Asia and Oceania
Afghanistan
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Still current at: 08 January 2009
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Updated: 08 December 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Air Travel section. The overall level of the advice has changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism and specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication.
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No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts. Travellers to Afghanistan do so at their own risk and without protection from HMG.
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You should maintain a heightened level of vigilance at all time, observe the strictest of security measures and avoid any unnecessary travel. Travellers should also consider making their own security arrangements for the duration of their time in Afghanistan.
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We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Kabul and the surrounding urban area, because of ongoing terrorist activity and the high risk of kidnap, violent crime and suicide attacks. The main supply routes and principle roads have a particular heightened threat of road side bombs and ambush.
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We advise the following travel restrictions according to provincial region:
Kabul:
- We strongly advise against all travel to the Sarobi District of the Kabul province.
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We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Kabul.
Northern Afghanistan:
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samagan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
Eastern Afghanistan:
- We strongly advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisam Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Pakitka, Wardak and Paktya.
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We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan, Parwan, Panjshir, and the main Kabul/Torkham highway.
Southern Afghanistan:
- We strongly advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Western Afghanistan:
- We strongly advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand District of Heart province.
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Farah, Ghor and Herat.
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The British Embassy in Kabul is able to offer only limited consular assistance and does not issue visas. Information of specific and urgent threats is circulated via the Warden network within Afghanistan. It is therefore important that you register with the British Embassy in Kabul on arrival. See the contact section of this advice page for more details.
- We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
You should be aware of the continuing high threat from terrorism within Afghanistan. Threats, specific or otherwise, are reported on an almost daily basis. Terrorist and insurgents conduct frequent and widespread lethal attacks against British and Coalition armed forces, political and civilian targets.
We continue to receive reports which indicate specific terrorist threats against visibly British and Western institutions, organisations and individuals. Threats also apply to those involved in work with the United Nations as well as those working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Attacks throughout Afghanistan have included bombs (roadside and other), suicide bombs (either on foot or by vehicle), indirect fire (rockets and mortars), kidnapping and violent crime.
You should also remain constantly aware of the risks posed by the large amounts of unexploded ordnance and land mines throughout the country.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Kidnap
On 26 July 2007, one Taliban commander (Mansur Dadollah) is reported to have urged Taliban fighters to continue the tactic of kidnapping foreign nationals. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Local Travel
If you remain in Afghanistan, particularly outside Kabul, you should continue to reassess your situation. You should exercise the utmost care and vary your routines. You should always ensure car doors are locked and windows closed, and if possible maintain radio or telephone communications to report your movements. We strongly advise you to avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. Visitors/workers are strongly advised not to set regular patterns of movement whilst travelling in the city and to ensure they take professional security advice whilst in country.
You should avoid regular visits to public places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants, shops and market places, especially at times of day when they are particularly busy and congested. The British Embassy does not currently allow official visitors to stay in hotels overnight, and has placed less well protected restaurants off limits to staff. We strongly recommend that you consult the warden network via the British Embassy for further information on the security of venues across Kabul and elsewhere before undertaking any travel.
If, despite this advice, you travel outside Kabul, you should only do so with reputable local guides and only to fully protected workplaces. You should consider permanent armed protection. You should be aware that even these precautions cannot guarantee your safety. The threat from kidnapping, suicide bombs, roadside bombs, indirect fire and ambush throughout Afghanistan remains.
Road Travel
Road travel remains highly dangerous. Deployments of false vehicle checkpoints from which violent attacks have been mounted are methods insurgents have used in the past. In addition to the threat from terrorism/ kidnapping, there is also a continuing criminal threat from car jacking and robbery.
If travelling by road you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. Most road surfaces are in a very poor condition. The overall standard of driving is poor and most local drivers are uninsured. Accidents may lead to a confrontation and threatening behaviour.
For further information see Driving Abroad.
Non-Government Organisations (NGO's)
The Afghanistan NGO Security Offices (ANSO) issues regular security updates, which can be obtained from: data@afgnso.org.
