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.

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

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
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.