the last 10 years and this is the thanks we get. Maybe it’s high time this country uses the aid money to actually help our poor and sick citizens. I know that concept will upset bleeding heart liberals but they can personally keep donating themselves, but I bet they won’t.
So, what you're saying is... you're in-favor of extending those ACA subsidies! Yay, we can re-open the government. Woo-hoo! Because, "actually help our poor and sick citizens," means doing that. Oh, you didn't mean what you say? Shoot. Yeah, that's why 'bleeding heart liberals' don't trust ya.
I’m actually fine with ACA for US citizens, not illegals like you guys want to.
You know better. Those subsidies are for Americans, 20 million of which are about to lose healthcare when they cannot afford their premiums. Keep blaming others, though.
Maybe Timbuktu isn't on too many people bucket lists.
I wonder how many US Citizens overstay their visas in Mali, or for that matter anywhere in the world, other than Leftists who declare they are moving to Canada?
I am guessing very few.....
When you stub your toe, do you blame 'leftists,' too? Your type often diagnoses others with 'TDS,' when, in the past, admit it, you had 'ODS' (Obama derangement syndrome), which literally sounds like 'odious'... how fitting.
Let's face it, your posts are uneducated, naive and boobish.
Get your facts straight. Or better yet, stay in Yemen.
Honestly, the U.S. is probably the only country where overstaying your visa or sneaking in gets spun as a good thing. Then you’ve got people on the left and folks from other countries acting like America’s super harsh about immigration when in reality, it’s way more relaxed here than anywhere else. Just goes to show how much the media can mess with people’s perception.
Nope. No one thinks it’s ‘good,’ rather, it’s that the system has been broken for a while, and the bi-partisan attempts to reform have failed, thus far.
You seem to only critique this boogeyman of ‘the left,’ yet, it is this administration that is clearly overreaching in its dragnet approach to mass deportation, harming citizens and lawful residents in the process.
You’d have to have horse blinders on to ignore what is going...
Nope. No one thinks it’s ‘good,’ rather, it’s that the system has been broken for a while, and the bi-partisan attempts to reform have failed, thus far.
You seem to only critique this boogeyman of ‘the left,’ yet, it is this administration that is clearly overreaching in its dragnet approach to mass deportation, harming citizens and lawful residents in the process.
You’d have to have horse blinders on to ignore what is going on these days, and no, it’s not AI or just ‘the media,’ it’s really happening here. Or, you’re being disingenuous again, you know what’s up, and maybe you enjoy seeing displays of excessive force, because you think you’re ‘one of the good ones’ or ‘they deserve it.’ Bad karma, Komma.
So, it's not true that ICE has been locking up U.S. citizens?
Yes, Alan Z, I know you're out of the USA at the moment, which may be for the best, because some citizens have been detained ('locked up') for periods (see the recent performative 'roundup' at the Chicago apartment complex); thereafter, those with access to lawyers (you know, who have enough money to afford them), do tend to get out, because, obviously, as citizens, Customs and Immigration Enforcement has little reason to hold them.
These...
Yes, Alan Z, I know you're out of the USA at the moment, which may be for the best, because some citizens have been detained ('locked up') for periods (see the recent performative 'roundup' at the Chicago apartment complex); thereafter, those with access to lawyers (you know, who have enough money to afford them), do tend to get out, because, obviously, as citizens, Customs and Immigration Enforcement has little reason to hold them.
These are serious abuses of power, excessive force, wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, etc., all seemingly with the intent to provoke a reaction, then for this administration to escalate, maybe to claim 'Insurrection,' and declare whatever (martial law? suspend civilian courts? elections? who knows, for sure). Ultimately, it's to take more power by false pretenses. It's by design.
For those with a conscience, we're doing our best to not let that overreach continue, but it's not easy, because about a third of the country is celebrating this takeover. (Some of our fellow commenters are clearly in-favor, or think they are, for now, at least, until it affects them personally.) And, let's be clear, if it were the 'other team' doing any of this, there'd have been another J6 by now. You don't have to be a student of history to know that we all should know better.
Ben, if flying Sky Mali is really your dream, then USD 10.000.- should not stop you... :-)
I don't disagree with you, I just think you're annoying. Your spam detracts from the conversations. At the time of this comment, there are 61 comments and 1990 makes up 16 of them. Over 25%. And all but 2, maybe 3, of your comments are in line with the spirit of this site. The rest are insults thinly veiled behind progressive quips.
"Do better" you arrogant twat. Calling random people bigots in one post...
I don't disagree with you, I just think you're annoying. Your spam detracts from the conversations. At the time of this comment, there are 61 comments and 1990 makes up 16 of them. Over 25%. And all but 2, maybe 3, of your comments are in line with the spirit of this site. The rest are insults thinly veiled behind progressive quips.
"Do better" you arrogant twat. Calling random people bigots in one post and then crying "please no ad hominem attacks!" in another is par for the course from your crowd, along with your condescending tone. Head on back to VFTW where it seems like you've effectively drowned out any meaningful conversation.
