Entry Requirements and Visas
All visitors to Afghanistan must obtain a visa in advance. Since March 2026, the easiest method for most nationalities is to apply online through the eVisa system at eafghans.com. These visas require entry through Kabul International Airport, are valid for a 30-day visit within a 90-day validity period, and are single-entry only. The visa process is paid in two stages: a small initial fee (less than $10) at application, with the remainder (US$205 for US citizens or US$125 for other nationalities) paid only after approval. This structure means you lose minimal funds if your application is denied.
Citizens of Israel cannot obtain any kind of visa. A small number of other nationalities may be ineligible for the eVisa and must apply for physical visas instead. Check the official visa policy for your specific nationality.
For physical visas obtained through embassies or consulates, only diplomatic posts officially named "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" are fully staffed and operated by Taliban appointees. When applying in person, bring four passport-sized photos (two for your visa application and two for immigration upon arrival) and two color photocopies of your passport's data page. Most applications require a detailed itinerary explaining your visit's nature and intended destinations, and some consulates may demand a letter of invitation, which tour companies can arrange.
Border closures and entry regulations may change without notice, so verify current conditions before traveling.
Getting There
Kabul International Airport is the main and only entry point for those arriving on an eVisa. The airport and local airlines (Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air) are not up to international safety standards. However, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines operate regular flights to Kabul with international safety standards.
Overland entry is possible from several neighboring countries, though conditions vary. The crossing from Peshawar, Pakistan via the Khyber Pass to Jalalabad is accessible; shared taxis from Peshawar to the Torkham border cost approximately 2,000 Pakistani rupees, with onward transport to Kabul taking 5 hours and costing around US$15. The Iran-Afghanistan border near Herat is open to foreigners, with regular bus service between Mashad and Herat. The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border near Mazar-e Sharif also accepts third-country nationals. However, as of 2023, none of these overland routes were considered safe for travel. The crossing from Pakistan to Kandahar is closed to foreign nationals.
Currency and Money
The Afghan currency is the Afghani (AFN). Bring prescription medicines and necessary supplies from your home country, as availability cannot be relied upon. Plan your budget assuming limited access to familiar goods and services.
Staying Safe
Afghanistan is volatile and dangerous. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged by most governments. Foreigners may be targets for kidnapping, and banditry remains common in many areas, including northern regions. The Islamic State in Khorasan Province operates as an anti-Taliban extremist militant group with an active presence. Though Taliban security operations have reduced attacks in the mid-2020s, hotels and areas frequented by foreigners have been historically targeted.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain widespread hazards across the country. Avoid red and white painted rocks, stick to well-worn paths, and never touch or move suspicious items. Hundreds of people are injured or killed annually from mine and UXO accidents.
Natural hazards include scorpions, spiders, centipedes, and bees in mountainous areas. Altitude sickness is a significant risk in some regions. Earthquakes are common, and winters bring extreme cold, heavy snow that blocks roads, and avalanche risks.
Legal and cultural restrictions are severe. All women are required to wear the niqab or burqa in public, and traveling without a mahram (male guardian) is risky and possibly illegal. Any homosexual activity is punishable under Afghan law, including potentially with death; LGBT travelers must exercise tremendous discretion. The Taliban enforce zero tolerance toward recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—possession or trafficking results in arrest and lengthy imprisonment.
Vehicle safety is not prioritized locally; seatbelts are rarely used. If traveling with a local agency, politely request a safety belt, as some longer-distance buses have functioning restraints installed.
Heightened tensions exist between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan, with border clashes occurring. Check the current security situation before traveling.
Health and Medical Concerns
Consult a travel doctor before your trip regarding vaccinations and health risks specific to Afghanistan. Travelers' diarrhea and food-related illnesses are common. Respiratory diseases including tuberculosis are prevalent, and malaria poses a risk in many regions. Meningitis, hepatitis, cholera, and rabies are major health concerns, particularly in rural areas with limited health infrastructure.
Afghanistan is among the world's dustiest countries; expect to be covered in dust and to breathe it continuously, even in major cities. Consider bringing facemasks. Diesel engine pollution adds to respiratory challenges. Flies are notoriously problematic, likely due to poor sanitation standards, though winter provides temporary relief.
Approach food with caution, as hygiene standards often fall short. Hot, freshly cooked food is generally safer than cold or pre-prepared options. Drink bottled water or use your own purification system. Do not approach animals, especially dogs and cats, as Afghanistan is among the world's most rabies-affected countries. Medical attention and rabies medications are difficult to obtain. Even with a rabies vaccination, seek urgent medical treatment immediately if scratched by a potentially infected animal. Bring all prescription medications from your home country.
Staying Connected
The international dialing code for Afghanistan is +93. Plan to arrange mobile connectivity before arrival or immediately upon entry, though specific details about SIM card providers and internet services should be verified with current local providers, as infrastructure and availability may be limited or subject to change.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Afghanistan is an Islamic country with strict social norms enforced by the Taliban government. Women must wear the niqab or burqa in public at all times. Mixed-gender interactions outside families are limited. Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited—possession carries severe penalties including long prison sentences.
Drones are illegal and cannot be brought into the country under any circumstances. Respect religious practices and avoid discussing politics, the Taliban, or sensitive historical topics with locals. Dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and be aware that photography of people, particularly women, requires explicit permission and may be prohibited entirely in many contexts.