In Kabul
- We strongly advise against all travel to the Sarobi District of the Kabul province.
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Kabul.
There are regular, indiscriminate rocket and bomb attacks in the city and targeted attacks against NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) patrols. Reports continue to indicate that further attacks are likely, possibly by suicide bombers, against Western targets in central Kabul, along the Jalalabad Road and the Wardak road and in the vicinity of Kabul airport. Hotels and other guest-houses where foreigners might stay will continue to be likely targets. There are specific threats against the major Ministry and Government buildings. There have been a number of attacks against Kabul International Airport and further attacks cannot be ruled out.
You should exercise extreme caution if you intend to use the Jalalabad Road and you should avoid travelling at night and between the hours of 7am and 9am if at all possible.
Recent significant attacks include:
- On Monday 3rd November at 09:30hrs a male French NGO worker was abducted by armed men in Kabul. The armed men furthermore tried to abduct his female colleague, also French, but she managed to escape. Both worked for an NGO called AFRANE.
- On Thursday 30 October 2008, two suicide bombers attacked the Afghan Ministry of Culture and Information. Five people were killed and a further twenty injured after one bomber detonated his explosive vest.
- On Saturday 25 October 2008, one British national and one South African national were shot dead in Shar-e-now district of Kabul.
- On Monday 20 October 2008, a dual British-South African aid worker was killed by unidentified gunmen whilst walking in the Kart-e-Char district of Kabul.
- On Wednesday 13 August 2008, three international aid workers and their local Afghan driver were killed by unidentified gunmen when their two vehicle convoy were fired upon. The incident took place around the Konjak area close to the town of Pol-e-Alam in the Lowgar Province approximately 60 Kilometres (40 Miles) from Kabul.
- On 27 April 2008, terrorists carried out an attack on a parade, attended by Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, commemorating Victory Day killing three people and injuring twelve others.
- On 14 January 2008, terrorists carried out an attack at the Serena Hotel. At least six people were killed and many more wounded. Foreign nationals were amongst the dead and the wounded.
Outside Kabul
For any trip to Afghanistan you should carefully consider not only your final destination but your entry and exit points and any Provinces you might be travelling through. You should carefully consider how each leg of your trip affects the safety of your overall journey.
There have been a number of serious attacks on both Western and Afghan Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and on vehicles belonging to them, in which a number of people have been killed or injured. Most attacks continue to occur in the East and South of Afghanistan with a recent increase in activity in the central areas, but there have also been sporadic but serious incidents in other regions. A high threat from kidnapping to employees of NGOs and foreign companies throughout Afghanistan remains.
Northern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are - Badakshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samagan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
There have been a number of attacks against aid workers and military vehicles resulting in fatalities and injuries. Recent significant events have included the following:
- On 06 August 2008, a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle detonated against a passing ISAF convoy. Four German soldiers were wounded in the blast in Markazi Baghlan District, Baghlan Province.
- On 6 November 2007, a suicide bomber detonated himself during an opening ceremony at a sugar mill in Baghlan. Over 50 people were killed, including six politicians and a large number of children.
Eastern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Bamiyan, Ghazni, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktya and Wardak.
- We strongly advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisam Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Pakitka, Wardak and Paktya.
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan, Parwan, Panjshir and the main Kabul/ Torkham highway.
The eastern region has become extremely volatile in recent months, with almost daily suicide and roadside bomb attacks, shootings and rocket attacks. The region close to the Pakistani border is extremely dangerous with a high number of insurgents operating freely.
There are ongoing military operations in this region. There have been a number of reported attacks against the Afghan National Army (ANA) and US-led coalition forces in the East of Afghanistan. There are also regular reports of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suicide and rocket attacks.
Recent significant incidents have included the following:
- On 01 August 2008, five American soldiers were killed in two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in Khost and Kunar provinces.
- On 13 July 2008, nine American soldiers were killed and nineteen American and Afghan soldiers were wounded when a large force of AGE attacked a joint Afghan and US base near the Pakistani border in Kunar Province.
