Afghanistan Country Information

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At AARDY we provide our customers with country specific information from the US State Department and the CIA. To give our customers a more rounded view on their destination country, we also provide country specific information from other trusted nations, such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

Travel Advice with Country Information from the Australian Smart Traveler Website

The following Afghanistan Information should help you make the most of your trip to Afghanistan.

Note: Always check that your destination country is one approved for travel by your travel insurance provider.

Latest update

Latest update: The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile. There continues to be an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan, including around airports and at land border crossings. We continue to advise against all travel to and within Afghanistan. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents could occur across the country. Land borders may close to travellers seeking to cross from Afghanistan and border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack. You need to carefully consider the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Take all extra precautions for your safety. Stay in a safe place. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so. Foreign nationals, including Australians, have been detained without due process. Reasons for detention may be unclear. The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention, and our ability to access information about or assist a detainee is severely limited. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack.

Overview

Health advice due to COVID-19 is continually changing. Rules and restrictions to prevent outbreaks can change quickly. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re travelling to and transiting through.

 

Read our global health advisory and step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 for more information.

Safety

• The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack, particularly around Kabul International Airport. Attacks have occurred in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in casualties. The risk of further attacks to airports remains high. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.
• The security situation has significantly increased the risks associated with travel. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents could occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack.
• There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. Take all extra precautions for your safety. Stay in a safe place. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
• You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
• Afghanistan is under Taliban control. The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. There's an increased risk to your safety. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds. Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
• Foreign nationals, including Australians, have been detained without due process. Reasons for detention may be unclear. The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention, and our ability to access information about or assist a detainee is severely limited.
• Kidnapping is a serious and ongoing threat. Terrorists and criminal groups target foreigners and dual-citizens. 
• Aid and humanitarian workers are not safe from the threat of terrorism or kidnapping. Attacks continue to target both local and foreign NGO operations across the country and within Kabul. This includes through both politically motivated and kidnap-for-ransom abductions.
• Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. On 22 June 2022, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit the central region of Afghanistan impacting Paktika, Khost and Nangarhar Provinces. There was heavy casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Health

• COVID-19 remains a significant risk in Afghanistan. 
• Medical facilities are limited. Sanitation and hygiene are poor. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation which may be difficult to arrange in the current environment. Most Australian travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Afghanistan.
• Insect-borne diseases are common. Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread, including Polio.

Full travel advice: Health

Local laws

• There are conservative codes of dress and behaviour. 
• The Taliban has announced women must be accompanied by a male guardian and cover their hair and face when outside the home.
• De facto relationships, close contact between unmarried men and women, adultery and same-sex relations are illegal. Penalties are severe.
• Preaching a religion other than Islam and renouncing Islam is illegal.
• It's illegal to photograph checkpoints, government buildings, palaces, and security or military sites.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Travel

• There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack. Targets have included Kabul International Airport. The risk of further attacks to airports remains high. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents could occur across the country. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.
• Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack.
• There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. Unexploded weapons and landmines are dangers on and near roads. 
• Take all extra precautions for your safety. Stay in a safe place. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
• You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
• Limited flights from Afghanistan to other countries have resumed, these may change or be suspended at short notice. You should contact airlines or travel agents directly for current information. DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed and moved to a non-resident model. All Australian Government personnel have left Afghanistan. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.
• If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
• Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
• For all visa enquiries, see the Afghanistan page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• For non-urgent enquiries, including passports, see the contact page on the Australian Embassy Afghanistan website.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Safety

Security situation

The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds. There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack. Targets have included Kabul International Airport. Attacks have occurred in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in casualties. The risk of further attacks to airports remains high. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.

The security situation has significantly increased the risks associated with travel. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents could occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. 

You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any alternative departure point. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. 

Take all extra precautions for your safety. 

• Stay in a safe place and limit your movements.
• Adopt effective personal security measures.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds.
• Keep a low profile.
• Vary your routines so your movements don’t become obvious to others.
• Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
• Keep up to date with developments in the security situation, including through monitoring local media.

Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Australian evacuation flights from Kabul have ceased, and all Australian Government personnel have left Kabul. The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed and moved to a non-resident model. If you're in Afghanistan, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor credible local information sources and have a plan in place if you need to leave quickly.

Terrorism

There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan. Serious, large-scale terrorist incidents happen frequently, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms. Rocket and mortar attacks also occur.

If you're in Afghanistan, stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds. Make sure your accommodation is secure and review your personal security plans. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.

Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time.

There are ongoing threats around airports. Attacks have occurred in the vicinity of Kabul International Airport, resulting in casualties. There have been incidents of rocket and mortar attacks around the airport. The roads leading to the airport are often targeted for IEDs. Explosions have occurred in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in casualties. The risk of further attack to airports remains high. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.

Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack.

Aid and humanitarian workers are not safe from the threat of terrorism. Terrorists have attacked NGOs and a hospital.

Targets of an attack include:

• places with a high number of security and government personnel, government buildings and military establishments
• hotels
• residential compounds used by foreigners
• embassies and international humanitarian facilities and offices
• vehicles of humanitarian organisations
• shops, markets and restaurants
• police stations, schools and medical facilities
• places of worship and religious sites.

Terrorists have staged attacks from partly constructed buildings and high rises.

Terror attacks occur in Kabul city. Terrorists frequently carry out attacks on vehicles travelling along roads in and around Kabul. Many terrorist attacks have targeted international convoys, including security forces.

If you're in Afghanistan, don't travel at night.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a serious and ongoing threat.

