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Afghanistan

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US State Department currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[00 93] (0) 700-10-8000; US Embassy Kabul, Bibi Mahru, Kabul, Afghanistan; https://af.usembassy.gov/; [email protected]; 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, [email protected] or [email protected]

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.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, influenza, COVID-19.

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): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

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 (Sunni, Shia)

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, July 29, 2024