The Elusive Afghan Visa: Navigating The Challenges Of Visiting Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been deemed a dangerous place to visit by many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, which have all issued travel advisories against their citizens travelling to the country. The security situation is highly volatile, with frequent terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, detention, and a high crime rate. The country is ruled by the Taliban, which has imposed several restrictions on women, limiting their public sphere and requiring them to abide by specific rules and behaviours. Additionally, there is a high risk of natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, snow avalanches, landslides, and droughts. All these factors make Afghanistan a challenging and risky destination for travellers, especially women.

Safety and security

Afghanistan is considered a very dangerous place to visit. The US Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, warning of the risk of terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime. The UK and Canadian governments have issued similar advisories, warning their citizens against all travel to Afghanistan.

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile, with frequent terrorist attacks and ongoing armed conflict. Foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are at risk of kidnapping and violence by terrorist groups. The Taliban, who took control of the country in 2021, have imposed strict restrictions on women, limiting their access to education, workplaces, and public spaces. Additionally, there is a high risk of kidnapping and violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Transportation in Afghanistan is risky, with poor road conditions and aggressive drivers. Overland travel is especially dangerous, with reports of banditry and fake checkpoints set up by terrorist and criminal groups. Natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, and landslides are also common.

Despite the risks, some travelers continue to visit Afghanistan, drawn by its cultural and historical attractions. However, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and carefully consider the potential risks before planning a trip to Afghanistan.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money.
• Monitor local media and stay informed about the latest developments and decrees.
• Avoid traveling at night and traveling alone, especially for women.
• Follow the local laws and cultural norms, including dressing conservatively and respecting religious traditions.
• Obtain necessary visas and travel permits, ensuring that you have the required documentation and funds.
• Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and other potential risks.
• Enroll in your country's embassy registration programs to stay informed and connected with consular assistance.
• Have a contingency plan and emergency contacts in case of unforeseen events.

Entry requirements

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The capital city is Kabul. The official languages are Pashto and Dari, and the country is predominantly Sunni Muslim.

Visa

All nationalities are eligible to apply for an Afghan visa, but there are only a handful of embassies and consulates that can issue a valid visa. These include:

• Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
• Islamabad (Pakistan)
• Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
• Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
• Doha (Qatar)
• Istanbul (Turkey)
• Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

The visa is single entry and valid for 30 days within a 90-day period. The cost of the visa ranges from $80 to $210, depending on the urgency and nationality. Americans can pay up to $210 USD.

Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival by crossing from Tajikistan at the Shir Khan border, which is close to the Afghan city of Kunduz. The visa on arrival costs $150 USD and the paperwork takes a few hours.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Afghanistan. It should be unused and have no stamps or markings indicating previous use.

Other Requirements

• Proof of funds: You must provide evidence of your bank account and funds in foreign currency, demonstrating that you have enough money to cover your expenses while traveling.
• Photo identification: You should have valid photo identification, such as a driver's license or government ID card.
• Polio vaccination: It is recommended to get a polio vaccination up to one year before traveling to Afghanistan.
• COVID-19 test: All arrivals must present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure.
• Quarantine: All arrivals are recommended to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Insurance and healthcare

Afghanistan is a high-risk destination for expatriates and expat employers. Basic healthcare and coverage for citizens are lacking, especially in areas impacted by violence and terrorism. Many locals avoid medical clinics due to the poor quality of care. Expatriates in Afghanistan can access some medical clinics and facilities that offer decent medical care, but it is critical to obtain global health coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage to the nearest centre of medical excellence, such as the UAE.

War and terrorism insurance, international health insurance, expat life and disability insurance, and group expat insurance plans are all recommended for expatriates or those travelling to Afghanistan.

It is also important to ensure that your insurance covers passive war and terrorism, as conditions of war are often excluded from standard medical and life insurance programs.

Travel Insurance

Although there is no legal requirement, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance before travelling to Afghanistan. This will provide coverage for unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, and trip cancellations.

Healthcare costs in Afghanistan tend to be expensive, and travel insurance can help mitigate the financial damage if you require medical attention during your trip.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a good option for younger travellers or digital nomads, offering flexible but comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. It covers unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. You can manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world.

VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage is a well-known insurance platform offering comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going to Afghanistan. It lets you choose from various plans tailored to meet specific needs, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions.

Insured Nomads

Insured Nomads is another good option, especially for adventurous travellers seeking solid trip insurance with some medical coverage. You can choose the level of protection that suits your needs and enjoy benefits such as 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed.

High Risk Voyager Travel Insurance

High Risk Voyager provides travel cover to high-risk destinations when other travel insurance policies say no. It offers protection for those travelling to destinations where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against 'all travel' or 'all but essential travel'. This includes protection for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation/repatriation, cancellation cover, baggage cover, and a 24/7 emergency medical helpline.

