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

Updated February 2025

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

Tourist Visa
- Validity: 30 days
- Entry: Single entry
Business Visa
- Validity: Longer stays, multiple entries possible
Diplomatic Visa
- Purpose: For government officials or diplomats
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.

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

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.
Islamabad (Afghan Embassy)
- Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad
- Fees: $80 (standard), $130 (express)
- Documents: Passport copy, photos, invitation letter
- Processing: Same-day express service available.
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.

Our team provides personalized assistance to help you successfully obtain your visa for Afghanistan.

We offer detailed information and resources to ensure a smooth visa application experience for you.

Business Visa

Tourism Visa

Embassies and Consulates Issuing Visas Under Current Goverment Control:

China – Afghan Embassy in Beijing
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Afghan Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Pakistan – Afghan Embassy in Islamabad, Afghan Consulate in Peshawar
Iran – Afghan Embassy in Tehran
India – Afghan Embassy in New Delhi
Russia – Afghan Embassy in Moscow
Turkey – Afghan Embassy in Ankara
Saudi Arabia – Afghan Embassy in Riyadh
Qatar – Afghan Embassy in Doha
Malaysia – Afghan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
Bangladesh – Afghan Embassy in Dhaka
Sri Lanka – Afghan Embassy in Colombo
Nepal – Afghan Embassy in Kathmandu
Japan – Afghan Embassy in Tokyo
South Korea – Afghan Embassy in Seoul
Australia – Afghan Embassy in Canberra
South Africa – Afghan Embassy in Pretoria
Egypt – Afghan Embassy in Cairo

Embassies and Consulates Not Issuing Visas:

United Kingdom – Afghan Embassy in London (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
France – Afghan Embassy in Paris (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Germany – Afghan Embassy in Berlin (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Italy – Afghan Embassy in Rome (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Spain – Afghan Embassy in Madrid (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Netherlands – Afghan Embassy in The Hague (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Belgium – Afghan Embassy in Brussels (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Sweden – Afghan Embassy in Stockholm (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Norway – Afghan Embassy in Oslo (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Denmark – Afghan Embassy in Copenhagen (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Finland – Afghan Embassy in Helsinki (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Switzerland – Afghan Embassy in Bern (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Austria – Afghan Embassy in Vienna (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Poland – Afghan Embassy in Warsaw (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Czech Republic – Afghan Embassy in Prague (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)
Hungary – Afghan Embassy in Budapest (declared a "rogue embassy" by the Taliban)