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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

 

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Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today,

Afghanistan

December 13, 2005

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:   Despite significant progress since the Taliban were deposed in 2001, Afghanistan still faces daunting challenges--recovering from over two decades of civil strife, dealing with years of severe drought, and rebuilding a shattered infrastructure.  Operation Enduring Freedom continues to combat remaining Taliban and al-Qaida elements.  Following successful presidential elections in October 2004, President Hamid Karzai was sworn in as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on December 7, 2004.  Successful Parliamentary elections were held on September 18, 2005.  These political developments bode well for Afghanistan's future.  Nonetheless, government ministries and institutions are in their infancy.  They are still in the process of establishing policies and procedures to deal with the array of issues any government must address, as well as the extraordinary security, legal, commercial, and other infrastructure problems this country faces.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Afghanistan for additional information.
 
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport and valid visa are required to enter and exit Afghanistan.  Afghan entry visas are not available at Kabul International Airport.  American citizens who arrive without a visa are subject to confiscation of their passport and face heavy fines and difficulties in retrieving their passport and obtaining a visa, as well as possible deportation from the country.  Americans arriving in the country via military air usually have considerable difficulties if they choose to depart Afghanistan on commercial air, because their passports do not receive stamps showing they entered the country legally.  Those coming on military air should move quickly after arrival to legalize their status if there is any chance they will end up departing on anything other than military air.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Afghanistan and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of Afghanistan, located at 2341 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, phone no. 202-483-6410, fax no. 202-483-6488, website: www.embassyofAfghanistan.org. Also, for   the most current visa information, please  contact the Consular office located at 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 216, Washington, DC 20007, phone no. 202-298-9125.

Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:   The latest Travel Warning for Afghanistan states clearly that the security situation remains critical for American citizens.  There are remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qaida network in various parts of Afghanistan.  Those groups aim to drive all Westerners out of Afghanistan and they do not hesitate to use violence to achieve their aims.  Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings--including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices--assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings.  There is an ongoing threat to kidnap U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country.  On April 10, 2005, a U.S. citizen was abducted in Kabul and managed to successfully escape after a brief captivity.  On August 31, 2005, a British citizen was kidnapped and killed.  Official Americans' use of the Kabul-Jalalabad road is often restricted or completely curtailed because of security concerns.  The country faces a difficult period in the near term, and American citizens could be targeted or placed at risk by unpredictable local events.  In addition, there is also a real danger from the presence of millions of unexploded land mines and other ordnance.

Afghan-Americans returning to Afghanistan to recover property have become involved in complicated disputes and have faced threats of retaliatory action, including kidnapping for ransom and death.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad .

CRIME:  A large portion of the Afghan population is unemployed, and many among the unemployed have moved to urban areas.  Basic services are rudimentary or non-existent.  These factors may directly contribute to crime and lawlessness.  Diplomats and international relief workers have reported incidents of robberies and household burglaries.  Any American citizen who enters Afghanistan should remain vigilant for possible banditry, including violent attacks.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds can be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
 
See our information for Victims of Crime .

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:   Well-equipped medical facilities are few and far between throughout Afghanistan.  European and American medicines are available in limited quantities and may be expensive or difficult to locate.  There is a shortage of basic medical supplies.  Basic medicines manufactured in Iran, Pakistan, and India are available, but their reliability can be questionable.  A couple of western-style private clinics have opened in Kabul in recent months:  the DK-German Medical Diagnostic Center (www.medical-kabul.com), and CURE International Hospital (ph. 079-883-830) offer a variety of basic and routine-type care; Americans seeking treatment should request American or Western health practitioners.  American travelers may seek emergency medical services at the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) medical facilities in the Kabul area, but routine care is not available.  The ISAF German Hospital, located about 10 kilometers from Kabul on Jalalabad road (a road often off-limits to official Americans because of security concerns), and the combined forces ISAF clinic, adjacent to Kabul International Airport, may provide medical care to American citizens who can show a passport and request emergency care.  Shino Zada Private Hospital located in Microrayon 4, opposite the central heating center, provides general surgery, maternity care, ambulance and pharmacy facilities 24 hours a day.  Imran Clinic, across from the Ministry of Interior, has limited laboratory and x-ray facilities.

