Rabat – Mali and Burkina Faso announced they will impose a travel ban on US citizens in a reciprocal move against Trump’s measures.
Earlier this month, the White House announced that five countries, including Syria, South Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, face complete travel bans starting January 1, 2026.
The decision is part of an expansion of travel restrictions against 20 more countries.
On Tuesday, Mali’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said that its decision is “in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.”
The ministry informed the national and international community that Mali will apply the “Same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens” with immediate effect.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore announced the same measures, citing similar reasons for the ban on US nationals entering his country.
Burkina Faso said it is applying “equivalent visa measures to citizens of the United States of America,” emphasizing that it remains committed to “mutual respect, the sovereign equality of States, and the principle of reciprocity in its international relations.”
In announcing the ban, the US Department of State suggested that “terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso,” citing visa overstays and constant refusal to “accept back” nationals deported from Burkina Faso.
The US justified its decision toward Mali, citing “armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups.”
“Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali,” said President Trump.