Afghanistan is a global kidnapping hotspot. There are a high number of recorded incidents.

Westerners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in recent years.

Sources report that terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners throughout Afghanistan. This includes Kabul and surrounding districts.

Kidnappers have targeted:

• academics
• journalists
• people working for NGOs
• people working for foreign companies

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Kidnappers may have links to terrorist groups. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded terrorist attacks.

Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to breach Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Civil unrest and political tension

The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Afghanistan is under Taliban control. 

Demonstrations and celebratory gunfire

Demonstrations may happen as a result of:

• domestic events
• international events
• political developments in the region

Violent demonstrations happen in areas visited by foreigners.

Attacks could occur anywhere.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid:

• demonstrations
• political rallies
• public gatherings
• minor disputes

If they escalate, people could be killed or injured.

If you're in Afghanistan and you're in an area affected by civil unrest:

• find a safe location
• stay indoors
• monitor local media for updates

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Detention 

Foreign nationals, including Australians, have been detained in Afghanistan without due process. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Detention can be lengthy, damaging to health and welfare, and of uncertain outcome. Communication with next of kin may not be possible.

The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention. Our ability to access information about or assist a detainee is severely limited.

Crime

There's a high level of serious crime, including:

• armed robbery
• rape
• carjacking

Many people own weapons.

Lawlessness exists in rural areas. Armed bandits and kidnapping by armed groups is common.

If you're in Afghanistan:

• stay indoors after dark
• make sure your communications equipment is always working

Climate and natural disasters

Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone.

On 22 June 2022, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit the central region of Afghanistan impacting Paktika, Khost and Nangarhar Provinces. There was heavy casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Some mountainous areas experience deadly winter avalanches and heavy snow.

Follow the advice of local authorities.

Health

Travel insurance

Most Australian travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Afghanistan. Do not travel to Afghanistan. If you're in Afghanistan, take all extra precautions for your safety. Stay in a safe place. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.

Physical and mental health

Do not travel to Afghanistan. If you're in Afghanistan, take all extra precautions for your safety. Stay in a safe place. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

More information:

• Medicine

Health risks

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a significant risk in Afghanistan, including Kabul. The availability of medical facilities to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is extremely limited.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria outbreaks can occur between April and September. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are reported in some areas.

Other insect-borne diseases, including leishmaniasis, are common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• measles
• tuberculosis
• leptospirosis
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Polio

Polio is present in Afghanistan.

In August 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed that wild polio was a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The WHO has extended its temporary polio recommendations. These may affect your travel to Afghanistan.

More information:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Poliomyelitis

Air pollution

Household air pollution is an environmental health risk in Afghanistan. There's a higher risk during winter.

To reduce your exposure, take precautions when increased levels are recorded.

More Information:

• Afghanistan environmental health
• Kabul air quality index

Medical care

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are limited and the standard of training for medical staff is poor.

Sanitation and hygiene are poor.

You can use some private medical clinics in Kabul for routine health issues. Clinics will request up-front payment for medical treatment.

If you get seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It may also be difficult to arrange in the current environment. Most Australian travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Afghanistan.

Local laws

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Follow the local laws and regulations.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Death penalty

Afghanistan imposes the death sentence for murder and other serious offences.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms and fines.

Serious crimes

It's illegal to have:

• a de facto relationship
• close contact between unmarried men and women

These crimes are particularly serious when the relationship is between a non-Muslim and a Muslim.

Severe penalties apply for breaking these laws.

Same-sex relationships are illegal. 

Penalties are severe for other serious crimes, such as:

• non-Islamic preaching
• adultery
• abandoning Islam as a religion

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Other laws

Don't photograph:

• checkpoints
• government buildings
• palaces
• security or military sites, including non-Afghan installations

You could be detained and have your equipment seized. Obey signs prohibiting photography.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

It's a serious criminal offence for an Australian to fight in a foreign state. Penalties include up to 25 years in jail.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

There are conservative codes of dress and behaviour in Afghanistan. 

A recent Taliban announcement stated that women must be accompanied by a male guardian (for instance a husband, father, brother or son) and cover their hair and face when outside the home. It is customary for women to also cover their arms and legs in public. 

Public displays of affection may cause offence.

Although there are inconsistent reports regarding enforcement of dress codes, you should consider these announcements and customs when out in public and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Afghanistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities in front of people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence. 

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Travel

Visas and border measures

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.

Passport

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable. It may be attractive to criminals who try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Money

The local currency is the Afghani (AFN). US dollars are widely accepted.

There are very few ATMs in Kabul.

Businesses don't widely accept credit cards and are unlikely to accept travellers' cheques.

Local travel

Road travel

The security situation has significantly increased the risks associated with travel. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents could occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country.

• Take all extra precautions for your safety.
• Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay in a safe place.
• Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.

You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.

Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines, are a danger on:

• roads
• the areas next to roads

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Limited flights from Afghanistan to other countries have resumed, these may change or be suspended at short notice. You should contact airlines or travel agents directly for current information.

Afghan-owned airlines are currently banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Research your aviation provider before choosing their services.

You're encouraged to read Air travel before flying. 

Check Afghanistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Be alert to anyone attempting to get payments from travellers illegally. They may attempt to do this by withholding your passport.

More information:

• Air travel

Local contacts

Emergencies

There's no centralised number to reach emergency services.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas. 

The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed and moved to a non-resident model. All Australian Government personnel have left Afghanistan. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited. 

If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

For non-urgent enquiries, including passports, see the contact page on the Australian Embassy Afghanistan website.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia