Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Reciprocal Travel Ban on U.S. Citizens After Trump Restrictions
The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have announced new travel restrictions targeting United States citizens, a move widely seen as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent travel ban affecting several African nations.
PulseNets learnt that the two West African countries, both currently under military-led administrations, confirmed the decision in separate official statements released on Wednesday. The announcements come weeks after the U.S. administration placed Mali, Burkina Faso, and other African states on a travel restriction list.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision was taken strictly on diplomatic grounds. In its statement, the ministry stressed that the action was guided by international norms.
“Acting on the principle of reciprocity, the Government of the Republic of Mali hereby informs national and international partners that, with immediate effect, United States nationals will be subject to the same entry conditions and requirements currently imposed on Malian citizens,” the ministry stated.
Burkina Faso’s position followed a similar line. PulseNets reported that the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, confirmed that Ouagadougou would mirror Washington’s visa stance.
“Burkina Faso has resolved to apply equivalent visa measures to citizens of the United States of America, in full respect of the principle of reciprocity,” Traore said.
Speaking further, Traore told PulseNets that the Burkinabe government remains firm on issues of sovereignty and equality among states, while leaving the door open for constructive engagement.
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“Our government is committed to mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states, and reciprocity in international relations, and remains open to cooperation founded on respect for shared interests with all partners,” he added.
The reciprocal travel ban by Mali and Burkina Faso adds a new layer of diplomatic tension between the United States and parts of West Africa, as analysts warn that prolonged restrictions could affect mobility, diplomacy, and broader international cooperation.
