Afghanistan

Visas

All nationalities need visas to visit Afghanistan. Visas are relatively straightforward to obtain, but must be applied for in advance as they are not issued on arrival at Kabul airport or at any land border.

All visa applications require a letter of introduction, stating the purpose and duration of your trip. If you’re travelling for work purposes this should be from your employer. The situation for tourist visas depends on the embassy you apply at. If you’re travelling independently, a letter written by yourself stating your purpose and itinerary often suffices. Bemused consular officials have been known to request applications be made in person so they can interview applicants as to why they want to holiday in Afghanistan. Otherwise, there are Afghan tour operators that should be able to provide you with a letter of introduction for a small fee. Call your nearest embassy well in advance of travel to check current requirements.

At the time of writing a one-month single-entry visa in London costs UK£30, UK£55 for a three-month multiple-entry visa, and UK£115 for a six-month multiple-entry visa, all issued in two days. The embassy in Washington charges US$50 for a one-month single-entry visa, US$100 for a three-month multiple-entry visa, and US$180 for a six-month multiple-entry visa. Visas take two weeks to process, with a premium charged for same-day issue.

In neighbouring countries, Peshawar, Tehran, Mashad and Tashkent are good places to apply for an Afghan visa. One month single- entry visas cost US$30 to US$45 and are generally issued on the same day.

Visa extensions

Visas can be extended in Kabul at the Interior Central Passport Department . Tourists require one passport photo and a letter requesting an extension from the head office of the ATO. The letter costs US$10 for a one-month extension. The process takes about an hour if the queues aren’t too long.

If you’re working in Afghanistan, you’ll need a letter of support from your organisation, or in the case of journalists, a letter from the Ministry of Information & Culture (020 2101301; Pul-e Bagh-e Omomi) in Kabul. Visa extensions cost US$30 for three months, which must be paid into the central branch of Da Afghanistan Bank, with the receipt presented at the passport office along with one passport photo.

Visas for onward travel

Be warned that the Iranian and Pakistani embassies attract huge queues of visa applicants.

India Applications can only be made at the embassy in Kabul (open 9am to noon Monday to Thursday). Six-month visa issued in 24 hours for US$65. Bring three passport photos.

Iran Transit visas from Kabul or Herat (both open 8am to 2pm Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to noon Thursday) cost from US$20 to US$60 according to nationality. One-month tourist visas cost from US$60. Both require two photos, and possibly a letter of introduction from your home embassy. Issue time is one day to a fortnight, again according to nationality: Americans and British are given the hardest time.

Pakistan The embassy in Kabul (open 9am to noon Sunday to Thursday) is picky about issuing visas for non-work purposes. Tourist visas cost about US$60 according to nationality, and take several days, with two photos.

Tajikistan One-month visas cost US$80; a letter of introduction from your embassy is sometimes requested. Be there as soon as the embassy opens (9am to noon Saturday and Sunday) and be persistent to have your application processed. Visas can take up to a fortnight to issue.

Turkmenistan Visas issued in Kabul (open 9am to noon and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Thursday) and Herat (open 9am to noon Saturday to Wednesday). Transit visas costs US$31, one-month tourist visas around US$125. As well as two photos, you need a letter of invitation from a Turkmen travel agency specifying your point of entry. Applications can take up to a fortnight to process.

Uzbekistan Visas issued in Kabul (open 9am to noon Monday to Thursday) only. A one-month visa costs US$100 with two photos and a letter of invitation from an Uzbek travel agency. Visas are issued on the spot.