Afghanistan

All travelers are required to present a valid passport to enter Afghanistan. Here is a general guide:

Visa-Free Entry

There are currently no visa-free entry agreements for Afghanistan. All foreign travelers must obtain a visa prior to arrival, regardless of the passport they hold.

Visa Required

Travelers must apply for a visa at an Afghan embassy or consulate before their trip. A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required for the visa application. It’s essential to verify the latest visa regulations, as they may change frequently.

Note: Always check the latest entry requirements and travel advisories from your government or the Afghan consulate before planning your trip.

Afghanistan does not allow entry with a national ID card. All travelers, regardless of nationality, must present a valid passport to enter Afghanistan. No exemptions are currently in place for entry with ID cards.

‍Always confirm with local Afghan authorities or a consulate for the most up-to-date entry requirements.

Toll Roads in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has limited toll roads, and road infrastructure varies significantly across the country. Some main roads may have informal tolls, especially near border crossings or on major routes such as the Kabul-Kandahar highway.

Driving Tips in Afghanistan:

• Right-Hand Driving: Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Afghanistan.
• Seat Belts: Seat belts are recommended but not always enforced.
• Speed Limits: Speed limits are rarely posted or enforced, but driving carefully due to road conditions is advised.
• Road Conditions: Road conditions can be extremely poor, especially outside major cities. Be cautious of unpaved roads and potential security risks when driving.

Weather in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The weather can vary dramatically depending on the region and altitude.

Summer (June to August)

Summers in Afghanistan are hot, especially in lowland areas like Kandahar, with temperatures reaching 95°F to 104°F (35°C to 40°C). Mountainous regions are cooler.

Winter (December to February)

Winters are cold, particularly in central and northern Afghanistan, with temperatures dropping below 32°F (0°C), and heavy snowfall in mountainous areas.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and are ideal for travel. However, spring can bring heavy rains and floods in some regions.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable times to visit Afghanistan due to milder weather.
• Prepare for Extreme Weather: In winter, prepare for cold temperatures, and in summer, be ready for high heat, especially in southern regions.

Currency in Afghanistan

The official currency of Afghanistan is the Afghani (AFN). The Afghani is abbreviated as AFN and symbolized as "؋".

Banknotes and Coins

Afghani banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 AFN. Coins are rarely used.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available in major cities like Kabul, but international credit and debit cards are often not accepted. It’s advisable to carry cash in US dollars (USD) for easier exchanges.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are accepted only in a limited number of places, mainly in Kabul. Travelers are advised to carry cash for most transactions.

Travel Tips

• Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with transactions.
• Currency Exchange: It is best to exchange US dollars for Afghani in larger cities, and always use authorized exchange services.
• Small Denominations: Carry small denominations of Afghanis for daily purchases, as larger bills may be difficult to break.