Afghanistan

Border crossings may get closed on short notice. Regulations on entry and exit may change without notice. Vaccinations On your departure, the Afghan authorities may ask for a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine. 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 countries are ineligible for the eVisa and must apply for a physical one. See Visa policy of Afghanistan on Wikipedia for an up-to-date list. …

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. Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. Foreign nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021. The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-KP) is an anti-Taliban and Islamic extremist militant group that has an active presence in the country. It has strongly anti-Western and anti-Chinese views far exceeding those of the Taliban, and often targets hotels and other areas frequented by foreigners, though Taliban security operations have greatly reduced the frequency of these attacks in the mid-2020s. …

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. With the regime change in 2021, a large proportion of the population, especially women, are very afraid of what will be in the future. Those who worked for the government, for foreign organisations, for human rights or for the media, or held any high profile positions may be afraid for their lives. Tread extremely lightly. Basic etiquette If invited to an Afghan home, expect to be offered the best of everything there is. You will often be showered with tea, sweets, snacks, and gifts when entering someone's home. Don't refuse any of these as it can leave a bad impression on your hosts. …