Mali imposes $10,000 visa bond on US visitors in tit-for-tat move

Mali has introduced a $10,000 visa bond requirement for US visitors, citing a tit-for-tat move. This follows a similar measure imposed by the US on Malian citizens seeking to enter the United States. The Malian government stated that the new visa programme is "identical" to the one implemented by the US, aiming to create a reciprocal system. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, which have been exacerbated by the political instability in Mali. The $10,000 visa bond is a significant financial burden for travelers, and it remains to be seen how this policy will impact tourism and diplomatic relations between Mali and the US. Both countries have justified their actions as necessary to ensure the security and integrity of their respective immigration systems. The article highlights the growing diplomatic challenges faced by Mali as it navigates its complex political landscape and seeks to assert its sovereignty in the face of external pressures.