Visa policy of Afghanistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Citizens of all countries require a travel visa to visit Afghanistan. The only case allowing visa free accessco to ordinary passport holders is if the traveler was born in Afghanistan or to Afghan parents, including those born to at least one Afghan citizen parent or whose parent was born in Afghanistan.[1][2][3] Since 2026, however, citizens of almost all countries of the world can obtain a visitor e-Visa online, with some exceptions.
In June 2022, government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: "Anyone can visit Afghanistan for the purpose of humanitarian activities and tourism."[4] Between March 2023 and March 2024, nearly 28,000 foreigners visited Afghanistan for work and tourism purposes.[5][6][7]
Israeli passports are not accepted for travel to Afghanistan, a policy that predates Taliban rule and reflects Afghanistan's continuous non-recognition of Israeli statehood.[8]
The Taliban supports the People's Republic of China's (PRC) One China policy, explicitly denying the statehood of Taiwan, a firmer stance in support of the PRC than the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's mere recognition of the PRC over Taiwan.[9][10]
Despite the Taliban's denial of Taiwanese statehood, the Taiwanese passport is valid for travel to Afghanistan, and Taiwanese citizens are eligible for the tourist e-Visa, the least restrictive visa policy Afghanistan applies to any country.
Proposed reform
In February 2015, Afghanistan announced visa-on-arrival facility at Kabul International Airport for business visitors, journalists, athletes, airline staff and passengers in transit from countries that do not have a diplomatic mission of Afghanistan.[11][12]
In September 2017, some elements of the proposed reform were adopted.[13]
On December 10, 2022, the Taliban Ministry of Industry and Commerce opened the "Afghanistan Investment Desk" at Kabul Airport which will facilitate visas on arrival for certain foreign investors.[14]
Visa on arrival
United Nations laissez-passer and Interpol Travel Document — As of 2024, foreign citizens with a United Nations passport or an Interpol passport are issued a visa on arrival at only Kabul International Airport to enter, stay and travel across the territory of Afghanistan. Foreign citizens who are employees of the United Nations or its specialised agencies are also issued a visa on arrival during the period of work.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Afghanistan launched a new online e-Visa system in March 2026 to simplify visa applications and encourage tourism. Currently, the portal issues only a single-entry tourist e-Visa, valid for stays of up to 30 days from the date of entry and expiring 90 days from the date of issue; the e-Visa may currently be used only when arriving through Kabul International Airport.[15][16]
Citizens of nearly every country are elegible for the e-Visa, including citizens of Taiwan (the statehood of which is rejected by the Taliban), with the following exceptions:[15]
Citizens and non-citizen residents ineligible
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Citizens eligible if resident in a different, non-restricted country – residents inelegible regardless of citizenship
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Residents of Israel are inelegible for e-Visas, regardless of their citizenship, in addition to the ban on Israeli citizens resident in any country obtaining any kind of visa. The only non-UN member or observer state whose citizens may apply for an e-Visa is Taiwan.[15][17]
