Algeria-Mali border closed?

[Cam Johnson]

Hi All,
I just got off the phone with the Mali Embassy in Washington DC and they told me that the Alg-Mali border is closed indefinitely. Can anyone confirm this?
Many Thanks,
Cam J.

[Chris Scott]

I would translate this as meaning DC are not issuing tourist visas to use that border indefinitely. Probably on account of the fighting in the east a couple of months ago (which US supported logistically).
I also understand that the Algie emb in DC is about as helpful as London used to be about 8 years ago... or the Libyans on a bad day.

I have also been told that much of the western Tanezrouft (in Alg) is now a closed area - but no one who is up to any good goes there anyway. But Bordj Moktar border area is pretty stable, certainly on the Alg side. Mali side would be risky, but has been so for years.

I will be at the London emb on Tuesday and will ask about BBM, but as we all know embassies are the last place to ask for useful info...

Ch

[Yves]

Hi,
to my knowlege the border at Bordj Mokhtar is still open, confirmed by a Mali tour operator this week.

BTW, one week ago a Dutch tourist group crossed from Algeria into Niger at Ain Guezzam/Assamaka without problems. I hope to receive their report soon.

Yves

[MotoEdde]

Originally Posted by Cam Johnson

Hi All,
I just got off the phone with the Mali Embassy in Washington DC and they told me that the Alg-Mali border is closed indefinitely. Can anyone confirm this?
Many Thanks,
Cam J.

Contact Nicolas Loizoillon or Mokhtar at Akar-Akar in Tamarasset...they would know and direct you as to where to pick up your visa...they're on the web and the oldest tour operators in Southern Algeria.

edde