FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/afghanistan/
Asia and Oceania
Afghanistan
Still current at: 01 November 2009
Updated: 29 October 2009
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Kabul sections (attack on UN guesthouse in Kabul; rockets fired into Kabul City). The over all level of the advice has not changed.
Travel Summary
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul City, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•Kabul City itself, was relatively quiet with no major incidents until mid August 2009. Since then, there has been a spike in vehicle borne suicide bomb attacks in Kabul City, with five attacks occurring. Four of these attacks have been directed against ISAF (International Security Assistance Force- i.e. the foreign military) including an attack on the main ISAF Headquarters near Shash Darak, and against an Italian ISAF convoy on the Airport Road. The most recent attack, however, occurred against the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) in the morning of 08 October 2009. This attack is estimated to have killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The majority of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians. The threat remains high and further attacks are possible.
•Preparations are being made for the second round of national elections, due on 07 November 2009. Insurgent activity may increase in this period.
•Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan, western nationals, international Embassies and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility of further attacks.
•Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasingly sophisticated.
•No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts. Visitors travelling to Afghanistan do so at their own risk and without protection from HMG.
•You should maintain a heightened level of vigilance at all time; observing the strictest of security measures and avoid any unnecessary travel. Travellers should also consider making their own security arrangements for the duration of their time in Afghanistan.
•The kidnap threat throughout the country remains high, particularly against local nationals, but also against the international community. The threat of kidnap against the international community in Kabul City has risen recently. Increased vigilance is paramount as well as avoiding pattern-setting in terms of timings, routes and routines.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul and the surrounding urban area, because of ongoing terrorist activity and the high risk of kidnap, violent crime and suicide attacks. The main supply routes and principle roads have a particularly heightened threat of roadside bombs and ambush.
•In the lead up to the election on 20 August, despite extensive election security plans, attacks and intimidation of candidates, campaigners and the election process itself increased. Attacks on high-profile targets such as Government institutions were attempted. British nationals are advised to stay away from the whole electoral election process. Depending upon the popular reaction to results and the perceived perception of the fairness of the elections and their results, there may be demonstrations, which could turn violent. British nationals are advised to stay away from crowds and public places during and after the election period. British nationals are advised to register with the British Embassy (using LOCATE) on arrival in Afghanistan.
•We advise the following travel restrictions according to provincial region:
Kabul:
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi and Chahar Asyab Districts of the Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul.
Northern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar. The Wakhan District of Badakhshan is more permissive.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghlan-e Jadid District of Baghlan.
Eastern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisa Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan, Parwan and Panjshir. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
Southern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Western Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
•The British Embassy in Kabul is able to offer only limited consular assistance and does not issue visas. Information of specific and urgent threats is circulated via the Warden network within Afghanistan. It is therefore important that you register with the British Embassy in Kabul on arrival. See the Contact Details section of this advice page for more details.
•19 British nationals required consular assistance in Afghanistan in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (10 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (6 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (17 cases).
•We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
You should be aware of the continuing high threat from terrorism within Afghanistan. Threats, specific or otherwise, are reported on a daily basis. Terrorist and insurgents conduct frequent and widespread lethal attacks against British and Coalition armed forces, political and civilian targets.
We continue to receive reports which indicate specific terrorist threats against visibly British and Western institutions, organisations and individuals. Threats also apply to those involved in work with the United Nations as well as those working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Attacks throughout Afghanistan have included bombs (roadside and other), suicide bombs (either bodyborne or by vehicle), indirect fire (rockets and mortars), direct fire attacks (shootings and rocket propelled grenades), kidnappings and violent crime.
You should also remain aware of the risks posed by the large amounts of unexploded ordnance and land mines (both anti-tank and anti-personnel) throughout the country.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see the “Terrorism Abroad” page of the FCO website. Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad.
Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
Kidnap
On 26 July 2007, one Taliban commander is reported to have urged Taliban fighters to continue the tactic of kidnapping foreign nationals. This was repeated in September 2009. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Since 2007 a number of international people have been kidnapped, both by terrorists and criminals. The most recent British victims were Sean Langan who was kidnapped in May 2008 near the Pakistan border and subsequently was released in Pakistan and Steve Farrell who was kidnapped in September 2009 in Kunduz and was rescued after being held captive for a few days.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Local Travel
If you remain in Afghanistan, particularly outside Kabul, you should continue to reassess your situation. You should exercise the utmost care and vary your routines. You should always ensure car doors are locked and windows closed, and if possible maintain radio, or telephone, communications to report your movements. We advise you to avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. Visitors/workers are advised not to set regular patterns of movement whilst travelling in the city and to ensure they take professional security advice whilst in country.
