Afghanistan travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Afghanistan’s current rules for most common types of travel.

The authorities in Afghanistan set and enforce entry rules. A visa is required to enter Afghanistan. The Afghan embassy in London is closed.

Passport validity requirements

If you decide to travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, check with your travel provider whether your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Vaccine requirements

On your departure, the Afghan authorities may ask for a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine.

For full details about medical entry and departure requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Afghanistan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Afghanistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Afghanistan

It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash. For more information, see ‘Money’ on ‘Safety and security’ page.

All travel to and out of the country is severely restricted. Borders are closed or may close suddenly.

Regular entry and exit requirements may not apply at this time. They could also change without notice.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Afghanistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

You must obtain a visa to visit Afghanistan.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Regional travel

Afghan de facto authorities may deny you entry if your passport contains an Israeli visa or border stamp.

They may also deny you entry if your passport contains an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, which would indicate that you’ve travelled to Israel.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.