Afghan public hospitals should be avoided.  Individuals without government licenses or even medical degrees often operate private clinics; there is no public agency that monitors their operations.  Travelers will not be able to find Western-trained medical personnel in most parts of the country outside of Kabul, although there are some international aid groups temporarily providing basic medical assistance in various cities and villages.  For any medical treatment, payment is required in advance.  Commercial medical evacuation capability from Afghanistan is limited.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:   The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:   While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Afghanistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
All drivers face the potential danger of encountering land mines that may have been planted on or near roadways.  An estimated 5-7 million landmines and large quantities of unexploded ordnance exist throughout the countryside and alongside roads, posing a danger to travelers.  Robbery and crime are also prevalent on highways outside of Kabul.  The transportation system in Afghanistan is marginal, although the international community is constructing modern highways and provincial roads.  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. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:   As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Afghanistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) international aviation safety standards.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
Several commercial airlines serve Afghanistan out of Kabul International Airport.  Pakistan International Airlines has three weekly flights to and from Islamabad.  Azerbaijan Airways has three weekly flights to and from Baku.  Indian Airlines has two weekly flights to and from Delhi.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul strongly recommends against flying Ariana Afghan Airlines.  In January 2004, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviewed an aviation safety assessment report prepared by the International Civil Aviation Organization.  The FAA's review of the ICAO findings and interviews with Ariana Afghan Airlines officials identified significant safety deficiencies.  Based on these findings, the U.S. Government does not authorize official personnel to fly Ariana Afghan Airlines because existing civil aviation regulations in Afghanistan do not meet international aviation standards. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul also does not authorize official personnel the use of other Afghan-certificated airlines, including Kam Air flights to and from destinations other than Dubai.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Because of the poor infrastructure in Afghanistan, access to banking facilities is extremely limited and unreliable.  Afghanistan's economy operates on a "cash-only" basis for most transactions.  Credit card transactions are not available.  International bank transfers are very limited, as the banking system is just becoming operational.  One ATM machine exists at Standard Charter Bank in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood of Kabul, but some travelers have complained of difficulties using it.

International communications are difficult.  Local telephone networks do not operate reliably.  Most people rely on satellite or cellular telephone communications even to make local calls.  Cellular phone service is available locally in Kabul and some other cities.  Injured or distressed foreigners could face long delays before being able to communicate their needs to family or colleagues outside of Afghanistan.  Internet access through local service providers is limited.
Afghan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Afghanistan of items such as firearms, alcoholic beverages, religious materials, antiquities, medications, and printed materials.  American travelers have faced fines and/or confiscation of items considered antiquities upon exiting Afghanistan.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Travelers en route to Afghanistan may transit countries that have restrictions on firearms, including antique or display models.  If you plan to take your firearms or ammunition to another country, you should contact officials at that country's embassy and those that you will be transiting to learn about their regulations and fully comply with those regulations before traveling.  Please consult http://www.customs.gov for information on importing firearms into the United States.

Please see our information on Customs Regulations .

In addition to being subject to all Afghan laws, U.S. citizens who are also citizens of Afghanistan may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Afghan citizens.  U.S. citizens who are also Afghan nationals do not require visas for entry into Afghanistan.  The Embassy of Afghanistan issues a letter confirming your nationality for entry into Afghanistan.  However, you may wish to obtain a visa as some Afghan-Americans have experienced difficulties at land border crossings because they do not have a visa in their passport.  For additional information on dual nationality in general, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passport with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.  As stated in the Travel Warning, consular assistance for American citizens in Afghanistan is limited.


Islam provides the foundation of Afghanistan's customs, laws and practices.  Foreign visitors -- men and women--are expected to remain sensitive to the Islamic culture and not dress in a revealing or provocative manner, including the wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter-tops and shorts.  Women in particular, especially when traveling outside of Kabul, may want to ensure that their tops have long sleeves and cover their collarbone and waistband, and that their pants/skirts cover their ankles.  Almost all women in Afghanistan cover their hair in public, and American women visitors may want to carry scarves for this purpose.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:   While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Afghanistan’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  During the last several years, there have been incidents involving the arrest and/or detention of U.S. citizens.  Arrested Americans have faced periods of detention -- sometimes in difficult conditions -- while awaiting trial.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Afghanistan are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.  Another potentially sensitive activity is proselytizing.  Although the new Afghan Constitution allows the free exercise of religion, proselytizing may be viewed as contrary to the beliefs of Islam and considered harmful to society.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES:   Afghan law does not allow for adoption of children by foreigners.  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION:   U.S. citizens living or traveling in Afghanistan are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Afghanistan.  U.S. citizens may also register with the consular section online through the Embassy's web site at http://usembassy.state.gov/afghanistan/.  Americans without Internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The Embassy provides no visa services, but does perform emergency and routine passport and citizen’s services.  The U.S. Embassy is located on Great Masood (Airport) Road near Masood Circle in Kabul, telephone number: 93-70-108-001 or 002.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Afghanistan dated May 2, 2005, to update information on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Aviation Safety Oversight, Special Circumstances, Criminal Penalties and Registration/Embassy Location.