Transportation

Afghanistan is landlocked and has no seaports. Transportation in Afghanistan is mostly done by road, rail, and air.

Road

Much of Afghanistan's road network was built in the mid-20th century but was left to ruin during the last two decades of that century due to war and political turmoil. The transportation system in Afghanistan is marginal. Vehicles are poorly maintained, often overloaded, and traffic laws are not enforced. Vehicular traffic is chaotic and must contend with numerous pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals. Many urban streets have large potholes and are not well lit. Rural roads are not paved.

As of 2017, Afghanistan had 17,903 kilometres of paved roads and 17,000 kilometres of unpaved roads, for an approximate total road system of 34,903 kilometres. There are some highways in the country, including the A01, formally called the Ring Road, which is a 2,200-kilometre two-lane road network circulating inside Afghanistan and connecting major cities.

There are over a dozen official border crossing points all around Afghanistan. These include Abu Nasar Port in Farah Province, Angur Ada in Paktika Province, Aqina in Faryab Province, Dand-aw-Patan in Paktia Province, Ghulam Khan in Khost Province, Hairatan in Balkh Province, and Islam Qala in Herat Province.

Rail

Afghanistan has a total of four railway connections with neighbouring countries. There are no rail links to Pakistan, China, or Tajikistan.

Air

There are 46 airports in Afghanistan as of 2021. The largest airport in Afghanistan is Kabul International Airport, located 5 kilometres from the city centre of Kabul. Other major airports include Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport in Mazar-i-Sharif, and Herat International Airport in Herat.

Culture and customs

Afghanistan's culture has persisted for over three millennia, with records dating back to at least 500 BCE during the time of the Achaemenid Empire. The country's culture is strongly tied to nearby Persia, with the people of both countries sharing the same religion and having lived together for thousands of years. Afghanistan's location at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia has historically made it a hub of diversity, dubbed by one historian as the "roundabout of the ancient world".

Afghanistan is a mostly tribal society, with different regions of the country having their own subcultures. Despite this, nearly all Afghans follow Islamic traditions, celebrate the same holidays, dress the same, consume the same food, listen to the same music, and are multilingual to a certain extent.

Afghan culture is strongly tied to elements of Turko-Persian and Indo-Persian cultures, which can be seen in their language, cuisine, and classical music. Dari and Pashto are the official languages of Afghanistan, with Dari (Afghan Persian) serving as the lingua franca for the majority. People in the northern and central areas of the country usually speak Persian/Dari, while those living in the south and east speak Pashto. English is gradually becoming popular among the younger generation.

Afghanistan has a long history of art, with the world's earliest known usage of oil painting found in cave murals in the country. Afghan art includes the Persian miniature style, with Kamaleddin Behzad of Herat being one of the most notable miniature artists of the Timurid and early Safavid periods. Since the 1900s, Western techniques have been incorporated into Afghan art.

Afghanistan is known for its production of beautiful oriental rugs, traditionally handwoven using a number of well-known and highly prized patterns.

Poetry has long been a cultural tradition and passion in Afghanistan, mainly in the Persian/Dari and Pashto languages. Classic Persian and Pashto poetry plays an important role in Afghan culture and has always been one of the major educational pillars in the region.

The family is the single most important unit in Afghan culture. Men and women's roles are much more defined along traditional lines, with women typically being responsible for household duties and men taking on the role of breadwinners. However, professional women do exist in the cities. Families commonly arrange marriages for their children, with factors such as tribe, status, network, and wealth being the major considerations.

Hospitality is an essential aspect of Afghan culture. When visiting a home, guests will be given the best the family has. It is likely that meals will be eaten in a gender-segregated environment, with women asked to eat with the females of the house and men joining the men. Afghans take great pride in their hospitality and consider it an honour to host guests.

Islam is the main religion of Afghanistan, with over 99% of Afghans being Muslims. An estimated 80-85% of the population adheres to Sunni Islam, while an estimated 15-19% practice Shia Islam. The dominance of Sunni Islam is reflected in the formation of the Afghan government as a Sunni Islamic Republic.

The culture and customs of Afghanistan are heavily influenced by the country's deeply rooted Islamic beliefs. These beliefs shape everything from the way someone dresses, greets others, uses the bathroom, eats, sleeps, and works.

In summary, Afghanistan's culture and customs are deeply rooted in the country's Islamic beliefs and traditions. The family is the most important unit in society, with men and women typically fulfilling traditional gender roles. Hospitality is a key value, and the country's diverse ethnic and linguistic makeup contributes to a rich cultural heritage.

Frequently asked questions