How to get an Afghanistan Visa
With the launch of our Afghanistan Tours, we have had a lot of enquiries regarding how to get an Afghanistan visa.
Getting a visa for Afghanistan isn’t as simple as other countries. With the increase in international tourism, it’s essential to understand the visa process and be aware of key considerations before travelling.
Do I need a visa for Afghanistan?
Short answer, yes, you do need a visa to visit Afghanistan. All foreign nationals wanting to visit Afghanistan are required to have a visa before entering the country. You will not be able to visit Afghanistan without a valid visa.
Where can I get a visa for Afghanistan?
This isn’t as simple to answer, things change quickly and some Afghanistan Embassies and consulates don’t offer valid visas.. We keep in close contact with our partners on the ground for updates on where visas are being issued.
The most popular and reliable Afghanistan Embassies and Consulates for visas:
General Consulate of Afghanistan in Dubai. There are daily flights from Dubai to Kabul
General Consulate of Afghanistan in Peshawar, Pakistan. You can then cross at the Torkham Gate land border into Afghanistan
Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad, Pakistan. There are daily flights to Kabul
General Consulate of Afghanistan in Termez, Uzbekistan. You can then cross via the Hairatan land border into Afghanistan.
General Consulate of Afghanistan in Mashhad, Iran. For those who are entering Afghanistan from Iran via the Dogaron land border.
Visa on Arrival at Sher Khan Bander border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Please note that the visa from the Embassy in Dushanbe is not valid.
Other Embassies and Consulates that have issued visas recently:
Europe: Prague, Sofia, The Hague, Oslo, Moscow, Munich, Berlin, Madrid.
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Uzbekistan: Tashkent
Turkmenistan: Ashgabat
UAE: Abu Dhabi
Iran: Tehran
Turkey: Istanbul
India: Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad
Dubai and Pakistan remain the most practical choices for securing a valid Afghanistan visa, if possible, we would recommend getting the visa there.
Please contact us if you have any questions on the specific requirements of each embassy.
How much is a visa for Afghanistan?
The cost of an Afghanistan visa is usually 80 USD for normal processing and 130 USD for express processing.
The cost is based on your nationality and the rules of the Afghan Embassy or Consulate you visit.
Most embassies will accept payment by card or cash in the local currency.
How long does it take to get an Afghanistan visa?
The length of time it takes to get a visa for Afghanistan varies on the embassy or consulate you go to. The express option is normally ready in a few hours, on the same day. The standard service can take several days to be processed.
Please check the opening times of the embassy or consulate you are visiting, they may differ depending on which one you visit. It is always best to arrive at the opening time.
Please remember to check if the embassy or consulate is closed for religious holidays or festivals.
How long does an Afghanistan tourist visa last?
An Afghanistan tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of application and and typically allows a 30-day stay in the country.
It is possible to extend your visa in Afghanistan by visiting the relevant authorities.
What documents are needed for an Afghanistan visa?
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Visa application form
- 2 passport size photos on a white background
- An invitation letter from a local registered travel company in Afghanistan (Beyond The Borders Tours will send this to you on behalf of our local partner)
- Visa fee, in cash or you can pay by card
You can fill out the visa application form online at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/ – once submitted you will receive a tracking number, you must keep this and take it with you to the embassy or consulate.
Some embassies and consulates will fill out the visa application form for you for a fee.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Afghanistan?
A visa on arrival is only possible at the Sher Khan Bander border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Can I get an e-visa for Afghanistan?
There is currently no e-visa option for Afghanistan, all travellers wanting to visit the country are required to go through the formal process as detailed above.
Security concerns when visiting Afghanistan
Travelling within Afghanistan is subject to strict security regulations.
In addition to your Afghanistan tourist visa, you will also require a letter from the Tourist Office, part of the Ministry of Information and Culture. This will list all of the provinces you intend to visit, all of this will be organised on your tour with Beyond The Borders.
Additionally, this document must be shown in each provincial capital.
Local permits are also required, these can be organised in Kabul and then each province you visit.
Please check out our detailed Afghanistan safety guide here.
Can I take my drone to Afghanistan?
Drones are not permitted in Afghanistan, travellers caught with drones may face severe punishment.
Looking to travel to Afghanistan?
The visa process may sound complicated but it’s a lot easier than you think. With an experienced tour operator such as Beyond The Borders Tours, you will have all the guidance you need to obtain a tourist visa for Afghanistan and explore this incredible country.
Beyond The Borders Tours offers guided group tours and private tours to Afghanistan, led by professional guides who focus on safety and providing the trip of a lifetime.
You can find our group tours here.
