U.S. Embassy in Mali

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.

Mali is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Mali and the United States concerning international parental child abduction. If your child has been abducted from the U.S. to Mali, you can speak with a U.S. State Department officer to discuss your case by emailing [email protected]. For additional information, please visit the Department of State’s webpage on International Parental Child Abduction in Mali. The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases.

The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime. U.S. Embassy Bamako is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while overseas. U.S. Embassy Bamako is available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For emergencies during normal consular hours, contact the Consular Section at (+223) 20 70 23 00. You are also welcome to come to the Embassy for emergency assistance. For after-hours emergencies involving an American citizen in Mali, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer at (+223) 66 75 28 60 or the main Embassy phone at (+223) 20 70 23 00.

Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.

If you live in Mali and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Paris, France. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.

Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.

The U.S. Embassy Bamako represents several Federal agencies and can, on their behalf, facilitate claims processing and the payment of benefits to U.S. citizens living in Mali. The Consular Section administers Federal benefit programs on behalf of the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Labor, and the Railroad Retirement Board. The Consular Section can help individuals with federal benefit questions, issues, and applications. Please email the Consular Section at [email protected] if you have any questions about federal benefits.