Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Air Travel To Afghanistan: What You Need To Know

As of April 2022, all flights to Afghanistan have been suspended. However, if you are planning to travel to Afghanistan, it is important to be aware of the latest COVID-19-related travel restrictions. According to the IATA, a negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is required for entry into Afghanistan. This test must be taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Additionally, many airlines require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate to travel out of Afghanistan. It is important to check with your airline and follow their specific requirements.

COVID-19 testing requirements for Afghanistan

As of April 29, 2022, all flights to Afghanistan have been suspended. However, here is the most recent information on COVID-19 testing requirements for Afghanistan.

Testing Requirements for Entry into Afghanistan

According to the IATA, a negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is required for entry into Afghanistan. The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure.

Testing on Arrival in Afghanistan

There is currently no testing on arrival in Afghanistan.

Quarantine Requirements

There are no compulsory quarantine requirements or temperature checks at the airports in Afghanistan.

Testing Requirements for Departure from Afghanistan

Many airlines require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate to travel out of Afghanistan. The timing requirements for these tests vary by airline and destination, so be sure to check with your airline or travel provider for specific pre-departure test timings.

Internal Travel Restrictions

There are only minor COVID-19-related restrictions on internal travel in Afghanistan. Specific measures vary between provinces, and domestic flights are operating on a limited basis.

Accommodation

Most hotels and restaurants are open and have been instructed to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including asking customers to wear masks.

Public Places and Services

Sports and music events, bars, cinemas, museums, and gyms are all closed in Afghanistan. Restaurants and some shops have opened.

COVID-19 testing requirements for departing from Afghanistan

If you are departing from Afghanistan, you must adhere to the COVID-19 testing requirements of your destination country and the airline you are travelling with.

The UK government advises against all travel to Afghanistan and warns that healthcare in the country is very limited. The UK government may not be informed if the Taliban change the COVID-19 rules.

The IATA states that a negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is required for entering Afghanistan. However, there are currently no testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Afghanistan.

Many airlines require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate to travel out of Afghanistan. Please note that some airlines require tests to be taken 96 hours before departure, while others may require tests to be taken 72 hours before arrival at the destination. Therefore, it is important to contact your airline or travel provider for details of local test centres and procedures.

Quarantine requirements in Afghanistan

The US, UK, and other governments advise against all travel to Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation, the risk of terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is not able to provide any emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan.

If you are travelling to Afghanistan, you should be aware that there are currently no compulsory quarantine requirements or temperature checks at the airports. However, it is recommended that all arrivals self-quarantine for 14 days.

In addition, visitors will be asked to complete a landing form detailing their visit, including passport and visa information, as is standard practice in many other countries.

Please note that the information provided here may not be up to date, as the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving. Always check the latest government advice before travelling.

Testing on arrival in Afghanistan

As of April 29, 2022, there is currently no testing on arrival in Afghanistan. However, passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken no more than 96 hours before departure. This requirement applies to all passengers above the age of 8.

Upon arrival, visitors will be asked to complete a landing form with their passport and visa information, as is standard practice in many other countries. There are no compulsory quarantine requirements or temperature checks at the airports.

Most hotels and restaurants are open and have been instructed to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including asking customers to wear masks. However, sports and music events, bars, cinemas, museums, and gyms are all closed.

Testing on departure from Afghanistan

As of April 2022, all flights to and from Afghanistan have been suspended. However, prior to this, many airlines required passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate to travel out of Afghanistan.

Testing Requirements

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that a negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is required for entering Afghanistan. However, there is no testing on arrival.

Testing Facilities

DK-German Medical Center in Kabul is the only European-accredited COVID-19 PCR and antibody testing facility in Afghanistan. They offer PCR tests with results within 24 hours. The facility is open for PCR screening from Saturday to Thursday and closed on Fridays. No appointments are required.

Documentation

Passengers must bring their passport and flight ticket/booking confirmation for the test verification process.

Frequently asked questions