Visa Processing Times For Afghanistan: Understanding The Wait

Afghanistan's visa policy is ever-changing due to the country's political climate. However, all visitors are required to apply for a visa unless they are born of Afghan parents or born in Afghanistan to foreign nationals, which automatically makes them Afghanis.

The visa application process can be lengthy and complex, with multiple steps and requirements. The type of visa and associated fees will depend on the purpose and duration of the trip, as well as the applicant's nationality. For example, a tourist visa is typically valid for three months with a one-month authorised stay and cannot be renewed within the country. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa is typically issued for six months and allows the holder to work in Afghanistan.

It is important to note that visas must be obtained before travelling to Afghanistan as they are not available upon arrival at Afghan airports or land borders. The inconsistent entry and exit control processes in the country further emphasise the importance of securing the necessary visas beforehand.

The application process may vary depending on the applicant's country of residence and their ability to access Afghan diplomatic missions or embassies. It is recommended to contact the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission or refer to their official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa application process.

Application Requirements: A valid passport, passport photos, visa application form, and supporting documents like invitation letters are needed

To apply for a visa to Afghanistan, you will need to meet the following application requirements:

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Afghanistan. It should be unused and have no stamps or markings indicating it has been used before.

Passport Photos

You will need to provide a passport-style photo with a white background, taken within the last six months.

Visa Application Form

You will need to complete the Afghanistan visa application form. This can be downloaded from the Afghan embassy website. When filling out the form, include your full name (including middle initial), date of birth, nationality, occupation, and travel plans. List the dates you will be in Afghanistan and the number of days you plan to stay.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip
• Your intent to depart Afghanistan after your trip
• Your ability to pay for all trip costs

If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will also need proof of funds (generally around $300) and a valid passport photo. If you are applying for a business visa, you will need an invitation letter from a company or organisation in Afghanistan.

Visa Types: Tourist, business, official, multiple-entry, and diplomatic visas are available, each with specific criteria

Tourist Visa

This visa is issued to foreigners who are visiting Afghanistan for personal reasons or tourism. If applying from overseas, foreigners must provide a statement describing the purpose of their travel. Tourist visas are usually single-entry, valid for three months, with a one-month authorised stay, and cannot be renewed while in Afghanistan.

Business Visa

A business visa is issued to visitors living in countries where there is a foreign mission. This visa is strictly for commercial purposes and is meant to be a short-term visa. The purpose of the trip must be clearly stated in the application.

Official Visa

The official visa is issued by the Afghan MFA and is valid for six months. In some cases, it may be issued for the duration of the stay if it is expected to be less than one year. The applicant must hold an official passport.

Multiple-Entry Visa

A multiple-entry visa is most commonly issued to foreigners who come to Afghanistan to work with organisations or corporations registered with the government of Afghanistan or with ISAF. The visa is valid for six months and allows them to work. Applications can be made at an Afghan Embassy or Consulate overseas; the visa must be received before travel.

Diplomatic Visa

The diplomatic visa is issued by the Afghan MFA and is typically valid for one year, but sometimes only for six months or less. The applicant must hold a diplomatic passport.

Processing Times: The time taken to process an Afghanistan visa varies; some visas may take 10 business days

The time taken to process an Afghanistan visa varies depending on the type of visa and other factors. Here are some key points to consider regarding processing times:

• The Afghanistan tourist visa is typically processed within 10 business days. This visa is valid for 30 days and is a single-entry visa. It is not date-specific, meaning the visa duration starts from the day of entry into Afghanistan, which can occur within a 3-month period stated on the visa.
• For US citizens seeking an Afghanistan visa, the process may involve multiple steps and can take several months. The US Department of State has outlined a 12-step process for obtaining a special immigrant visa, which includes steps such as document collection, scanning, submission, interview, and arrival in the United States. The Chief of Mission review, which is part of this process, can take several months to complete.
• Visa processing times can also vary based on the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. For example, the US Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations since August 31, 2021, affecting visa services. Other embassies, such as those in Islamabad, Mashhad, Tashkent, and Tehran, offer visa services with varying processing times and costs.
• The availability of certain types of visas may impact processing times. For instance, the US government has authorised a specific number of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghans who meet certain employment-related requirements. The allocation of these visas is spread out over several years, and the program has been extended multiple times.
• The purpose of travel and other factors will determine the specific type of visa required. Each visa category has its own set of requirements and processing times may vary accordingly.

It is important to note that the political situation in Afghanistan has impacted the availability and processing of visas. The US government's ability to provide consular services and visa assistance may be limited due to the volatile security situation in the country. Therefore, it is advisable to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and embassy information when planning to apply for an Afghanistan visa.

Costs: The cost of an Afghanistan visa differs based on the type; a tourist visa costs $209, while a work visa costs $569

The cost of an Afghanistan visa differs based on the type of visa and duration of stay. The visa options offered by the new government in Afghanistan are limited.

A tourist visa costs $209 and is valid for up to 90 days. It is a single-entry visa and is valid for three months with a one-month authorized stay. It cannot be renewed while in Afghanistan.

A work visa costs $569 and is valid for up to one year.

Other visa options include a multiple-entry visa for six months, which costs $360, and a diplomatic visa, which is typically valid for one year but sometimes only for six months or less. The diplomatic visa is only issued by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the applicant must hold a diplomatic passport.

Additionally, there is a business visa for visitors living in countries with a foreign mission. This is a short-term visa, and it is unknown whether it can be extended.

It is important to note that Afghan visas are not available upon arrival at Afghan airports or land borders, and travelers should expect inconsistency in the Afghan entry/exit control process. The process of obtaining a visa can be complex and time-consuming, and specific requirements and costs may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the embassy or consulate where they apply.

Health Requirements: A doctor's note confirming the absence of communicable diseases may be mandatory for some visas

When applying for a visa to Afghanistan, a doctor's note confirming the absence of communicable diseases may be mandatory. This is a standard visa requirement for travellers to Afghanistan. The specific health requirements depend on the type of visa being applied for.

Health Requirements for Tourist Visas

Tourist visas are issued to foreigners who are visiting Afghanistan for personal reasons or tourism. A doctor's note is required as part of the visa application. The note must be a letter from a physician confirming that the applicant is free of all communicable diseases.

Health Requirements for Business Visas

Business visas are issued to visitors living in countries where there is a foreign mission. This visa is strictly for commercial purposes and is usually a short-term visa. A doctor's note is required as part of the visa application. The note must be a letter from a physician confirming that the applicant is free of all communicable diseases.

Health Requirements for Official Visas

Official visas are issued by the Afghan MFA and are valid for six months. A doctor's note is not mentioned as a requirement for this type of visa.

Health Requirements for Diplomatic Visas

Diplomatic visas are issued by the Afghan MFA and are typically valid for one year. A doctor's note is not mentioned as a requirement for this type of visa.

Health Requirements for Multiple Entry Visas

Multiple entry visas are issued to foreigners who are working with organisations or corporations registered with the Afghan government or with ISAF. A six-month multiple-entry visa allows them to work. A doctor's note is required as part of the visa application. The note must be a letter from a physician confirming that the applicant is free of all communicable diseases.

Frequently asked questions