Embassy of South Africa in Bamako

Customs at Senou Airport Mali
Custom officers as Senou airport in Mali target European tourists as they enter by confiscating their luggage and claiming bribes before releasing it. Even chronic medication shich a legal priscription is provided for, a bribe had to paid to get it back. Consumables that is legally brought into the country are also confiscated by being told a "certification of hygiene" is nessecary. Local civilians with large boxes and suitcases returning from visits to other countries can go freely through customs. Once a tourist's passport had been taken and USD 100 was demanded before returning to him. When he asked questions at customs the culprit was nowhere to be seen. This is a very bad reflection of the integrity and honest custom control system. A list of food an consumables that may be brought into Mali via the airport should be available so it can be presented when luggage is confiscated.