Afghanistan

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Afghanistan’s current rules for most common types of travel.

The authorities in Afghanistan set and enforce entry rules. A visa is required to enter Afghanistan. The Afghan embassy in London is closed.

Passport validity requirements

If you decide to travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, check with your travel provider whether your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Vaccine requirements

On your departure, the Afghan authorities may ask for a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine.

For full details about medical entry and departure requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Afghanistan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Afghanistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Afghanistan

It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash. For more information, see ‘Money’ on ‘Safety and security’ page.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Afghanistan

Telephone: 119 (police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

There is no British Embassy in Afghanistan and our ability to provide help to British nationals is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person.

The UK government cannot help British nationals who are in Afghanistan and who wish to leave. Anyone who wants to leave Afghanistan should do so by commercial means or through a land border. FCDO cannot advise on the safety of routes to leave Afghanistan.

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

For information about applying for a British passport, or to check on your passport application, see overseas British passport applications or call the Passport Adviceline.

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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