Us Issues Afghanistan Travel Advisory: 'Do Not Travel' Amid Security Concerns

The US, UK, and Canadian governments have all issued travel advisories warning their citizens against travelling to Afghanistan due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, detention, and crime. The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and announced an interim government based in the capital, Kabul. The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. The UK and Canadian governments have also suspended their embassy operations in the country.

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent terrorist attacks and ongoing armed conflict. Foreign nationals, especially those from Western countries, are at a high risk of being targeted for kidnapping and violence by terrorist groups. The country also faces food and water shortages, and the basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas. The healthcare system is inadequate, and medical evacuation is very expensive and rarely possible due to a lack of companies willing to service Afghanistan.

Despite the risks, some bold travellers are still visiting Afghanistan, entering the country through its airports and land borders, which remain open. However, travellers are cautioned to do thorough research, obtain appropriate travel insurance, and follow the advice of their governments to avoid putting themselves in danger.

The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan

The US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations and is no longer operational as of August 31, 2021. The US government has withdrawn its personnel from the country and is unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. This means that Americans in Afghanistan cannot rely on emergency assistance from the US government and must take extra precautions for their safety and security.

The suspension of operations at the US Embassy in Kabul is due to the volatile security situation in Afghanistan and the safety concerns for diplomatic personnel. The US Department of State has stated that the safety and security of US citizens overseas is their highest priority. With the embassy closure, Americans in Afghanistan are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about security updates and be located in an emergency.

It is important to note that the US government continues to assist US citizens and their families in Afghanistan through other means. Americans seeking routine consular services can contact any US embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance. Additionally, the US Embassy in Kabul continues to provide information through various channels, including the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), its website, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the Embassy web page.

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly dangerous, with a high risk of kidnapping, terrorism, and wrongful detention. US citizens in the country are urged to depart immediately using commercial means if possible. Those seeking US government assistance with departure should provide their biographic details, contact information, and US passport number to the State Department.

Given the absence of emergency consular services, Americans in Afghanistan should be vigilant about their safety and follow recommended guidelines. This includes reviewing personal security plans, being aware of their surroundings, notifying trusted individuals about their travel plans, and making contingency plans that do not rely on US government assistance.

There is a high risk of kidnapping, wrongful detention, and crime in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is currently a Level 4: Do Not Travel country, according to the U.S. State Department. This is due to the high risk of kidnapping, wrongful detention, and crime, as well as terrorism and civil unrest. The Taliban took control of the country in 2021, and the security situation is highly volatile and dangerous.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a significant risk in Afghanistan, with foreign nationals, especially U.S. citizens, being targeted by extremist groups and kidnapping syndicates. Criminal groups will also target anyone perceived as wealthy for kidnapping and extortion. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative practice, and captives may be sold to terrorist groups, resulting in years of captivity. Journalists, aid workers, teachers, medical professionals, and individuals associated with international organizations are particularly at risk.

Wrongful Detention

The Taliban has been assessed to pose a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. They have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers, and foreigners' activities may be viewed with suspicion. Reasons for detention are often unclear, and the U.S. government is not permitted to regularly conduct welfare checks on detained citizens. Detention can be lengthy, and access to medical attention is limited or non-existent. Detainees may also face physical abuse.

Crime

Afghanistan is considered a critical threat environment for crime. Criminal organizations, including weapons and narcotics traffickers, are prevalent and undermine peace and stability. Common street crime also exists, primarily in cities. Criminals are taking advantage of the unstable security situation to commit violent attacks.

What to Do if You Are in Afghanistan

If you are in Afghanistan, it is recommended that you shelter in a safe place and exercise caution if you need to move to a more secure location. You are responsible for your safety and that of your family. Stay informed about the latest developments, and always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

If you are a U.S. citizen, the U.S. government urges you to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. Contact any U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance, although their ability to assist U.S. citizens in the country is extremely limited.

The security situation is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent terrorist attacks and ongoing armed conflict

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent terrorist attacks and ongoing armed conflict. The country is under Taliban control, and the Taliban has been systematically oppressing Afghan women, depriving them of their rights to education, freedom of movement, and economic participation. The group has also cracked down on human rights, particularly those of women and girls, and has committed extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and detentions.