This was meant for 1990. My bad.
He's written so many posts its hard to keep track. Again, sorry.
It seems you just want to 'up' your personal 'tally' on here. Nothing wrong with that; more engagement. You're the only one trying to censor others on here.
Several nations have adopted a reciprocal approach with regard to visas and immigration policies. While Mali may not receive many US visitors, another country that believes in strict reciprocity, Brazil, does have a huge amount of US tourists yearly. I’m much more worried about escalating battles with Brazil than with Mali.
At the end of the day, it would harm Brazil more than the US as they benefit more financially from it than the US does. Generally speaking, the people overstaying visas or entering illegally tend to be financial burdens on their host countries which is why they don't do anything to prevent it and are bothered by having to take them back.
Blaming outsiders, the poor, or any vulnerable ‘out’ group is an easy target for demagogues around the world and throughout human history in order to obtain and keep power indefinitely, regardless of reality.
For anyone with a conscience, we know better: ‘love thy neighbor,’ and ‘treat others as you wish to be treated,’ are common refrains in nearly all faiths. How quickly we forget, and embrace fear and hate instead. It’s karma, Komma.
So, telling someone to go to Timbuktu is now a request for them to go broke in addition to go to the ends of the Earth.
This is such a niche market that I find myself wondering "And what if nobody cares?" about some of these actions?
Africa is legitimately so corrupt that you could cross the border from Niger and pay the guard 10 bucks and you'll be let in. This is all symbolic.
$10? You paid too much. For much of that border, there's no fence, no guards; just walk over.
As to corruption, yeah, it's a cancer. You'll need a bit more than $10, though, if any 'officials' stop you later-on, you know, to check your 'papers,' and even if you had 'real' papers, they'll still want a 'commission,' if you know what I mean.
In the USA, Snyder v. United States (2024), the Supreme Court...
$10? You paid too much. For much of that border, there's no fence, no guards; just walk over.
As to corruption, yeah, it's a cancer. You'll need a bit more than $10, though, if any 'officials' stop you later-on, you know, to check your 'papers,' and even if you had 'real' papers, they'll still want a 'commission,' if you know what I mean.
In the USA, Snyder v. United States (2024), the Supreme Court decided to call it a 'gratuity.' Look it up. It's a real case. Unbelievable. Yeah, not good.
What is so controversial about President Trump’s immigration and border policy? We have things called Laws. People who over stay visas and enter the country without the proper documents have broken the immigration laws of the United States. This is a good move by Mali this will lower the risk of Americans being kidnapped
So true. Laws... like speed limits. Next time you drive over the speed limit, remember, you, too, are now 'an illegal.' Someone prepare the canon; we have another summary execution lined-up!
People get punished every single day for driving over the limit. Unless you're implying speed limit laws should all be void/ignored because according to you, it would greatly improve the country by doing so. We should legalize murder, drunk driving etc because all those things are secretly detrimental to society and nothing should be illegal. Do a world tour of going to every other country illegally and let me know if they all accept you with open arms and gifts.
Hi Komma, nice to see you here as well as on DoC. No one here wants to break laws.
The ‘speed limit’ example shows the limits of rigorous enforcement of any law. Yes, it could be done (and in some cases should be done); for instance, we could make it mandatory for vehicles to install speed limitation mechanisms so that no one could ever break the law by speeding. However, many might find that burden...
Hi Komma, nice to see you here as well as on DoC. No one here wants to break laws.
The ‘speed limit’ example shows the limits of rigorous enforcement of any law. Yes, it could be done (and in some cases should be done); for instance, we could make it mandatory for vehicles to install speed limitation mechanisms so that no one could ever break the law by speeding. However, many might find that burden too oppressive, or make some argument that it’s too expensive. Importantly, people die from speeding, and sometimes people (hopefully accidentally, or negligently) kill others by speeding. People rarely die from overstaying a visa, yet, some consider it a far greater threat than speeding, apparently.
Time for the west to ban these people from entering western countries. They contribute little to nothing and despite the billions in aid they’ve received, very little have they progressed.
You'd think folks who frequent travel blogs would be more open to the free movement of people, ideas, and commerce, but, no, some such as yourself make your entire identity about hating 'the other.' How sad. (but, but, people from Norway are just fine. Yeesh.)
Friends, in the USA, we've had a broken immigration system for a while; bipartisan reforms are the answer and sorely needed. Rubio and the 'Gang of Eight' tried in...
You'd think folks who frequent travel blogs would be more open to the free movement of people, ideas, and commerce, but, no, some such as yourself make your entire identity about hating 'the other.' How sad. (but, but, people from Norway are just fine. Yeesh.)
Friends, in the USA, we've had a broken immigration system for a while; bipartisan reforms are the answer and sorely needed. Rubio and the 'Gang of Eight' tried in 2013, yet these days, as Secretary of State, he's all-but given up on that, and adopted hardline cruelty, instead.
