Visa requirements

Afghanistan

General visa requirements for travelling to Afghanistan. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Medical visa (Medical Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
7-14 working days
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
90 days
Entry
Single entry

Medical visas for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in Afghanistan or medical professionals providing services. Requires documentation from medical institution. Health clearance confirming no contagious diseases may be required.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for medical visa

  • Purpose of visit

    For seeking medical treatment or providing medical services

    Includes
    • Medical treatment
    • Medical consultation
    • Medical services
  • Health

    Must provide health clearance confirming no contagious diseases

    Required vaccinations: None

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, sponsorship letters; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover medical expenses and stay

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from medical facility in Afghanistan confirming appointment or treatment schedule

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: f; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $150 USD

  • Health exam

    Panel physician required: Health clearance confirming no contagious diseases

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, medical certificates, and health clearance

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - standard processing takes 7-14 working days

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
1 days
Processing time
Immediate at airport
Fee
$50 USD
Validity
24 hours
Entry
Single entry

Transit visas available on arrival at Hamid Karzai International Airport for airline staff and passengers in transit from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission. Allows temporary stay to board connecting flight.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to airline staff and transit passengers from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission

  • Purpose of visit

    For passengers in transit boarding flights for different country

    Includes
    • Transit
    • Flight connection

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $50 USD

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport, onward flight ticket, and visa fee

  2. Document submission

    Present documents at transit visa counter at Hamid Karzai International Airport

  3. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee

  4. Visa collection

    Receive transit visa and proceed to transit area

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Journalist Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
Same day at airport
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
30 days
Entry
Single entry

Journalist visas available on arrival at Hamid Karzai International Airport for media personnel from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission. For advance applications, media personnel must apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to journalists from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission

  • Purpose of visit

    For media personnel and journalists

    Includes
    • Media coverage
    • Journalism
    • Reporting

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Introduction letter from media organization stating purpose, duration, and places to visit in Afghanistan

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $150 USD

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport, photos, press credentials, introduction letter, and visa fee

  2. Document submission

    Submit documents at visa on arrival counter at Hamid Karzai International Airport

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at airport

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing at airport

  5. Visa collection

    Receive visa and enter Afghanistan

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
7-14 working days
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
30 days
Entry
Single entry

Business visas available with validity of 30, 90, or 180 days. Multiple entry permits possible for longer periods. Applications submitted in person at Afghan embassy/consulate. Business travelers may be eligible for visa on arrival at Kabul airport if from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for business visa

  • Purpose of visit

    For business, investment, marketing, commercial transactions and similar purposes

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • Investment activities
    • Marketing
    • Commercial transactions

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: No; Must include salary: No

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from sponsoring company in Afghanistan, printed on official letterhead and signed by senior manager

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $150 USD

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Certified documents

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, business letters, and company documents

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - standard processing takes 7-14 working days

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
Up to 14 working days
Fee
$360 USD
Validity
1 year
Entry
Multiple entry

Work visas issued to employees, doctors, teachers, trainers, experts, engineers, pilots, ground transportation staff, and foreign technical workers based on need and prior invitations. For working at diplomatic/consular representations, UN offices, international organizations, government/non-governmental organizations, and national/international agencies.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for work visa

  • Purpose of visit

    For employees, doctors, teachers, trainers, experts, engineers, pilots, and technical workers

    Includes
    • Employment
    • Technical work
    • Professional services
  • Employment

    Must have confirmed employment with organization in Afghanistan

    Required status: Confirmed employment offer

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Sponsorship letter

    Accepted sponsors: Sponsor with financial guarantee

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: No; Must include salary: No

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: f; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $360 USD

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Professional license

    Accepted licenses: Certified documents; Must be translated: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, employment contract, professional licenses, and clearance certificates

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - may take up to 14 working days for work visas

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Journalist Visa (Advance Application))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
Up to 14 working days
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
90 days
Entry
Single entry

For advance applications at Afghan embassy/consulate. Media personnel must apply at least 2 weeks prior to travel. Introduction letter must state purpose, duration, and places intended to visit in Afghanistan.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for journalist visa

  • Purpose of visit

    For media personnel and journalists

    Includes
    • Media coverage
    • Journalism
    • Reporting

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Introduction letter from media organization stating purpose, duration, and places to visit in Afghanistan

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Travel itinerary

    Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

    Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: No

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $150 USD

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx at least 2 weeks before travel

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, press credentials, and introduction letter

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - up to 14 working days

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
Same day at airport
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
30 days
Entry
Single entry

Visa on arrival available at Hamid Karzai International Airport for business visitors from countries without Afghan diplomatic mission. Foreign investors can obtain visa on arrival valid up to 3 years through Afghanistan Investment Desk at Kabul Airport. Implementation can be inconsistent.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to business visitors from countries that do not have a diplomatic mission of Afghanistan

  • Purpose of visit

    For business visitors and foreign investors

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • Investment activities

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from sponsoring company or organization in Afghanistan

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $150 USD

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport, photos, invitation letter, and visa fee before travel

  2. Document submission

    Submit documents at visa on arrival counter at Hamid Karzai International Airport

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at airport

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing at airport

  5. Visa collection

    Receive visa and enter Afghanistan

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
Up to 14 working days
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
1 year (duration of academic program)
Entry
Multiple entry

Student visas issued to foreign students intending to study, work, and conduct research within Afghanistan government and private educational institutions. Typically valid for duration of academic program.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for student visa

  • Purpose of visit

    For foreign students intending to study, work, and conduct research at government and private educational institutions

    Includes
    • Study
    • Research
    • Academic work

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial guarantees; Minimum amount: Sufficient for tuition and living expenses

  • Sponsorship letter

    Accepted sponsors: Sponsor with financial guarantee

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $150 USD

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Proof of enrollment

    Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.

    Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, admission letter, transcripts, and financial documents

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - may take up to 14 working days for student visas

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
7 working days
Fee
Free
Validity
1 year (sometimes 6 months or less)
Entry
Multiple entry

Diplomatic and official visas issued only by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Typically valid for one year, sometimes only six months or less. Requires verbal note from inquiring government office or mission. No fee for diplomatic visas.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to holders of diplomatic and official passports from all countries

  • Purpose of visit

    For diplomatic and official government purposes only

    Includes
    • Diplomatic mission
    • Official government business

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Verbal note from inquiring government office or diplomatic mission

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Official visa application form; Form url: https://mfa.gov.af/

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare diplomatic passport, photos, and verbal note from government office

  2. Document submission

    Submit documents through diplomatic channels to Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  4. Visa collection

    Receive visa through diplomatic channels

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
7-14 working days
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
90 days
Entry
Single entry

All nationalities require a visa to visit Afghanistan. Tourist visas valid for 90 days with authorized stay of 30 days. Applications must be submitted in person at an Afghan embassy or consulate. Travel permits from Ministry of Information and Culture required upon arrival specifying provinces to visit. No e-visa or visa on arrival for general tourists.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All nationalities eligible to apply for tourist visa

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph with white background taken within last 6 months

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from tour operator or sponsoring organization in Afghanistan

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online application form; Form url: http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  • Travel itinerary

    Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

    Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, Money Order; Amount: $150 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application form at http://econsulate.mfa.gov.af/InfoVisa.aspx

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents including passport, photos, travel itinerary, and invitation letter

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at Afghan embassy or consulate

  4. Document submission

    Submit printed application form and all documents in person at Afghan embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing - standard processing takes 7-14 working days

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy or consulate

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.