Afghanistan

The Land of Mountains
and Mystique

Flag of Afghanistan
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