- In 26 September 2007, four International Red Cross staff - two foreign and two Afghan - were abducted in Wardak province. They have subsequently been released.
Southern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul.
- We strongly advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Southern Afghanistan is unpredictable and extremely volatile. There are ongoing military operations across the region and there have been a significant increase in the number of incidents, ranging from shootings, roadside bombs to suicide bombings that have been targeted against both civilians and the military. Suicide attacks in Helmand and Kandahar continue.
There has also been a series of attacks on the Kabul-Kandahar – Herat road in Zabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz (and Farah) provinces and in Uruzgan province. Nimoz has seen an increasing number of suicide attacks in recent months including an attack on 3 January 2008 which killed seven.
Recent significant incidents include:
- On 31 July 2008, five Afghan National Police (ANP) were killed and a further three were wounded when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated under their vehicle in Kandahar province.
- On 13 June 2008, a suicide bomber driving a truck full of explosives detonated outside the gate of Kandahar main prison, killing the guards, destroying the guard hut and front wall of the prison. The attackers armed with small arms, machine guns, rockets and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) attacked the remaining guards and stormed the prison. The attackers killed a number of policemen and freed around 1100 prisoners from the jail. Fifteen Afghan National Police (ANP) were killed during this attack and a further six wounded. A number of rockets and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were detonated throughout the city during the attack to cause diversion.
Western Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Badghis, Dai Kundi, Farah, Ghor and Herat.
- We strongly advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand District of Herat province.
- We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
The security situation in Western Afghanistan has become worse in recent months. There have been roadside and suicide attacks, rocket attacks and kidnapping throughout these provinces and increased lawlessness in Western Ghor. There is little security infrastructure in Dai Kundi and Westerners have been kidnapped there.
Recent significant events have included the following:
- On 04 August 2008, five American soldiers were severely wounded in a large Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on a vehicle patrol in Shindand district, Herat province. One soldier subsequently died of his injuries.
- On 18 July 2008, two French Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) workers were kidnapped in Dai Kundi and released on 2 August.
Crime
Crime is a serious concern. Foreigners have been the victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. You should not display any obvious signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. You should not travel alone, especially on foot. You should ensure someone knows where you are at all times and have a means of communication. You should exercise caution, particularly after dark.For more general information see: Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Air Travel
Ariana Airlines has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employees are not allowed to travel on this airline in or out of Afghanistan.
Some other airlines that operate in and out of Afghanistan may not meet international safety standards. We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. For more general insurance see Insurance.
In February 2005, a Kam Air Boeing 727-200 flying from Herat to Kabul crashed in snowstorms 17 miles out of Kabul. All 96 passengers and eight crew on board were killed in the incident.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Afghanistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.
Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan. You may not seek to convert Muslims to other faiths. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol and pork products are forbidden.
Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people without their agreement.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Health
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. You should also ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
For more information on Avian Flu and other diseases please follow see the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Natural Disasters
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. More information on natural disasters can be obtained from: http://www.hewsweb.org/home_page/default.asp. If a natural disaster occurs you should follow the advice of local authorities. You should know the address and telephone number of the British Embassy in Kabul in the event of an emergency; this number can be found in our contacts section.
General
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient cash, in US Dollars, for your visit because credit cards are not accepted. There are a number of ATMs in Kabul that dispense dollars as well as the local currency, Afghanis. Banks are closed on Fridays, but there are ATMs at the Intercontinental Hotel, Supreme supermarket and various locations in Wazir Akhbar Khan and some other locations. ATMs are located at military camps, however unless you have an ISAF pass, you will not be able to gain access. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted and where they are, it can take up to two weeks for them to clear.
Consular Assistance
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
Afghanistan, Kabul, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
15th Street, Roundabout Wazir Akbar Khan
PO Box 334
Kabul
Afghanistan
Telephone:
Fax:
+93 (0) 700 102 250 (Management)
+93 (0) 700 102 274 (Political Section)
Office hours:
0830-1630 (Sunday to Thursday)
Website: http://ukinafghanistan.fco.gov.uk/en/
