There is no centralised number to reach emergency services. Research the contact information for the local police and medical facilities, and carry it with you.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Do not travel to Afghanistan.
Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds. There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack. Targets have included the Russian Embassy and Kabul International Airport. Attacks have resulted in casualties. The risk of further attacks against the diplomatic zone and other high-profile locations remains high. Further attacks against aviation and/or airports are very likely. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.
The security situation has significantly increased the risks associated with travel. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. The Taliban has harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers.
You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any alternative departure point. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
Take all extra precautions for your safety.
Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Australian evacuation flights from Kabul have ceased, and all Australian Government personnel have left Kabul. The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed. If you're in Afghanistan, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor credible local information sources and have a plan in place if you need to leave quickly.
There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Serious, large-scale terrorist incidents happen frequently, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms. Rocket and mortar attacks also occur.
If you're in Afghanistan, stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds. Make sure your accommodation is secure and regularly review your personal security plans. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. Attacks have occurred in the vicinity of the diplomatic zone, Kabul International Airport, border crossings and other high-profile locations, resulting in casualties.
Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Further attacks against aviation and/or airports are very likely. Terrorists frequently carry out attacks on vehicles travelling along roads in and around Kabul. Many terrorist attacks have targeted convoys. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.
Aid and humanitarian workers are not safe from the threat of terrorism. Terrorists continue to target NGO and humanitarian operations across the country. The Taliban has increasingly harassed and detained international and local aid and humanitarian workers.
More information:
Targets of an attack include:
Terrorists have staged attacks from partly constructed buildings and high rises.
If you're in Afghanistan, don't travel at night.
More information:
Kidnapping is a serious and ongoing threat.
Afghanistan is a global kidnapping hotspot. There are a high number of recorded incidents.
Westerners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in recent years.
Sources report that terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners throughout Afghanistan. This includes Kabul and surrounding districts.
Kidnappers have targeted:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Kidnappers may have links to terrorist groups. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded terrorist attacks.
Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to breach Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Afghanistan is under Taliban control.
Demonstrations may happen as a result of:
Violent demonstrations happen in areas visited by foreigners.
Attacks could occur anywhere.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid:
If they escalate, people could be killed or injured.
If you're in Afghanistan and you're in an area affected by civil unrest:
More information:
Foreign nationals, including Australians, have been detained in Afghanistan without due process. The Taliban has also harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Detention can be lengthy, damaging to health and welfare, and of uncertain outcome. Communication with next of kin may not be possible.
The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention. Our ability to access information about or assist a detainee is severely limited.
There's a high level of serious crime, including:
Many people own weapons.
Lawlessness exists in rural areas. Armed bandits and kidnapping by armed groups is common.
If you're in Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone.
On 22 June 2022, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit the central region of Afghanistan impacting Paktika, Khost and Nangarhar Provinces. There was heavy casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Some mountainous areas experience deadly winter avalanches and heavy snow.
Follow the advice of local authorities.
Most Australian travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Afghanistan. Do not travel to Afghanistan. If you're in Afghanistan, take all extra precautions for your safety. Make sure your accommodation is secure and regularly review your personal security plans. Take all extra precautions for your safety. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
Do not travel to Afghanistan. If you're in Afghanistan, take all extra precautions for your safety. Make sure your accommodation is secure and regularly review your personal security plans. Take all extra precautions for your safety. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so.
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a significant risk in Afghanistan, including Kabul. The availability of medical facilities to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is extremely limited.
Malaria outbreaks can occur between April and September. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are reported in some areas.
Other insect-borne diseases, including leishmaniasis, are common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Polio is present in Afghanistan.
In August 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed that wild polio was a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The WHO has extended its temporary polio recommendations. These may affect your travel to Afghanistan.
More information:
Household air pollution is an environmental health risk in Afghanistan. There's a higher risk during winter.
To reduce your exposure, take precautions when increased levels are recorded.
More Information:
Medical facilities are limited and the standard of training for medical staff is poor.
Sanitation and hygiene are poor.
You can use some private medical clinics in Kabul for routine health issues. Clinics will request up-front payment for medical treatment.
If you get seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It may also be difficult to arrange in the current environment. Most Australian travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Afghanistan.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Follow the local laws and regulations.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Afghanistan imposes the death sentence for murder and other serious offences.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms and fines.
It's illegal to have:
These crimes are particularly serious when the relationship is between a non-Muslim and a Muslim.
Severe penalties apply for breaking these laws. Punishments may include imprisonment, lashing and the death penalty.
Same-sex relationships are illegal.
Penalties are severe for other serious crimes, such as:
More information:
Don't photograph:
You could be detained and have your equipment seized. Obey signs prohibiting photography.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
It's a serious criminal offence for an Australian to fight in a foreign state. Penalties include up to 25 years in jail.
More information:
There are conservative codes of dress and behaviour in Afghanistan.
The Taliban has announced that women must be accompanied by a male guardian (for instance a husband, father, brother or son) and cover their hair and face when outside the home. It is customary for women to also cover their arms and legs in public. The Taliban has announced restrictions on women’s movement outside the home. These restrictions could change at short notice. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Public displays of affection may cause offence.
Although there are inconsistent reports regarding enforcement of dress codes, you should consider these announcements and customs when out in public and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Afghanistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities in front of people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.
Our ability to provide any passport services to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is valuable. It may be attractive to criminals who try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Afghani (AFN). US dollars are widely accepted.
There are very few ATMs in Kabul.
Businesses don't widely accept credit cards and are unlikely to accept travellers' cheques.
The security situation has significantly increased the risks associated with travel. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed by authorities without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads in Kabul and throughout the country.
You need to consider carefully the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. We advise against all travel to and around Afghanistan.
Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines and IEDs, are a danger on:
More information:
Limited flights from Afghanistan to other countries have resumed, these may change or be suspended at short notice. You should contact airlines or travel agents directly for current information.
Afghan-owned airlines are currently banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Research your aviation provider before choosing their services.
You're encouraged to read Air travel before flying.
Check Afghanistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Be alert to anyone attempting to get payments from travellers illegally. They may attempt to do this by withholding your passport.
More information:
There's no centralised number to reach emergency services.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed. All Australian Government personnel have left Afghanistan. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.
If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
For non-urgent enquiries, including passports, see the contact page on the Australian Embassy Afghanistan website.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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