Safety and security

We advise against all travel to Afghanistan.

There is an extremely volatile security situation and a high risk of terrorist attacks.

The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and the threat to Westerners from terrorist or criminal violence, including kidnappings, is high. Afghanistan is experiencing a major surge in COVID-19 infections with corresponding challenges for healthcare provision. 

If you consider your presence in Afghanistan is essential, you should have adequate and continuous professional close security arrangements and ensure they are regularly reviewed.

Register

If you’re going to be in Afghanistan for an extended length of time, we strongly advise you to make contact with the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in Afghanistan is extremely high. Attacks are often indiscriminate and may include civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates.

Crime

You should take sensible precautions against crime in Afghanistan:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Afghanistan, report it to the local police immediately.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Afghanistan, you should be extremely careful. Most road surfaces are in very poor condition. The overall standard of driving is poor and most local drivers are uninsured. 

If you want to drive, bring your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Muslim culture

Afghanistan is a Muslim country in which Islamic law, customs and dress are universally respected. You should respect them fully. You may not seek to convert Muslims to other faiths.

When travelling in Afghanistan, take care not to offend local culture or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals. Be conscious of your dress and behaviour if you intend to visit places of worship.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. Guide books, local hoteliers and tour guides can be good sources of information for how to behave and dress respectfully.

Sharia law

Sharia law is an Islamic body of law and moral code. Penalties under Sharia law can be very severe, particularly for offences such as theft and adultery. If you are travelling in an area governed by Sharia law, we advise you to respect local religious traditions and avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively and women are advised to cover their legs, arms and head.

Female visitors

Female visitors can face particular issues around security and dealing with the religious and cultural beliefs of the countries they visit (especially if they are travelling alone). We advise you do some research before you travel, so you know what to expect.

Some quick tips include:

• Always take basic personal safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night or in quiet areas.
• Do not leave your food or drink unattended.
• Keep details of your travel plans and where you are staying to yourself.
• Dress modestly if you are in a Muslim or socially conservative country.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Forbidden products

It is illegal to import and use narcotics, alcohol and pork products.

Photography

Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed.  You should avoid photographing local people without their agreement.

Entry requirements

We advise against all travel to Afghanistan.

Visa/Passport

If you are unsure of the entry requirements for Afghanistan, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London. 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Afghanistan.

Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

• Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
• Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. Is Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Afghanistan there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.