Afghanistan

Border crossings may get closed on short notice. Regulations on entry and exit may change without notice.

Visas

All visitors need to apply for a visa in advance. Since March 2026, the easiest way for tourists from almost any country to obtain a visa is to apply online through the new eVisa system. These visas require entry at Kabul International airport, are valid for a 30-day visit within a 90-day validity period, and are single entry. Israel is the only country whose citizens may not obtain any kind of visa, though a small number of other nationalities or people residing in those count…

Money

The Afghani (AFN) is the currency of Afghanistan, denoted by the symbol "Afs" or "؋" (ISO code: AFN). The current version of the afghani was introduced in 2002, with 1 afghani equal to 1,000 of the previous afghanis.

To visit different places and objects in the country you need to buy permits. These are both for your security (checked at police checkpoints, need to register them in local tourist bureaus) and to support the country. In Kabul these permits are issued by Afghan Tour (Abdullhaq crossroad, {{phone|+93 20 210 6837]) and cost 1000 Afs (2025) for each area you want. Getting these permits can take considerable time, and the officers demand you to have a "translator" (kind of guide which helps you with language and getting around). You may want to find a local travel agency or a guide to help you wi…

The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari (an Afghan dialect of Persian), which serves as the country's lingua franca, and Pashto, spoken by the largest and most influential ethnic group, the Pashtuns. According to the CIA World Factbook, 78% of Afghans speak Dari, and 50% speak Pashto. Many Afghans are bilingual in those two languages.

Afghanistan is a volatile and dangerous country. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Banditry is somewhat of an ancient tradition in many parts of the country, including in the northern areas. Foreigners may be targets for kidnapping.

Afghanistan has more than its share of health issues, and it is pretty much essential to consult a travel doctor ahead of your trip about vaccinations and health risks. Travellers' diarrhea will afflict most visitors at least occasionally, and other food-related illnesses are moderately common. Respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis are common, and malaria is a risk in many parts of the country. Meningitis, hepatitis, cholera and rabies are major health issues, especially in the countryside with lacking health infrastructure.

Fixed line service is available in major cities (digital in Kabul) and mobile phones in most cities. SIM cards are available and international calls to Europe/US typically cost less than USD0.5/minute. Outside of major cities your options are limited to a satellite phone.

Despite all that they have been through since 1979, Afghans in general are welcoming and hospitable to foreign visitors. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Afghan culture, and it is very likely that you'll be treated as a celebrity by the locals.