Electricity

The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs with either two or three round pins are standard.

Language

Pashto and Dari are the official and most widely spoken languages of Afghanistan.

Money

The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan afghani (AFN), and most payments are expected to be made in afghanis. While foreign currencies such as the US dollar have been used in the past, their use is now increasingly discouraged. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so cash is generally required for transactions. Some ATMs and banks are still operational, but there are limits on how much cash can be withdrawn due to ongoing financial challenges.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory or widely expected in Afghanistan, but it's often appreciated, particularly in urban areas or in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Health

Gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhoea, are relatively common in Afghanistan, and outbreaks of conditions such as measles and other viral infections can occur throughout the year. The dry, dusty climate may also cause mild irritation to the eyes, throat, or skin.

Malaria is present in some areas, particularly in warmer, lower-lying regions.

Healthcare services may be limited or unavailable in certain parts of the country. Where care is available, facilities may not always meet hygiene standards, which can increase the risk of infection. Medicines can sometimes be found in cities, but availability and quality may vary.

Safety

The security environment in Afghanistan remains highly unpredictable, with an ongoing risk of violence, including targeted attacks, conflict-related incidents, and civil unrest. These risks are present throughout the country, including in urban centres such as Kabul. Most governments currently advise against all travel to Afghanistan due to security risks.

Local customs

Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and travellers should be sensitive to local customs, especially during Ramadan, when eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is discouraged. Same-sex relationships are illegal under Afghan law and may be subject to severe penalties under current authorities. Photography can be a sensitive issue; in some provinces, local rules prohibit images of people or animals, and photographing government or military sites should be avoided. The export of historical artefacts is also tightly controlled. Travellers purchasing antiques should ensure they receive official documentation, as proof of purchase may be required when leaving the country.

Doing business

English is understood by many but not all Afghan business people and, as Afghanistan is an Islamic State, visitors should respect Muslim customs. Women are expected to dress conservatively and have a scarf draped on the shoulders when attending meetings; Western attire is acceptable.

Duty free

Visitors may bring reasonable quantities of tobacco products and perfume for personal use without restriction. The import of alcohol is strictly prohibited and may lead to legal penalties. Travellers carrying professional photography or video equipment should seek prior permission, as import may require a license.

Communications

The international dialling code for Afghanistan is +93. It's generally more affordable for travellers to purchase a local SIM card than to use international roaming. SIM cards are available at airports and in mobile phone shops, and buyers are typically required to show a passport for registration. Free WiFi is commonly available in hotels throughout Kabul, although connection quality can vary depending on the location.

Passport & Visa

The Government of Afghanistan fell in August 2021 when the Taliban seized control. Since then, travel in and out of the country has remained constrained; border crossings may close unexpectedly, and operations can vary widely. Standard entry and exit procedures still apply, though visa processes and internal permits may change with little warning. Security remains unstable, with risks including terrorism, kidnapping, and limited consular support. Consequently, most governments advise against visiting Afghanistan, although a small number of guided tours are still operating in certain regions.

Entry requirements

Nationals of the USA need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

British nationals need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Nationals of Canada need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Nationals of Australia need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Nationals of South Africa need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Nationals of Ireland need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Nationals of New Zealand need a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of departure, and a visa.

Useful contacts

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