Mali

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Mali, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Mali

Capital

Bamako

Main Cities

Segou/Sikasso/Mopti/Gao/Kayes and Timbuktuy

Local Languages

French

Currency

West African CFA franc

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

To enter Mali, travellers must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. A visa is required and must be obtained in advance, as visas are not available on arrival. Failure to secure a visa beforehand may result in excessive fees and delays at the port of entry.

Required Documents:

For specific visa application requirements, refer to the Mali Embassy website: www.embassypages.com/mali-embassy-accra-ghana. As part of Mali’s general entry requirements, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Recent passport-size photos
Legalized invitation letter
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry)
Copy of round-trip flight reservations
Additional documents may be required depending on visa type.

Visa Application Process:

Visa costs are also country-specific and can be checked at VisaPro.

Processing Time:

Vary depending on procedures in the applicant’s country of origin. Visa costs are also country - specific and can be checked at

Cost:

Check quote via the Visa pro link

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation is mandatory for international crew members who are not working with a local fixer or producer. If a production is covered by a local fixer/producer, separate accreditation is not required.

Required Documents:

Full name of the fixer or local producer
Copy of the fixer/producer’s national ID card
Crew details as requested by the National Center for Cinematography (CNCM)

Processing Time:

Accreditation process takes approximately one week (seven working days)

Cost:

$250 per international crew member

Issuing Organization:

All filming in Mali requires a permit issued by the Ministry of Culture through the National Center for Cinematography (CNCM).
Productions must submit an official request before filming begins.

Required Documents:

Detailed synopsis of the shoot
Official request letter addressed to CNCM
Crew profiles (CVs, roles, passport details)

Processing Time:

'7–15 business days depending on the scope of the production.

Cost:

If no local fixer/producer is engaged, a CNCM professional supervisor will be assigned to the production. Payment of a deposit of 250,000 CFA francs (approx. USD $400–$500).

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Filming on private property requires direct permission from the property owner. Access must be negotiated in advance and confirmed in writing.

Details of the production (synopsis, crew size, filming dates)
Location request submitted via the local fixer or producer
Owner’s consent documentation (agreement letter or contract)

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Dependent on the property owner and scope of negotiation. No fixed government timeline.

Drone Regulations:

Drone usage in Mali is regulated based on the specific area and site of operation. Local authorities must be notified in advance, and a copy of the filming permit issued by the fixer is required.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Importing drones into Mali is not permitted. There are no specific documentation requirements for applying for a local drone permit. Drone operations in Mali are strictly regulated and depend on the specific area and site of use. Local authorities must be notified in advance, and a copy of the filming permit provided by the fixer is required. Importing drones into the country is prohibited; only locally registered drones may be used. Permits for local drone operations are issued by the National Cinematography Centre of Mali, with no additional documentation required.

Permit Issuance:

Permits for local drone use are issued by the National Cinematography Centre of Mali.

Timing:

The processing time for drone permits is typically one month or more.

Cost:

$150

Carnet Status:

Mali is not a Carnet country – standard customs clearance procedures apply. All professional filming equipment must be declared and cleared on entry.

Required Documents:

Detailed synopsis of the shoot
Crew profiles (roles, passport details)
Equipment list with descriptions and values

Issuing Organization:

National Cinematography Centre of Mali (CNCM) issues equipment customs clearance

Timing:

Clearance is handled alongside the film permit process. Timelines vary depending on the project details submitted to CNCM.

Cost:

Equipment clearance fee: USD $350

General Overview:

Productions should assess risk carefully and plan for added security when filming outside main cities. Specialist plain-clothes police officers can be assigned to production crews. Officers are provided by the National Police Directorate upon request.