Travel Warnings & Advice

For the latest travel advice and warnings, contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Travel Advice Unit
Consular Directorate
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Old Admiralty Building
London SW1A 2PA

Telephone: 0845 850 2829
Fax: 020 7008 0155

Web: www.fco.gov.uk

Travellers are advised to avoid the north and west of Timbuktu, the north and east of the Niger River along the line of Timbuktu, Gao, Ansongo and Labbezanga and towards the western border with Mauritania and eastern borders with Niger and Algeria, as they are the domain of desert bandits.

Anyone travelling to the north or west of Timbuktu against this advice is strongly advised to fly. If travelling overland in this area, it is essential to plan the journey in advance and inform local authorities before leaving Bamako. A local driver is also recommended, and travelling after dark should be avoided.