Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[00 93] (0) 700-10-8000; US Embassy Kabul, Bibi Mahru, Kabul, Afghanistan; https://af.usembassy.gov/; KabulACS@state.gov; note U.S. Embassy Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021; USG is helping through the Embassy in Doha, Qatar: Al-Luqta District, 22nd February Street, Doha, Qatar, +(974) 4496-6000, ACSDoha@state.gov or ConsularDoha@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
93
Local Emergency Phone
Police 119, Ambulance 112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Afghanistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers
Currency (Code)
Afghanis (AFN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Afghan Persian or Dari (official, lingua franca) 77%, Pashto (official) 48%, Uzbeki 11%, English 6%, Turkmani 3%, Urdu 3%, other minority languages
Major Religions
Muslim 99.7% (Sunni 84.7 - 89.7%, Shia 10 - 15%)
Time Difference
UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Blue Mosque of Mazar-e Sharif; mausoleum of King Amanullah Khan in Jalalabad; Green Mosque of Balkh; Friday Mosque of Herat; Band-e-Amir National Park; archaeological remains of the Bamyan Valley (includes Shahr-i-zohok (Red City); minaret & archaeological remains of Jam
Major Sports
Buzkashi (form of polo using a goat carcass), soccer, rugby
Cultural Practices
In Afghanistan, you may see people place their hands over their hearts and nod slightly as a greeting.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is uncommon except at the fanciest of restaurants. Donations to free historical sites are appreciated, as is extra money for local guides, usually around 20 afghanis.
Souvenirs
Tribal hats and scarves, pottery, lapis lazuli and soapstone items, handwoven rugs, brass and copperware
Traditional Cuisine
Kabuli Pulao — long-grained Basmati rice steamed in meat broth, with assorted lentils, raisins, carrots, lamb, and chopped almonds and pistachios
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, December 18, 2023
