What vaccines do I need for Mali?

Yellow fever is required for entry. CDC also recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid for most travellers, plus routine vaccinations. Meningococcal, rabies and chikungunya may be advised for some travellers, and antimalarial medication is recommended.

Is yellow fever required for Mali?

Yes. Mali requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry for all travellers aged 9 months and older.

How long before travel to Mali should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Mali — Required & Recommended

When are you departing?

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Mali. For most travellers, CDC also recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid alongside routine vaccinations, with meningococcal, rabies and chikungunya advised for some travellers. Malaria is present throughout the country, so see a travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to arrange vaccines and antimalarials.

Malaria risk is year-round nationwide; meningococcal risk peaks in the December to June dry season in the meningitis belt.

Required for entry

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Mali.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Airborne

Meningococcal

A bacterial infection spread through close contact that can cause meningitis. Required for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, and advised for parts of the African meningitis belt during the dry season.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Malaria risk is present throughout Mali, predominantly P. falciparum with documented chloroquine resistance. CDC recommends antimalarial medication (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine) for all travellers.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Food & water safety

High risk

Tap water and ice are generally unsafe. Stick to sealed bottled water, boiled water, or water from a reliable filtration system. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, raw shellfish, and street food from vendors with poor hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateRequired

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria occurs nationwide, so take prescribed antimalarials and prevent mosquito bites. Avoid freshwater that may carry schistosomiasis, keep away from stray dogs as rabies vaccine may be unavailable, and follow strict food and water hygiene. Meningococcal vaccination is advised for travel to the meningitis belt during the December to June dry season.

Also in West Africa

Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Côte d'Ivoire

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Mali.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.