Mali and Burkina Faso have announced new travel restrictions on United States citizens in response to Washington’s recent decision to place both countries on a no-entry list.
In separate statements released by their foreign ministries and obtained on Wednesday, the two West African nations said they would impose “equivalent measures” on American nationals.
The move follows the expansion of a US travel ban by President Donald Trump earlier this month, which reportedly affects nationals of nearly 40 countries based on nationality.
The expanded list includes Syrian nationals, Palestinian Authority passport holders, and citizens of several African countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.
The White House said the restrictions were aimed at foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans.
Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry stated that it would apply “equivalent visa measures” to US citizens, while Mali said it was implementing, with immediate effect, the same entry conditions and requirements imposed on Malians traveling to the United States. Mali also expressed regret that the decision was taken by Washington without prior consultation.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas, are members of a regional confederation that also includes Niger.
Although Niger has not officially announced retaliatory steps, its state news agency previously reported—citing a diplomatic source—that counter-measures had been decided.
In addition to the full restrictions, the US also imposed partial travel limitations on citizens of other African countries, including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, as well as Canada and Mexico.
