BAMAKO / OUAGADOUGOU: Mali and Burkina Faso on Wednesday announced visa and entry restrictions on United States nationals, in a reciprocal move after Washington imposed sweeping travel bans on citizens of the two West African countries.
In separate statements issued by their foreign ministries, both governments said they were applying “equivalent measures” against US citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
The decision follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump earlier this month expanding a travel ban to nearly 40 countries, based on nationality.
The list included Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as Niger, South Sudan, Syria and Palestinian Authority passport holders.
Several other African countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, were placed under partial restrictions.
The White House said the measures were aimed at preventing the entry of foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans and would remain in place until affected countries demonstrated “credible improvements” in identity management, information-sharing and cooperation with US immigration authorities.
Statements from Mali and Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry said it would apply “equivalent visa measures” to US nationals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Jean Marie Karamoko Traore said the move was taken strictly in line with the principle of reciprocity.
“Burkina Faso remains committed to mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states, and reciprocity in international relations,” the statement said, adding that the country remained open to cooperation with partners on the basis of respect for reciprocal interests.
Mali’s foreign ministry said it would, “with immediate effect”, impose “the same conditions and requirements on American nationals that the American authorities have imposed on Malian citizens entering the United States”.
It expressed “regret” that Washington had taken such a significant decision “without the slightest prior consultation”.
Meanwhile, Niger has not formally announced counter-measures. Its state news agency, citing a diplomatic source, said last week that similar steps had been decided.
Scope of US restrictions
The three countries were informed on December 16 that the United States would fully suspend entry for their citizens from January 1, 2026.
The US administration said the travel restrictions would not apply to lawful permanent residents, many existing visa holders, diplomats, or athletes travelling for major international sporting events.
Officials added that case-by-case waivers would be available where travel is deemed to be in the US national interest.
