Visa policy of Afghanistan

Citizens of all countries require a travel visa to visit Afghanistan. The only exemptions are travelers born in Afghanistan, including those born to at least one Afghan citizen parent or whose parent was born in Afghanistan.

Following the 2021 takeover of the country by the Taliban, diplomatic missions of Afghanistan set up by the former government, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, were instructed by the Taliban to continue their work, and the Taliban government is accepting visas issued by these missions for entry into Afghanistan. Some missions have stopped issuing visas, while others have continued to issue them.

In June 2022, government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: "Anyone can visit Afghanistan for the purpose of humanitarian activities and tourism." Between March 2023 and March 2024, nearly 28,000 foreigners visited Afghanistan for work and tourism purposes.

As of July 2024, authorities in Afghanistan no longer accept visas issued in diplomatic missions of Afghanistan in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia.

Visa policy map

Proposed reform

In February 2015, Afghanistan announced visa-on-arrival facility at Kabul International Airport for business visitors, journalists, athletes, airline staff and passengers in transit from countries that do not have a diplomatic mission of Afghanistan. In September 2017, some elements of the proposed reform were adopted. On December 10, 2022, the Taliban Ministry of Industry and Commerce opened the "Afghanistan Investment Desk" at Kabul Airport which will facilitate visas on arrival for certain foreign investors.

Visa on arrival

United Nations laissez-passer and Interpol Travel Document — As of 2024, foreign citizens with a United Nations passport or an Interpol passport are issued a visa on arrival at only Kabul International Airport to enter, stay and travel across the territory of Afghanistan. Foreign citizens who are employees of the United Nations or its specialised agencies are also issued a visa on arrival during the period of work.