How to Get a Visa to Visit Afghanistan: A Complete Guide
Discover everything you need to know about getting a Visa to visit Afghanistan in our comprehensive guide. We cover visa fees, processing times, and special requirements for embassies worldwide. ..
How to Get a Visa to Visit Afghanistan
If you're planning a trip to Afghanistan, obtaining a visa is a crucial first step. This guide provides an in-depth look at how to apply for a visa, the requirements, fees and the ins and outs of the process. Whether you're a solo traveller, part of a tour group, or an adventurer planning to drive your own vehicle, this guide has got you covered.
What's in this guide?
Do you need a Visa for Afghanistan?
Citizens of all countries need a visa to enter Afghanistan. No exceptions. Visa costs and processing times vary depending on your nationality and the embassy you apply at. Tourist visas are single-entry, valid for 30 days, and must be used within three months from the date of issue. Most nationalities can expect to pay around $100 USD.
As of April 2025, it's now possible to get a Visa on Arrival at Kabul International Airport, if you're going through a registered Afghan tour guide or travel agency. They will arrange a LOI which can be presented to airlines in lieu of a visa, and the visa will be granted at the airport. At the moment this is not available to independent travellers.
Important Note: Afghanistan does not recognise Israel and will not issue visas to Israeli passport holders.
Afghanistan Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for an Afghanistan Tourist visa, you'll need:
A completed visa application form (downloadable from http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af or embassy websites).
At least 2 blank pages in your passport. The visa is a sticker that will take
up one entire page.
Two passport-sized photos.
Visa fee (varies by location and nationality).
An additional 1-2 photos for the visa card issued on arrival.
In some cases, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a friend, family member, or tour operator in Afghanistan. Many Afghan tour companies will provide this for a small fee, even if you’re not booking a tour with them. If you’re booking a tour they should provide one for no cost.
Afghanistan does NOT have an online application for tourist visas. Each traveller needs to prepare the following documents and fees and submit them to an Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan that has recognised the IEA government. Check our list of these embassies below.
Afghanistan Tourist Visa Form
You can complete the form here: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af or contact the Embassy you'll be applying at, to get a copy of the application form.
Afghanistan Tourist Visa Fees
The cost of the visa to visit Afghanistan as a tourist varies depending on where you apply for it, what your nationality is and how fast you want it processed. The Afghanistan tourist visa costs between $80 - $130 USD for regular processing (3 days- 2 weeks depending on the Embassy). Urgent or express (same day or 1 day) processing is usually $50 USD extra.
Where to Apply for an Afghanistan Visa
Afghanistan does NOT offer an online visa application process. You can fill in the forms online and download and print them out to submit, or a few embassies offer digital upload facilities, but for all of them you must go into an Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan to apply and receive your visa.
Some embassies in Western countries have closed or refused to recognise the current Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). This situation is likely to change over time, so check with your nearest Afghan embassy or consulate to confirm their current status and procedures. Other embassies are still open and issuing visas, but the visas will not be recognised by the IEA when you arrive in Afghanistan, and you may end up paying for a visa twice.
Some embassies will only issue visas to citizens or residents of the country. Check with the Embassy before applying.
Pakistan
Peshawar: Same day processing (Closest to Torkham Border Crossing)
Quetta: Same day processing (Closest to Spin Boldak-Chaman Border Crossing)
Islamabad
Karachi
Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Termez: same day processing available (closest to Mazar-i-Sharif)
Iran
Mashad: Same day processing, will issue a Road Pass (closest to Herat)
Tehran: 2 days, express processing available for an additional fee. May not issue Road Pass
Afghanistan Consulates and Embassies
Most convenient for overland travellers:
Most convenient for air travellers:
United Arab Emirates, Dubai: Same day if you apply early, $100-130 USD (May request an LOI)
More Afghan Embassies and Consulate Locations:
Most embassies issue the Visa within 1 week, but anecdotally some European embassies take up to 2 weeks to process visa applications, but it’s always worth asking if there’s an express option.
