HAMIDI TMC - Our Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Visa to Afghanistan

Afghanistan Visa Overview

To visit Afghanistan, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa in advance. There is no visa-on-arrival system for Afghanistan, except at the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, where visas can be issued (with processing times of 1-2 days). This guide provides clear information about the visa process, requirements, fees, and the types of visas available.

Visa Requirements

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.

• Visa Type: Choose the correct visa type based on your travel purpose (tourism, business, etc.).

• Invitation Letter: Required from an Afghan-based tour operator, business, or host. Only authorized agencies approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) can issue valid invitation letters. Ensure the invitation includes the agency’s license number (ATO-XXXXX) and MFA approval number (MFA-XXXXXXXXX).

• Supporting Documents:

  • Passport-sized photos (usually 2-3)

  • Flight itinerary

  • Visa application form

  • Visa fee payment

Types of Visas

1. Tourist Visa

   • Validity: 30 days

   • Entry: Single entry

2. Business Visa

   • Validity: Longer stays, multiple entries possible

3. Diplomatic Visa

   • Purpose: For government officials or diplomats

4. Transit Visa

   • Validity: Up to 72 hours

Visa Application Common Locations

• Dubai (Afghan Consulate)

• Islamabad (Afghan Embassy)

• Peshawar (Afghan Consulate)

• Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border (Visa on arrival, 1-2 days processing time)

Other possible locations include Doha, Istanbul, Tehran, and Damascus.

Visa Fees

• Dubai: From $150

• Pakistan (Islamabad/Peshawar):

  • Standard: $80

  • Express: $130

Fees may vary depending on the processing speed and location.

Processing Time

• Dubai:

  • Standard: 1-3 business days

  • Express: Same-day processing available

• Pakistan:

  • Standard: 1-3 business days

  • Express: Same-day processing

• Tajikistan Border:

  • Visa on arrival, processing may take 1-2 days.

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E-Visa for Afghanistan

Afghanistan does not offer an e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted in person at an embassy, consulate, or border post.

How to Apply

1. Dubai (Afghan Consulate)

   • Location: Villa 23, 29B Street, Al Jaffilya, Dubai

   • Fees: $150 (subject to change)

   • Documents: Passport copy, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, invitation letter

   • Processing: Same-day for express applications.

2. Islamabad (Afghan Embassy)

   • Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad

   • Fees: $80 (standard), $130 (express)

   • Documents: Passport copy, photos, invitation letter

   • Processing: Same-day express service available.

3. Peshawar (Afghan Consulate)

   • Location: University Town, Peshawar

   • Fees: $80 (standard), $130 (express)

   • Documents: Passport copy, photos, invitation letter

   • Processing: Same-day available.

Visa on Arrival at Tajikistan Border

• The only visa-on-arrival option is at the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.

• Processing can take 1-2 days, so it’s better to plan in advance.

Travel Considerations

• Travel Permits: Additional travel permits may be required for certain provinces. These can be arranged with a local agent or upon arrival in Kabul.

• Drone Restrictions: Drones are strictly prohibited. Violators face severe penalties.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa to Afghanistan requires careful planning and understanding of the current requirements. The easiest and most reliable locations to apply are Dubai and Pakistan (Islamabad/Peshawar). Always consult the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before applying.

❌ Missions Not Coordinated with Current Government

1. UK (Embassy)

2. Germany (Embassy, excl Munich consulate)

3. Belgium (Embassy)

4. Switzerland (Embassy)

5. Austria (Embassy)

6. France (Embassy)

7. Italy (Embassy)

8. Greece (Embassy)

9. Poland (Embassy)

10. Sweden (Embassy)

11. Norway (Embassy)

12. Canada (Embassy)

13. Australia (Embassy)

✔ Embassies / Consulates Issuing Afghanistan Visas

1. Russia (Embassy)

2. Pakistan (Embassy + Consulates)

3. China (Embassy)

4. Iran (Embassy)

5. UAE (Embassy / Consulate)

6. Qatar (Embassy)

7. Turkey (Embassy)

8. Netherlands (Embassy)

9. Spain (Embassy)

10. Bulgaria (Embassy)

11. Czech Republic (Embassy)

12. Germany (Consulate only)

13. India (Embassy)

🌐 Land Borders Issuing Visa

• Islam Qala / Herat – Afghanistan border (major official crossing points)

• Sher Khan Bandar / Kunduz – Afghanistan border (major official crossing points)