Mali imposes $10,000 visa bond on US visitors in tit-for-tat move
Summary
Mali has started asking US citizens for a $10,000 visa bond when they visit the country for business or tourism. This change is a response to a similar rule the US put in place for Malian citizens under President Donald Trump's administration. The visa policy comes as the two countries try to improve their diplomatic relations.Key Facts
- Mali requires US visitors to pay a $10,000 bond for business and tourist visas.
- This measure is in response to a similar US rule imposed on Malian visitors.
- The US embassy stated that the rule supports US border protection and national security.
- Mali's foreign ministry introduced an "identical visa programme" for US citizens.
- Relations between the US and Mali have been under strain, especially after a 2021 coup in Mali.
- Mali’s government moved closer to Russia after the coup and replaced French troops with Russian mercenaries.
- US and Mali officials discussed cooperation on counterterrorism and economic matters like Mali's gold and lithium in July.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.