Risk level

Safety and security

Afghanistan is not a safe environment for travel. The security situation is extremely volatile and unpredictable. Attempting any travel, including adventure or recreational in this hazardous security environment, places you and others at grave risk of abduction, injury or death.

In August 2021, the Government of Afghanistan collapsed, and insurgents now occupy most of the country, including the capital, Kabul. Foreigners whose country of origin has supported the U.S.-led coalition forces, including Canadians, are preferred targets for terrorist attacks and kidnapping.

Criminals taking advantage of the unstable security situation are committing violent attacks.

Terrorism and criminal violence

Attacks in Kabul occur often. There’s an extremely high and continuous threat of terrorism and criminal violence. Terrorists and criminals carry out attacks throughout the country, including all major cities. These attacks are not restricted to particular areas of those cities, they can occur in reputable public areas frequented by foreigners, particularly at the Serena Hotel. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe or exempt from the threat of attack.

Extremist organizations continue to plan attacks against a variety of targets in Afghanistan. There is a heightened risk of attacks targeting:

• foreigners
• western interests
• human rights defenders
• journalists and media workers
• judges and prosecutors
• religious scholars
• healthcare workers
• political analysts
• police officers
• civil servants
• other civilians

Attacks are completely unpredictable. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• security and defence personnel
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, medical facilities and other sites frequented by foreigners

In addition to targeted attacks, terrorist groups periodically fire multiple unguided rockets into central Kabul. These rockets are generally aimed at the airport, the Serena Hotel, embassies, and government or military facilities but can land anywhere in the central area of the city.

If you are in Afghanistan:

• always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• exercise extreme caution at all times
• be particularly vigilant during and prior to days of national significance

Types of violent attacks

Tactics used by criminals include body- and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and firing rockets. Armed assaults and ambushes are also common.

Other types of violent attack also occur, including armed robbery, carjacking and sexual and gender-based violence and harassment. Weapons are readily available throughout the country and the number of civilian causalities is high.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times

Kidnapping

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative practice. There’s an extreme risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals. Criminals have kidnapped and sometimes killed Westerners, including tourists, journalists, teachers, doctors and non-government organization workers. Journalists may be lured with offers of interviews, when the real purpose is to kidnap them.

Several organizations, including terrorist groups and criminal gangs, are responsible for these kidnappings. These groups will target anyone perceived to have money for kidnapping or extortion purposes. Kidnap-for-ransom groups may also sell their captives to terrorist groups, with victims potentially facing years in captivity.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, including anti-Western demonstrations and civil unrest, may occur throughout Afghanistan. Some demonstrations have become violent and have suffered terrorist attacks, causing death and injury. Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Landmines

Millions of landmines pose a severe threat throughout the countryside. No area is safe.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Drivers are aggressive and reckless. Drivers do not respect traffic laws, and Afghan police do not enforce them.

Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Overland travel

Overland travel is extremely dangerous, including in Kabul. Banditry by armed groups is common. Terrorist and criminal groups may set up fake checkpoints and road-blocks with the intent of robbery, kidnapping or other violent attacks. Military and police forces are inadequate.

• Avoid undertaking overland travel unless you’re accompanied by armed security guards
• Plan any road travel very carefully
• Always travel in groups

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Women’s safety

Women may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Women should:

• travel in groups
• not travel alone at night

Afghan authorities have detained women who have reported a sexual assault. Women must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid criminal charges under extramarital sex statutes.

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occur. It sometimes occurs without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

General information and advice about forced marriage

Advice for women travellers

General safety information

Be aware that:

• basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas
• food and water shortages are common
• foreigners should avoid travelling at night
• there is no safe area with adequate police coverage

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides 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 Afghan 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 use for travel.

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 beyond the date you expect to leave from 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, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

You must obtain a visa to visit Afghanistan.

Tourist visa: Required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

If your emergency contingency plan involves a possible evacuation to a third country by air or road, be sure to maintain a valid visa for that country.

Regional travel

Afghan 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 more about travelling with children.

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. It may be completely unavailable.

If available, health-care facilities are not appropriately sanitized. Patients requiring medical treatment for incisions or wounds run a significant risk of infection.

Prescription medications are not available. Bring a sufficient supply of medications for the duration of your stay.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. However, it's rarely possible due to a lack of companies willing to service Afghanistan.

In any case, make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

The work week is from Saturday to Wednesday.

Public displays of physical affection between men and women are considered offensive.

Illegal or restricted activities

Extramarital relations

Extramarital relations, including sexual relations are illegal. Punishment for convicted offenders is severe.

Blasphemy

Committing a blasphemous act or producing or distributing material deemed critical of Islam is illegal. Such acts are punishable by long-term incarceration or, in severe cases, the death sentence.

Photography

It’s illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations and palaces. Seek permission from locals before taking their photograph.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Afghan law doesn’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality isn’t socially tolerated.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. They could face arrest under other charges, such as sodomy and illegal extramarital sexual relations.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Afghanistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Afghanistan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Afghanistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Afghanistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Afghanistan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Afghanistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Afghan customs, laws and regulations closely adhere to Islamic practices and beliefs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Ramadan

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the afghani (AFN).

The economy operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted. U.S. dollars are accepted but should be recent issue and in good condition.

Automated banking machines are beginning to appear in Kabul, but they are unreliable.

Natural disasters and climate

Afghanistan is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may cause landslides in affected areas. Strong aftershocks are possible up to one week after the initial quake.

Avalanches, floods and landslides occur. These could result in a high number of casualties and serious property damage.

Avoid the affected areas, keep informed of regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.