There was S.4361, the Border Act of 2024, another attempt, but #47 blocked it. Alas, the football gets thrown some more, and people keep getting hurt. So much for 'love thy neighbor.' Oh, and good luck finding anyone to pick and process your crops, work at your meat processing plant, etc. (We probably should prosecute those employers, no?)
This is a good move because Mali is a dangerous country with a high risk of being kidnapped for ransom. Discourage US tourists!
How dare Mali do to us what we are doing to them. The insanity must end.
This bond is absolutely necessary to fight all those US American economic refugees staying behind in Mali illegally!
When I travel and meet well-travelled Americans, most do not support the stuff the White House is doing. But American supporters of the new policies do not value foreign public opinion highly (if they even think about it at all).
Is the USA entirely immune to costly unintended consequences?
Politician's logic:
Something must be done.
This is something.
Therefore we must do it.
Pro-Russian Mali wants to seek a revenge on the US when it is having some closest ties to Russia.
Friendly fire.
It would be interesting to see what side would OMAAT audience support.
For once I am inclined to give your post a serious nod Mason, old bean …. the liberals vs leftists. Come along now Ben, dream up an article to promote such a debate …. :-)
Mason, Eskimo, Julie & more are the same person.
Please tell me there aren’t resident bigots on this site. Like, the likes of David R. Miller, Walter Barry, Andy S, etc. They wear different hats, hoods, and armbands, but it’s the same old hate.
With such stupid policies, no wonder why these countries remain under developed
Are you referring to Mali?
Touche
Lol. No one wants to go there anyway. I hope Trump ratchets up the tariffs on them and completely bans their citizens from entering the US.
Tom, you are a moron!
Oh no! My 'tourist' visit to Mali is ruined...
Why no hard numbers of visitors to Mali?
Probably because you can count on your hand the number of visitors.
The EU should do this. Could make vacationing in southern Europe enjoyable again
"The EU should do this."
Why would this make vacationing in southern Europe enjoyable again?
Presumably because fewer Americans would travel there, thereby reducing crowding
Note the US bond program is/will be in place for seven African countries. If the other countries apply reciprocal requirements, then tourism from the US will be affected. It will be interesting to watch if a country such as Tanzania is willing to disrupt tourism which is such an economic driver there.
If you are truly an 'Africa Traveler,' then, you'd know the primary destinations for US tourists to that continent include: Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, (and the Seychelles, Mauritius, if you include those). Basically, Pyramids, markets, safaris, (and beaches). None of those countries would do something so silly as to threaten their tourism, especially when those visitors are often very high-end (on-average, $1,000-2,500/person/night on safari).
Mali is hardly...
If you are truly an 'Africa Traveler,' then, you'd know the primary destinations for US tourists to that continent include: Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, (and the Seychelles, Mauritius, if you include those). Basically, Pyramids, markets, safaris, (and beaches). None of those countries would do something so silly as to threaten their tourism, especially when those visitors are often very high-end (on-average, $1,000-2,500/person/night on safari).
Mali is hardly on anyone's bucket list, unless you're doing the 'visit all countries' thing. Most US visitors to West Africa are visiting family, working in oil/gas (Nigeria), serving with an NGO, or working for the State Department (sorry, they got defunded, but for a skeleton crew, which, arguably was a horrible idea, soft power, etc.), or are a military contractor (hush-hush, not the CIA, no...). Totally unrelated, but anyone see Lord of War or Blood Diamond, lately?
Wonder how many Americans will be able to point to Mali on a map - or even put it on the right continent? :-)
That being said I certainly can understand the need to signal reciprocity in the current climate
Virtue signaling pearl clutching is not your best look, but you do you.
@ Jay -- Sorry, which part of my post do you interpret as "pearl clutching?"
I'm convinced that <5% of the people who use the phrase "virtue signaling" actually know what it means.
Were you just 'virtual signaling' about 'virtual signaling'? Now, I've seen it all...
You got me scared with the picture of Ethiopian Airlines as I am flying them next week!
Americans going to Mali... haha haha.
There are a large number of ‘American contractors’ who transit through Mali, don’t you know …. :-)
Not for many years…..
When Wagner moved in, the West was sidelined.
That is precisely why there is still a steady flow of contractors.
Oh I do know as I have transited through Mali. This does not change the fact that Mali IS a giant shithole. To put it into terms that Americans who are not frequent international travelers can understand, "It's even worse than New Jersey."
Impressive. You're one of very few (assuming you're an American) to actually do so. Parts of New Jersey are lovely, so I'm confident there's 'beauty' to be found, even in Mali. Still, given the conditions there, I'm not interested in finding out just yet.
They can afford it. Basically, a simple business expense. Your typical Malian can probably save all year and not be able to post the bond. It is symbolic.
Unfortunately, Trump has leverage and is ruthlessly using it, unfortunately.