Lexi Webster
Due to the volatile security situation in Afghanistan, tourist visas are not currently being issued to US citizens. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. US citizens are urged not to travel to Afghanistan for any reason.
If you are a US citizen with dual nationality, born in Afghanistan to Afghan parents, you are considered an Afghan national and do not need an entry visa. For US citizens of Afghan parentage, but not born in Afghanistan, an entry permit is required.
If you are a US citizen travelling to Afghanistan on business or in support of a US government contract, you will need a business visa. This can be obtained from the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC, or the consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence. The visa must be obtained in advance of arrival in Afghanistan, and the process can be lengthy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa required for US citizens? | Yes |
| Visa type | Business, Official, Tourist, Multiple Entry, Diplomatic, Entry Permit |
| Visa validity | 3 months, 6 months, 1 year |
| Visa application location | Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC, or the consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence |
| Visa application requirements | Photocopy of passport personal information page, passport-sized photo, letter of introduction issued on company letterhead, properly completed visa application form |
| Visa application processing time | Lengthy |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Afghanistan |
| Passport pages required | 1 blank page for entry stamp |
| Other requirements | Polio vaccination is recommended |
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens are advised not to travel to Afghanistan due to the high 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 currently in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible.
If you are a US citizen with a valid reason for travelling to Afghanistan, you will need a visa to enter the country. Here are the key visa requirements for US citizens:
Visa Application Process:
- US citizens can obtain an Afghan visa by applying at the Afghan Embassy in Washington, DC, or the consulate that has jurisdiction over their state of residence.
- The visa must be obtained before arriving in Afghanistan, and the process can be lengthy. It is advisable to start the application process as early as possible.
Visa Requirements:
- A valid US passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended date of departure from Afghanistan.
- At least two blank visa pages in your passport.
- A completed visa application form.
- A passport-sized photograph that meets the requirements of the Afghan Embassy.
- A letter of introduction issued on company letterhead, explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Proof of funds: While there is no minimum daily cash requirement, travellers are advised to carry sufficient funds, including emergency money.
- A polio vaccination is recommended, and other vaccinations may be required.
Visa Types:
The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your trip:
- Tourist Visa: Issued for personal travel or tourism. Requires a statement describing the purpose of travel and is usually single-entry with a maximum stay of three months.
- Business Visa: For commercial purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or investments. Requires a support letter from the sending company.
- Official Visa: Issued by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for official travel and is valid for up to six months.
- Diplomatic Visa: Also issued by the MFA and typically valid for one year but can be shorter. The applicant must hold a diplomatic passport.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Issued to foreigners working with organisations or corporations registered with the Afghan government or ISAF. Valid for six months with a three-month duration of stay.
- Entry Permit: US citizens born in Afghanistan who do not have an Afghan passport should apply for an entry permit instead of a visa.
Important Notes:
- Afghan visas are not available on arrival at airports or land borders.
- There may be inconsistencies in the Afghan entry/exit control process.
- Overstaying your visa can result in fines and deportation.
- US citizens are advised to register their trip with the US Department of State and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to US citizens is critical. All US citizens in Afghanistan are advised to maintain a low profile, exercise discretion, and avoid areas of conflict.
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Visa application process
Due to the highly unstable and volatile security environment, tourist travel to Afghanistan is not permitted for US citizens. Tourist visas to Afghanistan are not issued at present. However, if you are travelling on business or in support of a US government contract, a business visa will be required.
The visa for travel to Afghanistan must be obtained in advance and can only be issued by the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC, or the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. The process can be lengthy.
To obtain a visa for travel to Afghanistan, you will need to submit:
- Photocopy of the personal information page of your passport
- Passport-sized photo that meets the requirements of the Embassy of Afghanistan
- Letter of introduction issued on company letterhead
- Properly completed visa application form
The passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of exit from Afghanistan.
If you are a US citizen born in Afghanistan (i.e. dual citizen) who does not have an Afghan passport, you should not apply for a visa in your US passport. Instead, you should submit an application for an entry permit on the website of the Afghan Embassy in Washington.
If you are a US citizen of Afghan parentage, but not born in Afghanistan, an entry permit is required.
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Visa fees
The visa policy of Afghanistan is unclear due to the country's political instability. However, all visitors are required to apply for a visa unless they are born to Afghan parents or are born to foreign nationals in Afghanistan, in which case they are automatically considered Afghan citizens.
The visa fees for US citizens are as follows:
- Tourist visa: $209
- Business visa: $209
- Official visa: $209
- Work visa: $569
- Government contractor visa: $569
The visa fees are subject to change due to the erratic nature of the Afghan government's policies.
The visa application process involves several steps, including completing the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160), scheduling an interview, and submitting the required documents. The visa issuance fee must also be paid, and this varies depending on the type of visa being applied for.
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Visa validity
The validity of a visa for Afghanistan refers to the period over which a traveller is allowed to enter the country. The validity of a visa starts from the date it is issued.
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are usually single-entry and valid for three months, with a one-month authorised stay. They cannot be renewed while in Afghanistan.
Business Visa
Business visas are issued for commercial purposes and are meant to be short-term visas. The validity of a business visa is unknown, but it can be used to attend meetings, conferences, or provide professional services in Afghanistan.
Official Visa
An official visa is valid for six months but can also be issued for the duration of the stay if it is expected to be less than a year.
Multiple-Entry Visa
A multiple-entry visa is typically valid for six months, with a three-month duration of stay.
Diplomatic Visa
A diplomatic visa is typically valid for one year but can sometimes be valid for six months or less.
Entry Visa
An entry visa is valid for 15 days.
Exit Visa
An exit visa is valid for six days.
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Visa extensions
US citizens in Afghanistan are required to have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit the country. If you are a US citizen in Afghanistan and your visa is about to expire, you can apply for a visa extension at the General Passport Office in Kabul, prior to the expiration of your duration of stay.
Afghan citizens in the US who need to extend their visa should refer to the US Department of State website for information on how to do this. The type of visa you are applying for will determine the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period.
If you are a national of another country and need to extend your Afghan visa, you should contact the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a visa to enter Afghanistan with a US passport. The US Embassy in Kabul is currently suspended, but you can contact any US embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance.
The visa for travel to Afghanistan is issued by the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC, or the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. The visa must be obtained in advance of your arrival in Afghanistan.
The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit. Tourist visas are not currently being issued, but if you are travelling for business or in support of a US government contract, you will need a business visa.
