Afghanistan

Do not travel to Afghanistan, the security situation remains volatile. You’re at a high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping and arbitrary detention. Foreigners, including tourists and NGO workers may be targeted. If you’re in Afghanistan, you should leave immediately. If you stay, you may not be able to leave quickly.

Travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Border crossing points are often targets for terrorists. Terrorists and criminal groups can set up fake checkpoints and roadblocks to rob or kidnap you. They can close without notice if there’s an increased risk of attack.

The Taliban are suspicious of foreigners, including dual nationals. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. The Taliban regularly harass and detain international and local aid and humanitarian workers.

The Taliban enforce strict measures on acceptable behaviour. The Taliban’s local application of law can change without notice. If you don’t comply you can be arrested and may face severe punishment.  

Airports, flights and telecommunications, including the internet, can be disrupted at any time. 

Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point. All travel options are at your own risk. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to or remain in Afghanistan, take all precautions for your safety:

• Get independent, professional security advice and hire personal protection
• Adopt effective personal security measures and review them regularly
• Make contingency plans to leave.

Do not book a tourist trip to Afghanistan, even if offered by reputable tour operators or promoted as a guided tour. A tour operator cannot guarantee your safety. Terrorists target foreigners as part of tour groups. In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed and an Australian injured in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.

The risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to foreigners remain high. You could die or be seriously injured while in Afghanistan.

Travelling somewhere uncommon or unsafe can seem thrilling. Especially if you’ve seen others do it and return safely. But visiting locations where we advise ‘Do not travel’ can put your life in serious danger. Don’t get influenced into taking risks. No amount of likes are worth the risks.

If you do get into trouble, our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited. It’s also likely you won’t be covered by travel insurance. 

More information:

• Don’t be influenced into risking your life

There's a high threat of terrorist attacks throughout Afghanistan. Terrorist groups are active throughout Afghanistan. They’ve conducted violent attacks targeting NGO’s, humanitarian operations, medical providers and foreigners, including tourists. Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. No person or location in Afghanistan can be considered safe from the threat of attack. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to Afghanistan as a tourist, there’s a high risk you could be the target of a terrorist attack or kidnapping. See ‘Dangerous tourism’.

Serious, large-scale terrorist incidents happen, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms. Rocket and mortar attacks also occur. Terrorists may attack vehicles travelling along roads in and around Kabul. Convoys have been targeted.

Attacks resulting in casualties have happened near diplomatic facilities, Kabul International Airport, places of worship, border crossings and other high-profile locations.

There's a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan.

Targets of an attack in Afghanistan may include:

• airports
• Taliban administration buildings and military establishments
• embassies and residential compounds used by foreigners
• NGO and international humanitarian facilities and vehicles
• public areas such as hotels, shops and markets frequented by foreigners
• border crossing points
• police stations, schools and medical facilities
• high-profile vehicle convoys
• religious facilities or symbols, such as mosques, shrines or madrassas

If you’re in Afghanistan, you should leave immediately. If you stay, you may not be able to leave quickly. You're responsible for your own safety. Review your personal security plans regularly.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

For more information on common targets for terrorists and what to do if there’s an attack, read our Terrorism page.

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnappings can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe. 

Afghanistan is a global kidnapping hotspot. There are a high number of recorded incidents. Westerners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners, including tourists, throughout Afghanistan.

Our ability to provide assistance if you’re kidnapped in Afghanistan is severely limited. Read our detailed advice on kidnapping here: Kidnapping.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom 

Foreign nationals, including Australians, are at risk of arbitrary detention in Afghanistan. Australians have been previously detained, including for extended periods.

The Taliban has harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers, tourists, and journalists. The Taliban are suspicious of foreigners working or travelling in Afghanistan, including dual nationals, NGO and humanitarian workers and journalists. It's likely your work and movements will be closely monitored. 

Reasons for detention may be unclear. Detention can be lengthy, possibly months or years, and damaging to your health and welfare, with uncertain outcomes. Communication with your 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 an increased risk that the Taliban will suspect you of espionage and may detain you if you're found in possession of:

• weapons
• explosives
• tracking devices
• objectionable religious material
• military paraphernalia
• items that may be considered unusual, especially IT equipment or dual-use goods (can be used by civilians or the military)
• large quantities of money
• multiple passports

Or if:

• you have worked in the military
• you have connections to previously detained foreign nationals

If you're found guilty of espionage or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution. 

Demonstrations may happen as a result of domestic or international events or political developments in the region. Demonstrations could be perceived as dissent by the Taliban, particularly if you challenge or criticise their laws.

Activism is prohibited and all forms of communication are closely scrutinised in Afghanistan. If you discuss, share or publish information critical of the Taliban, including on social media, you may face increased surveillance and harassment, arrest, and possibly lengthy detention. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

If they escalate, people could be killed or injured. Stay away from large crowds and check media for updates.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There's a high level of petty and serious crime throughout Afghanistan, including:

• armed robbery
• rape
• carjacking
• drug trafficking

Many people carry weapons.

Armed bandits and kidnappings by armed groups are common. See ‘Kidnapping’.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert, don’t leave your food or drinks alone. Watch when your drink is being mixed. If you feel unwell, tell your friends immediately and get to a safe place. Keep an eye on your friends, if they feel unwell, stay with them. Get medical help if needed.

Alcohol use and possession are illegal in Afghanistan and you could be arrested if you are caught with it.

Methanol poisoning

People have died or become very sick from poisoned drinks overseas. This includes Australians. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol production. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Get urgent medical help if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber safety

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others are technically and legally constrained in Afghanistan. Possessing electronic images of living beings (photographs of people or animals) is illegal. 

