Medical repatriation from Mali to France
A patient in Bamako needs to be transferred to a hospital in France. As no direct scheduled flight links Mali and France at the time of writing, we look for the option with the fewest stages.
The Bamako–France route
[Route to be confirmed by the company]
Departures are from Modibo Keïta International Airport, formerly Bamako-Sénou, about 15 km south of central Bamako. It lies about 4,150 km from Paris and 3,650 km from Marseille as the crow flies.
Direct scheduled flights between Bamako and France have been suspended for long periods. At the time of writing, none is operating: Air France has not resumed its service and Corsair has suspended its Bamako flights. Without a direct flight, scheduled travel means at least one connection and a change of aircraft; an air ambulance avoids both.
For an air ambulance, flight time depends on the aircraft, the winds, the routing and any technical stop. Airspace restrictions in the region have changed several times and jet fuel supply at Bamako has been disrupted at times, so the operator checks routing, permits, refuelling and airport conditions when planning.
Travel advice and security
The French foreign ministry advises against all travel to Mali, whatever the reason. Anyone planning to fly out to join the patient should first read its travel advice for Mali (in French), which is updated regularly. For a medical flight, the operator assesses the security situation before accepting the mission, which can affect timing.
Three ways to travel from Mali
Air ambulance
The only option without a connection while no direct flight operates: the aircraft flies from Bamako to the French airport nearest the receiving hospital, stopping for fuel if needed. See air ambulance.
Stretcher on scheduled flights
Harder to arrange: each airline on the journey must clear the MEDIF, and the patient changes aircraft at the connecting airport. See stretcher on a scheduled flight.
Seat with a medical escort
For a stable patient who can sit, a doctor or nurse stays with them on every flight and during the connection. See medical escort.
Visas and health formalities
A Malian patient or relative needs a Schengen short-stay visa for France. France-Visas sets out a procedure for a stay for medical care, and applications filed in Mali are handled by the visa section of the French consulate general in Bamako. Apply early, with the receiving hospital’s written agreement.
A relative on a French passport must obtain a Malian visa beforehand from a Malian consulate in France, as none is issued on arrival in Bamako. A vaccination record showing yellow fever vaccination is also required to enter Mali.
Timescale and cost
The date depends on the medical agreement, a confirmed bed in France, the patient’s visa, and the flight permits and security checks. Our usual time from agreement to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off].
Costs depend mainly on the aircraft or flights used and on the medical team. The French foreign ministry reminds travellers to Mali to hold insurance or an assistance contract covering medical repatriation, as the embassy cannot pay these costs. See our page on costs.
Medical information
This page is general information and does not replace the treating doctor’s advice. The decision to fly rests with the treating doctor and the airline’s or operator’s medical team. In an emergency, call the local emergency number, or 112 in the European Union.
Questions about repatriation from Mali
Is there a direct flight between Bamako and Paris?
Not at the time of writing. Services may resume, so check with the airlines. An air ambulance reaches France without a connection, with a technical stop if needed.
Can the patient be flown to Marseille or Lyon rather than Paris?
Yes, by air ambulance, which lands at the airport nearest the receiving hospital. Marseille is about 500 km closer to Bamako than Paris.
Can a relative travel with the patient?
A relative already in Bamako can often fly on the air ambulance, depending on space. The French foreign ministry advises against travelling out from France to join them.
Organise a transfer from Mali to France
Tell us where the patient is and which city in France they need to reach. Our medical team reviews the file and we reply with a written quote. You can also write to us on WhatsApp or see our other routes.