West African Nations Ban French Passport Holders in 2026

As of 2026, three West African countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) have imposed significant restrictions on French passport holders. This shift follows a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023 that have led to a rejection of French influence in the Sahel region.

Niger's break with France occurred after the July 2023 military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, resulting in the expulsion of the French ambassador and the cancellation of military cooperation. Although no formal ban was declared, entering Niger on a French passport became nearly impossible.

Mali's relationship with France deteriorated gradually after two military coups in 2020 and 2021, leading to the termination of the French military operation Barkhane and a pivot towards Russian support. In Burkina Faso, since Captain Ibrahim Traoré's rise to power in 2022, anti-French sentiment has intensified, culminating in a formal severance of ties with France in June 2026.

French citizens now face significant barriers to entry in these countries.