Visa Requirements For Canadians Visiting Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Guide

Canadian citizens need a visa to enter Afghanistan. The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has suspended its operations, and the ability of the Canadian government to provide consular assistance in the country is extremely limited. Canadians in Afghanistan are advised to exercise extreme caution, be aware of their surroundings, and keep in mind that they are responsible for their own safety. The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, kidnapping, arbitrary arrests, and a high crime rate.

Canadians in Afghanistan are advised to shelter in a safe place and exercise caution

• The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has temporarily suspended its operations, and the ability of the Canadian government to provide consular assistance is extremely limited. Canadians in Afghanistan who require consular assistance should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa via email or phone.
• The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with an increased frequency of attacks by terrorist groups. There is a continuous threat of terrorism and criminal violence throughout the country, including in Kabul. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe.
• If you are in Afghanistan, use your judgement to decide the best and safest means of reaching a more secure location. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
• Monitor international media and stay informed about the latest developments and decrees. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and exercise extreme caution.
• Travelling throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. There are checkpoints on roads and throughout cities, and women are not allowed to travel alone. Borders may close without notice, and border crossings are risky due to criminal groups and smugglers.
• There is a high risk of kidnapping and arbitrary arrest in Afghanistan, especially for foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries.
• Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas. Food and water shortages are common, and medical services and facilities are inadequate or unavailable.
• If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Afghanistan, it is recommended to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information and updates.
• Canadians in Afghanistan should also be aware of cultural and legal differences. For example, public displays of affection between men and women are considered offensive, and there are strict restrictions on women's dress and behaviour.
• Canadians travelling to Afghanistan are required to obtain a visa. It is important to check the latest entry requirements and restrictions before travelling.

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has suspended its operations

The decision to suspend operations was made after consulting with Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan. The safety and security of Canadian personnel is the top priority, and all staff are safely on their way back to Canada.

The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance and other support in Afghanistan is extremely limited at this time. Canadians in Afghanistan who require consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by phone, email, or SMS. The contact details are as follows:

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

It is recommended that Canadians in Afghanistan register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information. They should also follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.

The situation in Afghanistan poses serious challenges to the safety and security of Canadians in the country. It is recommended that Canadians avoid all travel to Afghanistan, and those currently in Afghanistan should leave immediately while commercial flights are still available.

Canadians in Afghanistan are recommended to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service

The Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan has suspended its operations, and the Canadian government's ability to provide consular assistance and other support in Afghanistan is extremely limited. Canadians in Afghanistan are therefore advised to register with the service, as it will allow them to receive important information and updates.

The personal information obtained through registration is kept confidential and is used in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act. Canadians can register for multiple countries in the same trip and can update their registration information online.

In addition to registering, it is recommended that Canadians travelling to Afghanistan take the following steps before their trip so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency:

• Leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact details with family or friends in Canada.
• Provide family or friends with the telephone number for the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
• Carry contact information for Canadian government offices abroad in the countries you plan to visit.

It is also important to note that the security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with a high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and detention. Canadians in Afghanistan should exercise extreme caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous

The Taliban enforces strict laws and cultural norms, particularly restricting the rights and freedoms of women. Women must be accompanied by a male guardian and are required to cover themselves from head to toe in public. They are prohibited from many places, including Band-e-Amir National Park, and face challenges when interacting with authorities. The Taliban has also carried out extrajudicial killings, including those of former government officials and human rights defenders.

In addition to the Taliban, other criminal and terrorist groups contribute to the country's unstable security situation. Criminals take advantage of the unstable security situation to commit violent attacks, including kidnapping. The presence of regional and global terrorist and violent extremist organizations, as well as anti-Taliban resistance groups, further exacerbates the security threats.

The political situation in Afghanistan is uncertain and could change rapidly. The country's border crossings remain volatile, with some borders closed or closing without notice. The situation at these crossings is dangerous due to criminal groups and smugglers. Additionally, road travel is extremely dangerous, with checkpoints, fake checkpoints set up by terrorist and criminal groups, and aggressive and reckless drivers.

Overall, the security situation in Afghanistan poses significant risks to individuals, including the threat of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, detention, and violent crimes. The Canadian government has suspended its embassy operations in Afghanistan and strongly advises against all travel to the country.

All travel to and out of Afghanistan is severely restricted

Foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are at a high risk of kidnapping and violence by terrorist groups. The security situation is so volatile that additional violent attacks could occur at any time and anywhere in the country. Criminals are taking advantage of the unstable security situation to commit violent attacks. The Taliban do not regularly permit welfare checks on detained foreign nationals. Detention can be lengthy, and detainees have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.

Several borders are closed, and others may close without notice. Border crossings are risky due to criminal groups and smugglers. The intensity and frequency of attacks in the country have significantly increased since August 2021, resulting in numerous casualties.

The Taliban enforces strict rules on women's appearance and behaviour. Women must be accompanied by a male guardian and cover their hair and face outside their homes. They must also cover their arms and legs in public. Women are prohibited from many places, including Band-e-Amir National Park. Some regions, like Kandahar province, enforce restrictions on women more strictly than others.

The country's medical facilities are limited, and the standard of training for medical staff is poor. Sanitation and hygiene are poor, and most Australian travel insurance policies do not cover travel to Afghanistan.

Frequently asked questions