Afghanistan

The Land of Mountains
and Mystique

Flag of Afghanistan

Afghanistan, located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, is known for its rugged mountains, ancient history, and resilient culture. With landscapes ranging from towering peaks and fertile valleys to arid deserts, Afghanistan is home to diverse ethnic communities, each with rich traditions and customs.

Afghan culture reflects a blend of Persian, Turkic, and regional influences, celebrated through poetry, intricate carpets, and music. The cuisine features dishes like kabuli pulao, mantu (dumplings), and a variety of flavorful flatbreads. Despite challenges, Afghanistan’s rich heritage and breathtaking scenery reveal a land of strength and enduring beauty.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is required for entry into Afghanistan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Afghanistan.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are currently visa-exempt for Afghanistan. All travelers require a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Afghanistan.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visas do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a separate Afghan visa is still required.
  • No residence permit from Schengen states, the US, or the UK grants visa-free entry to Afghanistan.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Afghanistan using only a national ID card; a passport and visa are mandatory.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit (rarely issued to tourists).

Important Links

  • Official Afghan visa application portal: Contact the nearest Afghan embassy or consulate (no centralized e-visa system exists as of 2025).
  • Visa regime information: Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (check embassy-specific pages).
  • Consular services: Contact your nearest Afghan diplomatic mission.

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa durations are strictly enforced; overstays can result in detention or fines.
  • Purpose of visit: Tourism visas are available but scrutinized; work or study requires specific documentation.
  • COVID-19 measures: Check with Afghan authorities or travel advisories for current health-related entry requirements, as these can change rapidly.
Toll

Driving in Afghanistan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Afghanistan has no operational toll roads. Roads are generally state-maintained or unpaved, with no formal toll system in place.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; no toll roads exist. Road travel relies on fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.

Driving in Afghanistan

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are not legally mandatory but strongly recommended due to poor road safety.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h (rarely enforced).
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h (variable, often unmarked).
    • Highways: 90-100 km/h (e.g., Kabul-Kandahar highway).
  • Road conditions vary widely; urban roads may be paved but potholed, while rural roads are often unpaved and hazardous, especially in mountainous areas.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, though enforcement is inconsistent.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Afghanistan has no vignette system for road use; travel is free but risky.
  • Road Safety: Driving is extremely dangerous due to poor infrastructure, chaotic traffic, and lack of enforcement. Night driving is strongly discouraged.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; carry an updated physical map and expect limited cell service.
  • Emergency Number: No centralized emergency number; contact local police (if available) or dial 119 (Kabul only, inconsistent).

Useful Links

Afghanistan Currency

The official currency of Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 AFN.
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5 AFN (rarely used).
  • Symbol: ؋ (often written as AFN).

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are limited to banks, money changers in major cities (e.g., Kabul, Herat), and informal markets.
  • ATMs are scarce and unreliable, even in urban areas; cash is king.
  • It is illegal to bring foreign currency into Afghanistan; exchange must occur locally.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is the primary method of payment, especially in rural areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to a few high-end hotels or businesses in Kabul.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use is minimal.
  • Carry ample cash in AFN for all transactions; small denominations are useful.
  • Check exchange rates locally; official rates may differ from street rates.
  • For current exchange rates, visit: Da Afghanistan Bank (Central Bank of Afghanistan).
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Afghanistan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Afghanistan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Possession or trafficking carries severe penalties, including death sentences or long prison terms.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol is illegal to import, possess, or consume.
    • Smoking is common but restricted in some public spaces (enforcement varies).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid criticizing Islam, the Taliban, or local customs; dress conservatively (especially women).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, punishable by imprisonment or death; extreme caution is advised.
  • Photography: Prohibited near military sites, government buildings, or Taliban checkpoints; ask permission before photographing people.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: None permitted (illegal).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or equivalent (declare to avoid issues).
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent); foreign currency import is banned.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, alcohol, pork products, weapons, and anti-Islamic materials.
  • Counterfeit goods may lead to confiscation or fines.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage immediately at the airport (e.g., Kabul International); expect limited resolution due to lack of infrastructure.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to local authorities or your embassy; no formal tourism complaint body exists.

Beach Access

  • Not applicable; Afghanistan is landlocked with no public beaches.

Key Resources

Afghanistan Travel Safety

Afghanistan is generally unsafe for travellers, with high crime rates and ongoing conflict. Travellers should remain hyper-aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Afghanistan.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping are rampant; foreigners are high-value targets. Petty theft is less common but possible.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Travel is extremely risky; solo travel, especially for women, is strongly discouraged due to security and cultural constraints.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is hazardous due to poor roads, reckless drivers, and lack of traffic enforcement.
    • Avoid night driving entirely; rural roads are unlit and dangerous.
    • Helmets (for motorbikes) and seat belts are recommended but not always available.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is not potable; use bottled water only.
    • Foodborne illnesses are common; eat at reputable places and avoid raw foods.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, polio, COVID-19, rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria and dengue are risks; use repellent and sleep under nets.
  • Altitude Sickness: Possible in mountainous areas (e.g., Hindu Kush); ascend slowly.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Basic care in Kabul (e.g., Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital); rural areas have little to no medical services.
  • Pharmacies: Limited to cities; bring all necessary medications.
  • Insurance: Mandatory coverage for medical evacuation is critical, as local care is inadequate.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: No reliable nationwide number; try 119 in Kabul (unreliable).
  • Police: 119 (Kabul only) | Ambulance/Fire: Limited availability; contact your embassy.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Use 4x4 vehicles for rural travel; check security conditions daily.
  • Hiking: Avoid due to landmines, bandits, and lack of rescue services.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Dress conservatively, avoid political discussions, and respect Islamic norms.
  • Air Quality: Poor in Kabul due to pollution; monitor via World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Afghanistan

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