The Forbidden Entry: Unraveling America's Presence In Afghanistan

Although it is not illegal for Americans to enter Afghanistan, the US State Department warns against all travel to the country, advising US citizens not to travel to Afghanistan for any reason. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. The UK and Canadian governments have issued similar advisories. The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile, with frequent terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, and a high risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, detention, and crime. Additionally, foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are targets for kidnappings and violence by terrorist groups. Women also face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement and are prohibited from many public places.

Tourist visas to Afghanistan are not currently being issued to US citizens

The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, warning that US citizens should not travel to the country for any reason. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. The Department of State has assessed that there is a risk of wrongful detention of US citizens by the Taliban, who have also harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. The Taliban does not regularly permit the US to conduct welfare checks on detained US citizens, and those detained may have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.

The US State Department further advises that US citizens in Afghanistan should depart immediately via commercial means if possible. Those seeking US government assistance to depart should email their complete biographic details and contact information, as well as their US passport number, to [email protected].

Entry Requirements

US citizens must have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Travelers arriving without a valid visa are subject to deportation or confiscation of their passport and heavy fines. Dual nationals/Afghan heritage US citizens who do not have an Afghan passport should apply for an entry permit rather than a visa.

Security Situation

The security situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. There is an extremely high and continuous threat of terrorism and criminal violence, with terrorist attacks and criminal attacks occurring throughout the country, including in Kabul. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe or exempt from the threat of attack. Targets of attacks have included government buildings, security and defense personnel, airports and other transportation hubs, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels, medical facilities, and other sites frequented by foreigners. There is also a heightened risk of attacks targeting human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, and judges and prosecutors.

In addition to targeted attacks, terrorist groups periodically fire multiple unguided rockets into central Kabul, which may land anywhere in the central area of the city.

Kidnapping Risk

There is an extreme risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals in Afghanistan. Criminal and terrorist groups target foreigners, including US citizens, for kidnapping and extortion. Kidnap-for-ransom groups may also sell their captives to terrorist groups, with victims potentially facing years in captivity. Journalists may be lured with offers of interviews, when the real purpose is to kidnap them.

Border Crossings

Border crossing points may be closed without notice, especially during increased border tensions or concerns of an increased risk of a terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country and in Kabul.

Women's Safety

The Taliban has increasingly restricted the public sphere of women since taking power, prohibiting them from traveling and going to public places without a male guardian, accessing higher education, working outside the home, or working for non-governmental organizations and the UN. Women who do not cover themselves from head to toe are likely to be arrested and face jail sentences.

Americans travelling to Afghanistan for business or to support US government contracts will need a business visa

Americans are advised against all travel to Afghanistan due to the current volatile security situation in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended its operations, and the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

However, if you are an American travelling to Afghanistan for business or to support U.S. government contracts, you will need to obtain a business visa. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain an Afghan business visa:

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Afghanistan. Ensure that you have at at least two blank pages in your passport for the entry stamp and visa.

Visa Application:

You will need to complete and sign the Afghanistan visa application form. This can be found on the website of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C.

Photograph Specifications:

You will need to provide one passport-type photograph, measuring 2x2 inches on a white background, taken within the last six months. Glasses should not be worn in the photo.

Letter of Introduction:

If you are employed, a letter of introduction from your employer or sponsor is required. This letter should state the purpose and duration of your trip, sponsorship information, and provide a financial guarantee for any expenses you will incur in Afghanistan.

Letter of Invitation:

You will also need to obtain an official Letter of Invitation issued and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Afghanistan. This letter must be stamped by the Ministry and sent directly to the appropriate Embassy/Consulate in the U.S. Include a copy of the invitation with your application.

Proof of Onward Travel and Accommodation:

You will need to provide proof of an onward/return ticket or confirmed itinerary, along with hotel reservations for your stay in Afghanistan.

Additional Requirements:

• A colour copy of your Green Card (both sides) or a valid U.S. visa if you are not a U.S. citizen.
• A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the requirements of the Embassy of Afghanistan.

Processing Fees and Timeframe:

The visa processing fees vary depending on the type of processing you choose:

• Regular Processing: $99 (10-12 business days)
• Rush Processing: $150 (6-8 business days)
• U.S. Citizens: $160

The timeframe for obtaining a visa can be lengthy, so it is advisable to start the process as early as possible. The visa must be obtained in advance of your arrival in Afghanistan.

Where to Submit Your Application:

You can submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C., or the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.

The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended its operations and cannot provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan

The US Embassy in Kabul has been evacuated and its operations suspended since August 2021, when the Taliban took control of the city. The embassy staff relocated to Hamid Karzai International Airport and were eventually evacuated from the country.

The US government is currently unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. US citizens in Afghanistan who require routine consular services can contact any US embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance, although the ability to assist US citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited.

The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, warning of the risk of terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime. The advisory further states that travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and that the risk of kidnapping or violence against US citizens is high.

US citizens in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. Those seeking US government assistance in departing the country should email their complete biographic details, contact information, and US passport number to [email protected].

It is important to note that the security situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. Foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are targets for kidnappings and violence by terrorist groups. Women, in particular, face strict restrictions on their movement and are prohibited from travelling without a male guardian.

The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan

The advisory was updated in December 2023 with information on the risk of wrongful detention. It highlights the following risks:

• Terrorism
• Risk of wrongful detention
• Kidnapping
• Crime

The advisory also notes that the US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide any emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. Multiple terrorist groups are active in the country, and US citizens are targets of kidnapping and wrongful detention. The Taliban has harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers, and foreigners may be viewed with suspicion.

The advisory urges US citizens in Afghanistan to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. It also provides a list of precautions for those who choose to disregard the advisory and travel to Afghanistan, including:

• Following the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter
• Visiting the website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
• Reviewing personal security plans
• Being aware of surroundings and local security developments
• Notifying a trusted person of travel and movement plans
• Making contingency plans that do not rely on US government assistance
• Drafting a will and designating appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney
• Discussing a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, etc.
• Leaving DNA samples with a medical provider
• Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Visiting the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information

There is a heightened risk of kidnapping and wrongful detention of US citizens in Afghanistan

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, urging US citizens to refrain from travelling to the country due to the risk of terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended its operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan.

US citizens are targets of kidnapping and wrongful detention by multiple terrorist groups active in the country. The Taliban, in particular, have been assessed to pose a risk of wrongful detention of US citizens. They have a history of harassing and detaining aid and humanitarian workers, and foreigners may be viewed with suspicion. The reasons for detention are often unclear, and the Taliban do not regularly permit welfare checks on detained US citizens.

Detention by the Taliban can be lengthy, and access to medical attention is limited or non-existent. There is also a risk of physical abuse during detention. Even registration with the appropriate authorities to conduct business does not guarantee protection against the high risk of detention.

In addition to the risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative practice in Afghanistan. Criminals have kidnapped and sometimes killed Westerners, including tourists, journalists, teachers, doctors, and non-government organization workers. Journalists may be lured with offers of interviews, only to be kidnapped. These kidnap-for-ransom groups may also sell their captives to terrorist groups, leading to years of captivity.

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent attacks by terrorist groups and criminals. Travelling throughout the country, including in Kabul, is extremely hazardous. Women face additional risks and restrictions on their movement and are not allowed to travel alone. They often encounter difficulties at checkpoints and may be prohibited from entering certain places.

Given these factors, there is a heightened risk of kidnapping and wrongful detention of US citizens in Afghanistan. The US government advises its citizens against travelling to Afghanistan and urges those currently in the country to depart immediately via commercial means if possible.

Frequently asked questions