A Strategic Presence: The Many Afghanistan Embassy Locations Across The Usa

Afghanistan has an embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as consulates in Los Angeles, California, and New York. The United States also had an embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, but it suspended operations on August 31, 2021, and transferred operations to Doha, Qatar.

The US Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on 31 August 2021

The US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, was the official diplomatic mission of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The embassy was housed in a chancery located on Great Massoud Road in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighbourhood of the Afghan capital, Kabul.

On August 15, 2021, as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, embassy staff relocated to makeshift but secure facilities at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The embassy compound was closed on August 15, but the embassy continued to operate out of Hamid Karzai International Airport.

On August 31, 2021, the US Embassy in Kabul suspended its operations in Afghanistan and transferred its remaining operations to Doha, Qatar. The US government withdrew its personnel from Kabul, but US citizens in Afghanistan could still contact any US embassy or consulate for assistance. A core group of embassy staff from Kabul continued to work from the US Embassy in Doha.

The US government remains committed to the people of Afghanistan. It continues to press for an inclusive government with broad support that respects the rights of all its citizens, including women and minorities. The US government uses every diplomatic, economic, political, and assistance tool at its disposal to uphold the basic rights of all Afghans, support continued humanitarian access to the country, and ensure the Taliban honours its commitments.

US citizens in Afghanistan can contact any US embassy for assistance

The US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, has suspended its operations as of August 31, 2021. The US government has withdrawn its personnel from Kabul, but remains committed to the people of Afghanistan.

US citizens in Afghanistan who require routine consular services can contact any US embassy or consulate for assistance. However, it is important to note that the US government's ability to provide assistance inside Afghanistan is extremely limited. US citizens seeking government assistance to depart Afghanistan can do so by completing the Repatriation Form or by emailing their complete biographic details, contact information, and US Passport number to [email protected].

In addition to embassy resources, US citizens and their families in Afghanistan can also seek assistance from Senator Alex Padilla's office by completing this form. Senator Padilla's office prioritizes the safe evacuation of Americans, Afghan allies, and vulnerable populations.

For those in need of immigration legal services, the Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) offers free assistance in English, Dari, and Pashto. The Wellness Helpline for Afghans (800-615-6514) is also available for individuals experiencing emotional distress and offers counselling services in the same languages.

US citizens in Afghanistan should be aware of the Department of State Travel Advisory for Afghanistan, which is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel, due to safety concerns including armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. It is strongly advised that US citizens do not travel to Afghanistan for any reason and that those in the country depart immediately if possible.

The US Embassy in Kabul was housed in a chancery located on Great Massoud Road

The chancery served as the official diplomatic mission of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It was initially established as a legation in 1942 and was elevated to embassy status in May 1948. The embassy was closed in 1989 due to safety concerns before the start of the long civil war and the Taliban takeover. It was reopened in 2002 after NATO forces overthrew the Taliban.

On August 15, 2021, as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, embassy staff relocated to makeshift but secure facilities at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The chancery building officially closed on the same day, marking the suspension of embassy operations in Afghanistan. The US Embassy in Kabul continued to operate out of the Hamid Karzai International Airport during the evacuation process.

The US commitment to the people of Afghanistan remains strong, with ongoing efforts to support an inclusive government, uphold human rights, ensure continued humanitarian access, and hold the Taliban accountable for their commitments.

The US Embassy in Kabul was built at a cost of nearly $800 million

The US Embassy in Kabul was a sprawling 15-acre complex of more than a dozen buildings and annexes. The Embassy's main building was designed to resist bomb blasts and was set back significantly from nearby roads to provide a physical buffer from potential gunfire. The Embassy began sending staff home in April 2021, but the full evacuation in August virtually emptied the complex.

The US Embassy in Kabul was one of the largest functioning embassies in the world with a large number of direct-hire and contractor personnel. The Embassy had a workforce of about 1,500 and underwent an $800 million expansion four years ago. The Embassy included 700 beds for staff.

The US Embassy in Kabul was evacuated in August 2021 as the Taliban took over the country. The Embassy staff relocated to makeshift but secure facilities at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The Embassy compound is said to be in a state of lockdown and is not currently used by any person or entity.

The US Embassy in Afghanistan was established in 1948

The US recognized Afghanistan in 1921, after its independence from the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations were established in 1935, with William H. Hornibrook serving as the first minister to the country. Initially, Afghanistan was served concurrently by the legation to Iran (Persia).

In 1942, a legation was established in Kabul, with Charles W. Thayer as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. This was elevated to embassy status in 1948. Louis G. Dreyfus, who had served as Minister Plenipotentiary from 1941 to 1942, became the first US Ambassador to Afghanistan, serving from 1949 to 1951.

The US Embassy in Kabul was built at a cost of nearly $800 million and was housed in a chancery located on Great Massoud Road in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood of the Afghan capital.

The embassy was closed in 1989 due to safety concerns, specifically, concerns about the ability of the new regime to maintain security and protect diplomats following the departure of Soviet forces from the country. It reopened in 2002 after NATO forces overthrew the Taliban.

In August 2021, the embassy suspended operations in Afghanistan and transferred operations to Doha, Qatar, following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. A core group of embassy personnel continue to work from the US Embassy in Doha.

Frequently asked questions