The presence of several terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, Daesh, and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), further exacerbates the security situation. These groups have strong anti-Western views and frequently target foreign nationals. Additionally, criminal networks and armed groups pose a significant threat, with kidnapping, robbery, and violent attacks commonly occurring throughout the country. The risk of kidnapping is extremely high for foreign nationals, and criminal groups have been known to sell captives to terrorist groups.

The Taliban's policies and practices have complicated humanitarian response efforts, with women humanitarian staff being barred from providing assistance. This has affected the reach of aid to women and children beneficiaries. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire, with over 70% of the country's population in need of humanitarian assistance. However, the response has been underfunded, leading to a reduction in the number of people receiving food assistance and putting essential health services at risk.

The political situation in Afghanistan remains uncertain and could change rapidly. The Taliban has demonstrated low tolerance for demonstrations and dissent, and foreign nationals' activities are viewed with suspicion. There is a significant risk of detention for foreign nationals, particularly those with military connections or ties to journalism and humanitarian work. The Taliban is likely to suspect spying, and possession of weapons, large amounts of money, or unusual items may lead to detention. If found guilty of spying or working against the country's national security, individuals may face execution.

Women face severe restrictions and are prohibited from many public places, higher education, and working outside their homes

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have increasingly limited the public sphere of women, restricting them from workplaces, educational institutions, and even public parks. Women are expressly prohibited from many public places, including Band-e-Amir National Park, and are not allowed to travel by themselves.

In December 2022, university education for women was suspended until further notice, affecting over 100,000 female students attending government and private higher education institutions. This ban on higher education for women has been in place since September 2021, when the return to school for all Afghan girls over the age of 12 was indefinitely postponed. This means that currently, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women—2.5 million people—are out of school. Nearly 30% of girls in Afghanistan have never entered primary education.

The number of women in higher education had increased almost 20 times between 2001 and 2018, and before the recent suspension, one out of three young women were enrolled in universities. However, since the ban on education for girls was imposed, rates of child marriage and child labour have increased, as have reports of children being medicated to overcome hunger and even dying from malnutrition.

In addition to being prohibited from public places and higher education, women in Afghanistan are also largely prohibited from working outside their homes. Women cannot travel without a male guardian and have few work options. Most girls have been forbidden to attend high school since the Taliban takeover. The Taliban's restrictions on women's education and employment have largely resulted in the imprisonment of women within the walls of their homes.

Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas, and there are frequent food and water shortages

Afghanistan's basic infrastructure services, such as electricity and telecommunications, are minimal, even in urban areas. The country has been ravaged by decades of conflict, which has disrupted energy supplies and destroyed power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. While there have been some improvements in recent years, access to electricity is still limited, particularly in rural areas.

Prior to the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghanistan received considerable investment from the United States and other development agencies, which helped to build and modernize the country's road networks. However, years of war have undone much of this progress. The country's road infrastructure has deteriorated, with hundreds of bridges destroyed and many remote mountain areas cut off.

Access to electricity in Afghanistan is unreliable and insufficient, with frequent power blackouts, particularly during peak hours. While the capital city of Kabul has seen the most investment and progress, even there, residents have experienced power blackouts of up to 15 hours. The problem is more acute in rural areas, with less than 50% of the population having access to electricity.

The telecommunications infrastructure has also been affected by the conflict. While there have been some improvements since 1999, with telephone calls possible between major urban centers and a limited number of foreign countries, the system remains unreliable. Internet and mobile phone services are also limited and subject to frequent disruptions.

In addition to the challenges with basic infrastructure, Afghanistan also faces frequent food and water shortages. The country has been experiencing below-normal rainfall and drought conditions since 2020, which has impacted agriculture and water access. This has led to reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity, with millions of Afghans struggling to feed their families. The situation has been further exacerbated by economic crises, high food prices, conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the lack of basic infrastructure and frequent shortages of food and water make traveling to Afghanistan extremely dangerous and challenging, and it is advised that individuals avoid traveling to the country at this time.

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