Overview
- Officials in Bamako and Ouagadougou said Americans will face the same entry conditions imposed on their citizens, with the measures taking effect immediately.
- The White House added Mali and Burkina Faso to an expanded list on Dec. 16, saying the policy targets countries with persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting and information‑sharing, and it takes effect Jan. 1.
- Mali’s foreign ministry said the U.S. acted without prior consultation and argued the stated security rationale does not reflect conditions on the ground.
- Niger has halted visas for U.S. citizens and Chad earlier suspended visa issuance following their inclusion on U.S. travel restriction lists, signaling a broader regional backlash.
- Both countries are governed by military juntas that formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Niger and have distanced themselves from Western partners while deepening ties with Russia, including reported Russian forces in Mali.