Destination
Afghanistan
Asia · Kabul
Entry details
Visa required
- Source's ruleVisa required
- Passport validityValid on arrival
Practical details for a short tourist stay — conditions change; always verify with an official source.
From the guidebook
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
…Safety advisory
Do not travel
For citizens of Russia
Несмотря на устойчивый контроль властей над всей территорией, обстановка в сфере безопасности остается напряженной. Криминогенная обстановка также довольна напряженная.
Traveller safety tips
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
…When to go
Seasonal calendar — from climate data and curated definitions.
UNESCO sites
2UNESCO World Heritage sites in this country.
- Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valleyin danger2003Cultural
The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two monumental Buddhist reliefs in the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan, carved possibly around the 6th-century. Located 130 kilometres (81 mi) to the northwest of Kabul, at an elevation of 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), carbon dating of the structural components of the Buddhas has determined the smaller 38 m (125 ft) "Eastern Buddha" was built around 570 CE, and the larger 55 m (180 ft) "Western Buddha" was built around 618 CE, which would date both to the time when the Hephthalites ruled the region.
Text: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) - Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jamin danger2002Cultural
The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Afghanistan. It is located in a remote and nearly inaccessible region of Shahrak District, Ghor Province, between the Jam and Hari Rivers. The 62 m (203 ft) or 65 m (213 ft) high minaret was built c. 1190, entirely of baked bricks, and is famous for its intricate brick, stucco and glazed tile decoration, which consists of alternating bands of Kufic and Naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Qur'an. Since 2002, the minaret has remained on the list of World Heritage in Danger, under serious threat of erosion, and has not been actively preserved. In 2014, the BBC reported that the tower was in imminent danger of collapse.
Text: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Car rental & driving
Whether your licence is recognized, and which side traffic drives on — per the UN road-traffic conventions.
This country is in a different convention — your IDP may not be recognized; a certified translation or a local licence may be required. Check with the rental company.
Local norms
Culture & etiquette
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
…Health
Internet
Connectivity on the road: coverage, data price, access.
Prices
Frequently asked questions
Afghanistan: do Russia citizens need a visa?
Yes, Russia citizens need a visa arranged in advance via a consulate or visa centre.
What do you need to enter?
Passport must be valid Valid on arrival. Rules change — check the official source before you travel.
Similar visa-free destinations
Similar climate, sea and prices — no visa needed in advance.
If something goes wrong
Lost passport, detention, emergencies — where to turn.
MFA emergency line:+7 495 695-45-45MFA Crisis Centre (DSKC), 24/7Consulates: Mazar-e-Sharif
About the country
- Capital
- Kabul
- Continent
- Asia
- Population
- 37,172,386
- Area
- 647,500 km²
- Currency
- Afghani · AFN
- Time zone
- 20:41UTC+4:30
- Sockets
- CF
- Calling code
- +93
- Languages
- Persian, Pashto, Uzbek, Turkmen
+1:30h vs. your time
220 V · 50 Hz