Mali ? Exercise high degree of caution
Regional warning ? Avoid all travel
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal due to the presence of armed groups and the threat of banditry and kidnapping, even in big cities. Caution should be exercised at all times. Do not travel to these regions by road, especially between the cities of Gao and Kidal. There have been reports of an increase in banditry in the Kidal region and in the vicinity of Tizaouatene.
There is a high risk of kidnapping in these regions, and Westerners are a favourite target. In past instances, some hostages have been detained for months before being released and some have been killed. On November 24, two French nationals were kidnapped in the town of Hombori, on the border with the Gao region. On November 25, one tourist was killed and three others were kidnapped in the city of Timbuktu. Malian authorities evacuated tourists from Timbuktu following these incidents. If Canadians plan to visit these areas despite the high risk, they should use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another. We advise particular caution in the regions bordering Mauritania, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on these advisories or call 1-800-267-6788 in Canada and United States.