Canadian Consulate Visa Services: Accessibility And Limitations In Afghanistan

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has temporarily suspended its operations, including the issuing of visas. Canadians in need of consular assistance in Afghanistan should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Ottawa issues visas to individuals residing in and applying from Canada. Due to regulatory constraints, only single-entry visas valid for a one-month stay can be issued, except for Business Visas, which can be issued for up to three years with multiple entries.

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has suspended its operations

• Phone: +1 613 996 8885
• Email: [email protected]
• SMS: +1-613-686-3658

The Canadian government has urged its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country immediately while commercial flights are still available. The situation in Afghanistan poses serious challenges to the safety and security of Canadian personnel and the embassy. The Canadian Embassy will resume its operations once the security situation in Afghanistan improves and adequate security for staff can be guaranteed.

Canadian special forces have been deployed to Afghanistan to evacuate staff from the embassy in Kabul before it closes. The number of special forces deployed has not been disclosed. This comes as the Taliban has seized control of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, and the second-largest city, Kandahar. The Taliban is seeking the surrender of the Afghan government.

The Canadian government has committed to taking in 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan and is working to evacuate Afghans who have assisted Canada, particularly those who worked closely with Western countries during the war. The government is also processing the paperwork for Afghans applying for asylum in Canada.

Canadians in Afghanistan requiring consular assistance should contact the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous. If you are in Afghanistan, you should shelter in a safe place and exercise caution if you need to move to a more secure location. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family. It is recommended that Canadians in Afghanistan register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information.

The contact details for the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa are as follows:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1-613-996-8885
• SMS: +1-613-686-3658

It is important to note that the ability of the Government of Canada to provide consular assistance may be constrained and limited in Afghanistan. If you have successfully left Afghanistan and require consular assistance, you should contact the nearest Canadian office.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Ottawa issues visas to individuals in Canada

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Ottawa issues visas to individuals residing in and applying from Canada. The Embassy currently only issues single-entry visas for a one-month stay, except for business visas, which can be issued for up to three years with multiple entries. Applicants must submit a completed visa application form, their passport (with at least six months' validity and blank pages), two passport-sized photos, evidence of employment in Canada, and a copy of their Canadian permanent residence card or identity card. They must also pay a non-refundable visa processing fee and may apply by post or in person.

The Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan has temporarily suspended its operations, and Canadians in need of consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan provides services to Canadians visiting and living in Afghanistan

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan, located in Kabul, has temporarily suspended its operations. Canadians in need of consular assistance in Afghanistan can contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa via the following means:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1-613-996-8885
• SMS: +1-613-686-3658

It is recommended that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information.

• Travel advice and advisories
• Passport and entry requirements
• Health and safety information
• Visa applications to study, work or visit Canada
• Travel advice for returning to Canada
• Information on preparing to leave Canada to live in Afghanistan
• Information on Canada-Afghanistan relations
• Authentication of documents
• Registration of Canadians Abroad

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan typically assists Canadians visiting and living in Afghanistan with a range of consular services. However, due to the volatile security situation, ongoing armed conflict, and the risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest, the Embassy has temporarily suspended its operations. Canadians in Afghanistan are advised to shelter in a safe place, exercise extreme caution, and monitor international media for updates.

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan offers travel advice, passport and entry requirements, health and safety information, and more

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has temporarily suspended its operations. Canadians in need of consular assistance in Afghanistan should contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Here is some travel advice, passport and entry requirements, and health and safety information for Canadian citizens.

Travel Advice

Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the high crime rate. The intensity and frequency of attacks by several active terrorist groups have significantly increased since August 2021, and foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are targets for kidnapping and violence. The security situation is highly volatile, and violent attacks could occur anywhere in the country at any time.

Passport and Entry Requirements

Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and visa to enter Afghanistan. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of departure from Afghanistan. Proof of vaccination for polio may be required upon departure.

Health and Safety Information

There is a high risk of kidnapping and violent attacks by terrorists and criminals throughout the country, including Kabul. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe. Women are prohibited from travelling alone and often face difficulties at checkpoints. Basic infrastructure services are minimal, and shortages of food and water are common. There is no adequate police coverage, and medical services are inadequate and may be completely unavailable.

Frequently asked questions