Visa Requirements For Working In Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you need a visa to work in Afghanistan. The only exemptions are for those born in Afghanistan, including those with at least one Afghan citizen parent or whose parent was born in Afghanistan.

The visa policy of Afghanistan is complex due to the country's political instability. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, some diplomatic missions have stopped issuing visas, while others continue to do so.

If you are a US citizen, you must have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be deported or have your passport confiscated and be required to pay a heavy fine.

If you are located outside of Afghanistan, you should contact the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission for information on how to obtain a visa.

Who needs a visa to work in Afghanistan?

As of 2024, Afghanistan citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 28 countries and territories, ranking the Afghanistan passport 107th in the world. Obtaining foreign visas from within Afghanistan is difficult as many embassies in Afghanistan have closed since the Taliban took over the government in August 2021.

Who needs a visa?

All citizens of foreign countries require a travel visa to visit Afghanistan. The only exemptions are travellers born in Afghanistan, including those born to at least one Afghan citizen parent or whose parent was born in Afghanistan.

Who doesn't need a visa?

U.S. citizens born in Afghanistan (i.e. dual citizens) who do not have an Afghan passport do not need a visa. However, they should submit an application for an entry permit.

How to apply for a visa

The U.S. Embassy Consular Section does not assist U.S. citizens in acquiring Afghan visas. If you are located in Afghanistan, contact the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul. If you are located outside of Afghanistan, you should contact the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission.

If you are travelling for work, you will need to apply for a work visa. If you are travelling for business, you will need a business visa.

How to apply for a work visa to Afghanistan

To apply for a work visa to Afghanistan, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Citizens of all countries require a travel visa to visit Afghanistan, except for travellers born in Afghanistan, including those born to at least one Afghan citizen parent or whose parent was born in Afghanistan.

If you are eligible for a work visa, you can follow these steps:

• Check the validity of your passport and ensure that you have at least two blank visa pages. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of departure from Afghanistan.
• Complete the visa application form and have it notarized. You can apply for a visa online or through a private visa agency, such as VisaHQ.
• Submit the original passport along with the notarized application form.
• Provide a passport-style photograph with a white background, taken within the last six months.
• If you are applying for a work visa, you will need to provide a support letter from your employer. The letter should introduce the applicant, state the nature of the trip, and specify the type and desired validity of the visa.
• If you have previously obtained an Afghan visa, provide a copy of the previous visa and the information page of the passport it was issued in.
• If you are applying from outside Afghanistan, contact the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission or embassy to inquire about additional requirements and processing times.

It is important to note that the visa policy and application process in Afghanistan may be subject to changes due to political instability. It is recommended to check for updates and consult official sources for the most accurate and current information.

What is the validity of a work visa to Afghanistan?

The validity of a work visa to Afghanistan is up to 1 year.

The new government in Afghanistan has limited visa options through its foreign ministry. All visitors to Afghanistan require a travel visa, except for those born in Afghanistan or to at least one Afghan citizen parent.

The work visa is a long-term visa, and applicants must meet several requirements to be eligible. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended departure date from Afghanistan and have at least 2 blank visa pages. A letter of support from the company, stating the nature of the trip, is also required. The visa fee is currently unknown due to the erratic nature of the government's policies.

The work visa is valid for one year, but the duration of stay is typically shorter. For example, a six-month multiple-entry visa with a three-month duration of stay will expire three months after the first arrival in the country, even if the holder only stays for three weeks. To stay longer, a new visa must be obtained.

What are the requirements for a work visa to Afghanistan?

To obtain a work visa for Afghanistan, you must meet the following requirements:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended date of departure from Afghanistan.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Two passport-style photographs with a white background, taken within the last six months. These photos should be 35mm by 45mm, with the face covering 80% of the frame.
• A letter of support from your employer, stating the nature of your trip and specifying the type and desired validity of the visa.
• A copy of your round-trip tickets or a detailed itinerary for the duration of your trip.
• A doctor's note confirming that you are free of all communicable diseases.
• A personal letter addressed to the Embassy of Afghanistan, explaining the purpose of your trip, dates of travel, cities to be visited, and place of accommodation.
• For multiple entry requests, approval from the Foreign Ministry in Kabul is required.

Additionally, you may need to provide the following:

• Copies of previous Afghan visas and the information page of the passport they were issued in, if applicable.
• A letter from the US Department of State addressed to the "Embassy of Afghanistan, Washington, D.C.", detailing the purpose of your trip, organisations to be visited, and dates of travel. This letter should include a statement confirming that the US Embassy in Afghanistan will take full responsibility for you.

Please note that the requirements and application process may change, and it is recommended to consult official channels or a visa agency for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

What is the cost of a work visa to Afghanistan?

The cost of a work visa to Afghanistan is unclear. The political power imbalances in the country have made the visa policy of Afghanistan unclear. The new government has not released information on how much the application fee will be.

However, it is known that all visitors apart from those born to Afghan parents or born in Afghanistan to foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Afghanistan. This includes those who are planning to work in the country.

Work visas to Afghanistan are valid for up to 1 year. Applications can be made at an Afghan embassy or consulate overseas, and the visa must be received before travelling to the country.

Frequently asked questions