**Travellers should avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to the security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, risk of kidnapping and high crime rate.
Afghanistan is a landscape of dramatic lush green mountains that become snow-capped in winter, sapphire lakes overflowing into tumbling waterfalls and a wealth of ancient historical and religious sites. Tragically, it nowadays evokes images of war-torn cities, dilapidated buildings and a nation grappling to come to terms with a violent political history and uncertain future.
Afghanistan is an unusual choice of travel destination. But exploring this old and humble land will certainly enrich the lives of those who visit, few and far between as they may currently be. Although some of its famous cultural sites, such as the ancient statues of the Bamiyan Valley, have been damaged or destroyed, there are still fascinating places to explore, including the
glorious Band-e-Amir National Park and the Panjshir Mountains north of Kabul. The capital city itself boasts interesting palaces, mosques and markets.
Unfortunately, most governments advise against all travel to Afghanistan as the country is currently considered one of the most dangerous in the world and is the site of ongoing conflict. No part of Afghanistan is considered safe for travel, and those brave enough should be extremely careful to honour the country's predominantly Muslim beliefs and traditions.
Afghanistan is a country rich in not only culture, but also breathtaking wilderness that hopefully will once again entice intrigued travellers with itchy feet. But until further notice, it seems most foreign visitors to this country will be aid workers or soldiers.
Key Facts
Language:
Pashto and Dari are the official languages of Afghanistan, and the most widely spoken.
Passport/Visa:
The Government of Afghanistan collapsed in August 2021. Since then, all travel to and out of the country has been severely restricted. Borders are closed or may close suddenly. Regular entry and exit requirements may not apply at this time, and they could also change without notice. The situation is volatile and shifts quickly; travellers should avoid visiting to Afghanistan.
Currency:
The use of foreign currency is banned and payments need to be settled in the Afghan afghani (AFN). Credit cards are not widely accepted for payment and, though some ATMs and banks function, there are restrictions on the levels of cash withdrawals.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs with either two or three round pins are standard.
Travel to Afghanistan
Health Notes when travelling to Afghanistan
Diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, with outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea, measles and other viral infections regularly occuring around the year. The dry dusty conditions in summer and winter can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, nose and skin; malaria is present except in the high mountainous regions of the country and in winter.
Health care is inadequate and may be completely unavailable. If available, health-care facilities are not appropriately sanitised, meaning patients requiring medical treatment for incisions or wounds run a significant risk of infection. Prescription medications are not available.
Safety Notes when travelling to Afghanistan
The security situation is highly volatile and the potential for further attacks remains extremely high. Violent incidents could occur across the country. Travelling throughout the Afghanistan is extremely dangerous, including in Kabul. There are checkpoints on all roads and throughout cities. Some borders are closed or may close without notice; border crossing is risky.
Customs in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is an Islamic country and visitors should be respectful of religious traditions and laws, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Homosexuality is illegal, as is taking pictures of government buildings, military installations and palaces, and the locals don't always appreciate being photographed either. It's illegal to buy or export historical antiquities without a receipt from an authorised dealer and travellers may be asked for proof of purchase when leaving the country.
Duty Free in Afghanistan
Visitors may import reasonable quantities of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages for personal use without charge, and there are no restrictions for perfume. Import of film cameras is only possible with a license.
Doing Business in Afghanistan
English is understood by many but not all Afghan business people and, as Afghanistan is an Islamic State, visitors should respect Muslim customs. Women are expected to dress conservatively and have a scarf draped on the shoulders when attending meetings; Western attire is acceptable.
Communication in Afghanistan
The international access code for Afghanistan is +93. It is often cheaper to get a local sim card than to pay international roaming costs. Free WiFi is available in hotels in Kabul.
Tipping in Afghanistan
Tipping is not mandatory nor expected, though it's always very much appreciated.
Passport/Visa Note
The Government of Afghanistan collapsed in August 2021. Since then, all travel to and out of the country has been severely restricted. Borders are closed or may close suddenly. Regular entry and exit requirements may not apply at this time, and they could also change without notice. The situation is volatile and shifts quickly; travellers should avoid visiting to Afghanistan.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
Nationals of the USA need a passport that is valid for six months at the time of entry, and a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Nationals of Canada need a passport valid on arrival, and a visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals need a passport that is valid for six months at the time of entry, and a visa.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Nationals of Australia need a passport valid on arrival, and a visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Nationals of Ireland need a passport valid for six months after the period of intended stay, and a visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Nationals of New Zealand need a passport valid on arrival, and a visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
Nationals of South Africa need a passport valid for six months after the period of intended stay, and a visa.
Afghanistan Embassies
In the United States:
Embassy of Afghanistan, Washington: (202) 483 6410
In Canada:
Afghanistan Embassy, Ottawa: (613) 563 4223
In the United Kingdom:
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, London: (020) 7225 4743
In Australia:
Embassy of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Deakin: (61) 26282 7377
Foreign Embassies in Afghanistan
American Embassy
Embassy in United States, Kabul: (93) 70 010 8001
Canadian Embassy
Embassy of Canada, Kabul: (93) 70 110 8800
British Embassy
British Embassy, Kabul: (93) 0 700 102 000
Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Kabul: (61) 2 6261 3305
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Kabul: (93) 700 102 000
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Afghanistan
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Afghanistan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Afghanistan. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Health recommendation: You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to Afghanistan.
If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster dose in their lives (unless you are fulfilling the country requirement listed below).
If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Country exit requirement: If you will be in Afghanistan for more than 4 weeks, the government of Afghanistan may require you to show proof of polio vaccination when you are exiting the country. To meet this requirement, you should receive a polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date you are leaving Afghanistan. Talk to your doctor about whether this requirement applies to you.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Afghanistan. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Afghanistan.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Afghanistan, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Afghanistan
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Afghanistan. The government of Afghanistan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Afghanistan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Afghanistan. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Health recommendation: You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to Afghanistan.
If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster dose in their lives (unless you are fulfilling the country requirement listed below).
If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Country exit requirement: If you will be in Afghanistan for more than 4 weeks, the government of Afghanistan may require you to show proof of polio vaccination when you are exiting the country. To meet this requirement, you should receive a polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date you are leaving Afghanistan. Talk to your doctor about whether this requirement applies to you.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Afghanistan. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Afghanistan.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Afghanistan, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Afghanistan
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Afghanistan. The government of Afghanistan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Afghanistan, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Afghanistan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Afghanistan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Afghanistan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Afghanistan. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Afghanistan may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Afghanistan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Afghanistan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The use of foreign currency is banned and payments need to be settled in the Afghan afghani (AFN). Credit cards are not widely accepted for payment and, though some ATMs and banks function, there are restrictions on the levels of cash withdrawals.
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