Foreigners who have been detained in Afghanistan are often required to surrender and unlock all digital devices for inspection by Taliban security. Contents may be used to build a case against you. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes in recent years have caused heavy casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Some mountainous areas experience deadly winter avalanches and heavy snow.

Heavy rainfall may cause severe flooding and trigger landslides, especially in northern and eastern provinces.

Sand and dust storms are common, especially in the southern provinces.

Water shortages are common, including in Kabul. 

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Staying safe when there's a natural disaster

You need special travel insurance if you’re going to a high-risk destination, which can be expensive.

We can’t guarantee your safety and security in another country or pay for your medical expenses, including evacuation. If you don’t have insurance, you shouldn’t travel. 

If despite our advice you travel to Afghanistan, think about your health before you travel, especially if you have any medical conditions.

See your doctor or a travel clinic to:

• get a basic check-up
• ask if your travel plans might affect your health
• find out what vaccinations you need.

If you're concerned about your mental wellbeing, or someone else's, read more about mental health support overseas.

More information:

• General health advice
• Managing your mental health

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Ensure your medication is legal overseas. Take enough for your whole trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• medication names
• your required dosage
• that the medications are for your personal use.

More information:

• Medications

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne illnesses are common throughout Afghanistan, including:

• malaria
• leishmaniasis
• dengue

To protect yourself:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• measles
• tuberculosis
• leptospirosis
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• rabies
• polio

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To stay safe:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If despite our advice you travel to Afghanistan, ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

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:

• Afghanistan environmental health
• Kabul air quality index

Medical facilities in Afghanistan are very limited and the standard of training, sanitation and hygiene are poor.

There is no public ambulance service in Afghanistan. If you need urgent attention, speak directly with a local medical practitioner and use local transport to get to hospital when it's safe to. Ambulances sent by hospitals may require payment or evidence of insurance before they treat you.

Health care for women is extremely limited or non-existent. Health professionals are limited in their practice and may not be allowed to treat women who are not accompanied by their male guardian. 

You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Afghanistan. 

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter. 

Afghanistan’s legal system is run by Sharia law and the Taliban strictly enforce their interpretation of Islam. Afghanistan imposes the death sentence and uses corporal punishment. Laws and their severity can vary from one province to another.

Foreigners, including Australians have been detained without fair treatment. The Australian government may not be notified of your detention, and you can be detained for long periods in harsh conditions. See ‘Detention’. 

Relationships

It's illegal for unmarried men and women to live together or have any contact. 

Same-sex relationships are illegal. 

Severe penalties apply for breaking these laws including corporal punishment, imprisonment and the death penalty.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Religious Proselytism

Religious proselytism is illegal. This includes preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material. If you convert or try to convert someone from Islam to another religion, you could face harsh punishment, including the death sentence. Individuals practicing a religion other than Islam have been arbitrarily arrested, detained, and physically attacked or abused.

You could be accused of blasphemy if you engage in religious activities that contradict or challenge the Taliban’s extreme interpretation of Islamic teachings and values. Such acts are punishable by lengthy jail sentences and even the death sentence.

Other laws

The Taliban prohibit women from:

• travelling and going to public places without a male guardian (such as parks and restaurants)
• looking at unrelated men's body and/or face
• accessing higher education
• working outside their home, working for non-governmental organisations and the United Nations
• having their voices heard in public. 

There are strict codes of dress for women, they must be fully covered from head to toe. This applies to foreigners. If you don’t adhere to these laws, you could be arrested. Seek local advice.

Men are prohibited from wearing ‘western-style clothing’ such as jeans and are not allowed to shave their beard if it is less than the width of a fist. Men are forbidden from looking at an unrelated woman’s body or face. 

It's illegal to possess photographs of people or animals or other images of ‘living beings’. Musical instruments and playing music is illegal. Many board games, including Ludo and Chess are illegal. Many books, including any written by women are prohibited. 

It’s illegal to photograph 

• checkpoints
• government buildings
• palaces
• security or military sites, including non-Afghan installations

You could be detained and have your equipment seized. Obey signs prohibiting photography.

It’s illegal to bring drugs, alcohol or pork products into Afghanistan. If you do, you could be arrested. 

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Afghanistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at all times. 

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. 

More information:

• Ramadan 

Each country or territory decides its own entry and exit rules. If, despite our advice you travel to Afghanistan, ensure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Not all Afghan Embassies abroad are able to issue valid travel documents. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.

Limited services

Our ability to provide any passport services to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited. We can't facilitate the delivery of passports into Afghanistan.

Validity

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

Some airlines and governments may give you different advice.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Criminals could also use photocopies. Always keep them in a safe place. 

If your passport is lost, stolen or missing, tell the Australian Government: 

• In Australia: contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• Overseas: contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. Ask the embassy or consulate of your destinations if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker. Check all transit destinations too.

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Afghani (AFN).

Road travel

All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. There's an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks, including at border crossing points. Border crossing points may be closed without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads in Kabul and throughout the country.

Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines and IEDs, are a danger across the country

The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. All travel options are at your own risk. Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.

See ‘Safety’.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Airport and aviation safety infrastructure is not maintained to the same standard as in Australia, including aircraft, emergency response vehicles, weather services and tower communications. 

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations.

Check Afghanistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

There's no centralised number to reach emergency services.

The Australian Embassy in Kabul is closed. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited. We cannot provide in person consular or passport services.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

If you have a consular emergency call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

For non-urgent enquiries, including passports, see the contact page on the Australian Embassy Afghanistan website.