Always contact embassies well in advance of your trip to confirm processing times and costs.
Our Afghan Compass travel guide includes all the known details on each Afghan embassy, including embassy locations and Visa fees and processing times if known, as well as a handy checklist to help you prepare for the Visa application.
Afghanistan Land Border Crossing Points
The most convenient place to get your Visa will depend on where you're coming to Afghanistan from. The map below shows all the border crossings that have recently been open to foreigners. Of course border crossing points can open and close on short notice, so always check with Embassy staff or on local travel groups for the most up to date information.
If you're crossing into Afghanistan via the Shir Khan/Tajikistan border, you can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Ensure you have:
Four passport-sized photos.
Required documentation, including a completed visa form and LOI if applicable.
The payment fee in USD or Afghanis.
Tip: If you're an independent solo female traveler, the Shir Khan border crossing may not be the best choice. Independent solo female travellers have been refused entry here out of concerns for their safety. You could book a guide to meet you at the border, and anecdotally this is enough to get you the visa.
The other option is to go via the Termez border crossing from Uzbekistan, where you can get a visa in 1-2 days at the Afghan Consulate in Termez.
Our Afghan Compass ebook includes details on all available border crossings and details on what to expect when getting a VOA.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Afghanistan:
Additional Permits
Travellers bringing a motorbike, car or campervan into Afghanistan require a Road Pass. You need to apply for this when you apply for your visa. Fees are approximate:
Motorbikes: $30 USD
Cars/Campervans: $100-125 USD
Driving your own vehicle can slow down the border process. Start your crossing early in the day to account for delays. In Afghanistan there is no compulsory insurance or car registration.
Drone Permits
Tourists are not currently permitted to bring drones into Afghanistan. When drones are permitted you will need a permit from the Tourism Office in Kabul. Contact the office on +93703087130 for more details.
Road Passes for Vehicles
Travel Permits within Afghanistan
All travellers need a Travel Permit, issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture. To apply for this you should go into the Ministry in the first large city you arrive in, with a list of the provinces you wish to visit. They'll issue you a paper permit which you should carry with you at all times.
You'll also need to check in to the Ministry of Information and Culture at each city you arrive on. Some travellers have not done this and not had an issue, but for many you will need the permit they give you to visit the major sights in each city, such as the Kharqa Sharif in Kandahar and the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Our travel guides include instructions for getting the Travel Permit, and the details and locations of the Ministry of Information and Culture in individual city/Provinces.
Check Embassy Status: Verify that the embassy you’re applying to recognises the IEA.
Prepare in Advance: Have all required documents, photos, and fees ready before you apply.
Use Reliable Sources for LOIs: If you don’t have contacts in Afghanistan, work with a reputable tour operator to get an LOI.
Check if you need an appointment: Some embassies require you to make an appointment. At others you can just drop in and lodge the application.
Factor in Processing Times: Some embassies offer express processing for an additional fee. Always ask if there’s an express option if you're on a tight schedule.
Stay Updated: Visa regulations and embassy operations are subject to change. Check for the latest information before applying.
Get our PDF guidebook: Our travel guides include the most up-to-date information, as well as locations of embassies and a checklist to help streamline your application process.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
SUMMARY
All travellers need a visa to enter Afghanistan.
Tourist visas are single-entry, valid for 30 days, and cost around $100 USD for most nationalities.
Some embassies require an LOI.
A Visa on Arrival is available only at Shir Khan Border Crossing.
Additional permits are needed for drones and vehicles.
Verify embassy details and visa requirements before travelling.
Our PDF travel guides include all the details you need to apply for an Afghan tourist visa.
Navigating the Afghanistan visa process might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and up-to-date information, it’s entirely manageable. Always double-check embassy policies and stay informed about any changes. By following this guide, you’ll be one step closer to exploring Afghanistan’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and welcoming cultures.
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