Lexi Webster
As of 2024, Afghan citizens can travel to a small number of countries without a visa. These countries include Dominica, Haiti, Egypt, Micronesia, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Pitcairn Islands. In addition to these, there are a number of countries that offer e-visas or visas on arrival. However, for the majority of countries, Afghan passport holders need to apply for a visa in advance. The Afghan passport ranks very low globally in terms of mobility, with rankings of 90, 197th, and 107th in different indices. Obtaining foreign visas from within Afghanistan is difficult due to the closure of many embassies since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries Afghan passport holders can enter without a visa | 4, 5, 8, 9, 27, 28 |
| Number of countries offering e-visa to Afghan passport holders | 32, 39, 43 |
| Number of countries offering visa on arrival to Afghan passport holders | 13, 18, 21 |
| Number of countries requiring a visa for Afghan passport holders to enter | 159, 167 |
| Afghanistan's passport power rank | 90, 107, 155, 197 |
What You'll Learn
Visa-free countries for Afghan citizens
As of 2024, Afghan citizens can travel to a small number of countries without needing to obtain a visa beforehand. These countries include:
- Dominica
- Haiti
- Egypt
- Micronesia
- Samoa
- Cook Islands
- Pitcairn Islands
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- South Georgia
The Afghan passport ranks very low globally, with it being placed at 197th or 198th in the world as of May 2024. This means that, for the vast majority of countries, Afghan citizens must apply for a visa before they can enter.
However, it is worth noting that some countries offer eVisas or visas on arrival for Afghan citizens, which can be more convenient and flexible than traditional visas.
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Countries offering e-visas to Afghan citizens
As of 2024, Afghan citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 28 countries and territories, ranking the Afghanistan passport 107th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index.
The process of obtaining an eVisa is similar to applying for a traditional visa, except that you can submit your application online, including the visa payment. After approval, you will receive an email confirmation and a document that you must print and carry with you when crossing the border.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo offers an eVisa to Afghan citizens. The process of obtaining an eVisa is straightforward, and you can submit your application and payment online. After approval, you will receive an email confirmation and a document to print and carry when entering the country.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: Saint Kitts and Nevis is another country that offers eVisas to Afghan citizens. The application process is similar to that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and you can expect to receive an email confirmation and a printed document upon approval.
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast): Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, offers eVisas to Afghan citizens. The application process involves filling out an online form, providing passport information, uploading necessary documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to the applicant electronically.
- United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates is another country that offers eVisas to Afghan citizens. The application process typically involves submitting an online application, providing necessary documentation, and paying the associated fees.
- Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda offers an online eVisa option for Afghan citizens. Applicants may need to register their arrival and stay for more than five days.
- Central African Republic: The Central African Republic provides eVisas to Afghan citizens. The application process may involve submitting the necessary documentation and meeting specific requirements, such as proof of reservation and vaccination certificates.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago offers eVisas to Afghan citizens. Afghans who have worked with the U.S. government, ISAF, or R.S. for more than a year may be eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa.
- São Tomé and Príncipe: São Tomé and Príncipe offers eVisas to Afghan citizens. The application process typically involves submitting an online application and providing necessary documentation.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina provides eVisas to Afghan citizens. Afghans who have worked for the Canadian government may be eligible for asylum.
- Republic of the Congo: The Republic of the Congo offers eVisas to Afghan citizens, with certain conditions and requirements that may apply.
It is important to note that visa requirements and application processes can change, so it is always advisable to check the latest information on official government websites before planning your travel.
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Countries offering visas on arrival for Afghan citizens
As of 2024, Afghan citizens can get visas on arrival in 18 countries. These include:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Central African Republic
- Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Sao Tome and Principe
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- United Arab Emirates
In addition to the above, there are a few other countries where Afghan citizens can obtain a visa on arrival under certain conditions. For instance, nationals residing in Saudi Arabia can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tbilisi Airport. Similarly, Afghans who have worked for the US government, ISAF, or RS for more than a year may be eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa and can apply for a visa on arrival.
Obtaining foreign visas from within Afghanistan is difficult as many embassies in the country have closed since the Taliban takeover of the government in 2021.
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Countries requiring a regular visa for Afghan citizens
As of 2024, Afghan citizens require a visa to enter a significant number of countries around the world. The exact number of countries that require a regular visa for Afghan citizens is difficult to pinpoint due to the dynamic nature of visa regulations and the availability of alternative options, such as e-visas or visas on arrival. However, estimates range from 159 to 167 countries that require a regular visa for Afghan citizens.
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- British Virgin Islands
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Northern Mariana Islands
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States Virgin Islands
- United Arab Emirates
It is important to note that this list may not be exhaustive, and Afghan citizens are advised to check the latest visa requirements for their specific destination countries before planning their trip. The availability of e-visas, visas on arrival, or visa-free options for Afghan citizens in certain countries may also provide alternative pathways for travel.
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Benefits of visa-free travel for Afghan citizens
As of 2024, Afghan citizens can travel to a small number of countries without a visa. Visa-free travel offers several benefits to Afghan citizens, including:
Convenience and Flexibility
Visa-free countries offer convenience to Afghan passport holders. They can travel to these destinations without applying for a visa beforehand and can obtain a visa upon arrival. This flexibility allows for last-minute trips, taking advantage of travel deals, and making changes to travel plans without hassle.
Saves Time and Money
The visa application process can be lengthy and costly. Visa-free travel saves Afghan citizens time and money as they do not need to undergo the visa application process before departure. It is also cost-effective as there are no additional fees, except for the visa fee payable at the arrival airport.
Enhanced Travel Experience
Visa-free travel enhances the overall travel experience for Afghan passport holders. They can focus on enjoying their trip and exploring the destination without the stress of obtaining a visa in advance. The program also eliminates the need to spend time researching visa requirements, which can be time-consuming and confusing.
Spontaneous Travel Opportunities
Visa-free travel allows Afghan travelers to be spontaneous. Without the need for a visa application, travelers can make last-minute decisions to explore new destinations or take advantage of travel deals.
Less Paperwork
Visa-free travel means less paperwork and fewer requirements to fulfill. This simplifies trip planning and reduces stress, allowing Afghan travelers to focus on other aspects of their journey, such as booking flights and accommodations.
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Frequently asked questions
Afghan citizens can travel to 5, 8, or 9 countries without a visa.
Visa-free countries for Afghan passport holders include Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, the Cook Islands, and Pitcairn.
Visa-free travel saves time and money for Afghan citizens, as they do not need to go through the lengthy and costly visa application process before departure.
Yes, some of the nearest visa-free countries for Afghan passport holders include Egypt, Micronesia, Samoa, and the Cook Islands.
A visa-free country allows entry without a visa, while a country offering a visa on arrival allows travellers to obtain a visa at the airport or border crossing upon arrival.
