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Before you go to Afghanistan: what to know

Must know

  • FCDO and Canada advise against all travel, including organised tours.
  • Women face strictly enforced dress and movement restrictions.
  • Cash, medical care and communications cannot be relied on.

Entry and visas

A visa is required for British visitors. The Afghan MFA describes a tourist visa valid for three months with a one-month stay and an USD 80 fee. Confirm issuance and acceptance directly with the relevant Afghan mission before any travel; the Afghan embassy in London is closed. Visa possession does not remove the severe security risks.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Foreign arrivals at Kabul must complete Ministry of Interior registration and retain the registration card for departure.

Customs

  • FCDO reports cash limits of USD 5,000 through airports and USD 500 through land borders; confirm before travelling.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, mfa.gov.af ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Credit cards are accepted only in a few establishments.
  • ATMs can be out of service; arrange access to lawful cash.
  • Clean, undamaged US-dollar notes are more likely to be accepted.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Proselytising or religious activities contrary to the Taliban's interpretation of Islam.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Women must cover their body, hair and face in public.
  • Women may not travel more than 72 km without an approved male relative.
  • Men must dress modestly; avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islamic customs are enforced under the Taliban's interpretation of Sunni Islam.

Clothing: Women must use loose full-cover clothing, a headscarf and a face veil. Men should cover arms and legs.

Etiquette

  • Do not rely on pre-2021 experience of local rules.
  • Avoid activities that could be interpreted as political dissent.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Arid or semi-arid continental conditions, with hot summers and cold winters, especially in the mountains. Spring rain can trigger floods and landslides. Climate varies greatly by altitude and location.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Cold winter; mountain snow
  • February: Feb: Cold winter; mountain snow
  • March: Mar: Spring rainfall and flood risk
  • April: Apr: Spring rainfall and flood risk
  • May: May: Spring rain can continue
  • June: Jun: Hot summer in lower areas
  • July: Jul: Summer heat; cooler at altitude
  • August: Aug: Summer heat in lower areas
  • September: Sep: Summer-to-autumn transition
  • October: Oct: Autumn cooling
  • November: Nov: Cold season; mountain snow possible
  • December: Dec: Cold winter; mountain snow

Best season: No tourism recommendation while official advice is against all travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, documents1.worldbank.org ↗, documents1.worldbank.org ↗

What to pack

  • Required full-cover clothing
  • Visa and registration documents
  • Essential prescription medicines
  • Drinking-water contingency supplies

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Unapproved religious materials for distribution
  • Unnecessary sensitive equipment

Practical

Plugs: Types C and F; 220V, 50Hz.

Water: Use sealed bottled or properly treated water; tap water is unsafe in many areas.

Traffic: drives on the right

Internet: Nationwide internet and telecom disruptions can affect emergency contacts and flights.

Health: Medical services are limited; bring necessary medicines and do not assume evacuation will be possible.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗, traffic.gov.af ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.