You should avoid regular visits to public places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants, shops and market places, especially at times of day when they are particularly busy and congested. The British Embassy does not currently allow official visitors to stay in most hotels overnight, and has placed less well protected restaurants off limits to staff. We recommend that you consult the warden network via the British Embassy for further information on the security of venues across Kabul and elsewhere before undertaking any travel.
If, despite this advice, you travel outside Kabul, you should only do so with reputable local guides and only to fully protected workplaces. You should consider permanent armed protection and use registered armoured vehicles. You should be aware that even these precautions cannot guarantee your safety. The threat from kidnapping, suicide bombs, roadside bombs, indirect fire and ambush throughout Afghanistan remains.
Road Travel
Road travel remains highly dangerous. Deployments of false vehicle checkpoints from which violent attacks have been mounted are methods insurgents have used in the past. In addition to the threat from terrorism/ kidnapping, there is also a continuing criminal threat from car jacking and robbery. Highway One from Kabul to Kandahar and Herat, the main road from Kabul to Gardez and the road from Pol-e Khumri to Kundus are particularly dangerous.
If travelling by road you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. In many areas you should consider the use of registered armoured vehicles. Unregistered armoured vehicles are occasionally impounded by Afghan authorities and occupants left on the side of the road. Most road surfaces are in a very poor condition. The overall standard of driving is poor and most local drivers are uninsured. Accidents may lead to a confrontation and threatening behaviour.
For further information see driving abroad.
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
The Afghanistan NGO Safety Offices (ANSO) issues regular security updates.
In Kabul
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi, Khak-e Jabbar and Chahar Asyab Districts of Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul City itself and the remaining districts in the province.
There are regular, indiscriminate rocket and bomb attacks in the city and targeted attacks against NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) patrols and establishments and the Afghan armed forces. Reports continue to indicate that further attacks are likely, possibly by suicide bombers, against Western targets in central Kabul, along the Jalalabad Road, the Airport Road and the Wardak road and in the vicinity of Kabul airport. Hotels and other guest-houses where foreigners might stay will continue to be likely targets. There are specific threats against the major Ministry and Government buildings. There have been attacks against Kabul International Airport and further attacks cannot be ruled out.
You should exercise extreme caution if you intend to use the Jalalabad and Airport roads and you should avoid travelling at night and between the hours of 7am and 9am if at all possible.
Recent significant attacks include:
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul city, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•On 08 October 2009, the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) was attacked by a vehicle borne suicide bomb. The attack killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The bulk of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians.
•On 17 September 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle convoy was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb attack on the main airport road in Kabul City. As a result, six ISAF (Italian) soldiers were killed along with twelve civilians. Three Italian soldiers and approximately 30 civilians were also wounded.
•On 08 September 2009, a black Toyota Surf loaded with explosives followed two land cruisers in convoy into the check point at the Military Base at Kabul International Airport and detonated his device. The attack resulted in eight ISAF soldiers and five ISAF civilians wounded, four local nationals killed and a further 14 wounded.
•On 06 September 2009, two rockets were reportedly fired from northern Kabul into the City. One of the rockets struck a private residence resulting in the death of three family members. The second rocket impacted in an open area causing no casualties.
•On 18 August 2009, a suicide vehicle struck an ISAF vehicle convoy consisting of two armoured Land Cruisers. As a result, one ISAF soldier, two UN staff members and seven local nationals were killed along with two ISAF soldiers and approximately 30 local nationals wounded.
•On 15 August 2009, a suicide vehicle bomb exploded at the entrance to HQ ISAF. The target was two civilian profile B6 armoured Toyota Land cruisers exiting the ISAF compound.
•On 14 August 2009, one rocket impacted in the Qala-i-Khayat area of Police District 10, hitting a wall inside a private resident’s compound. No casualties were reported.
•On 04 August 2009, AGE fired eight rockets into the City from the Babashir Hill area to the north. One rocket impacted behind the hospital on the Wazir Akbar Khan road. One local child is reported to have been injured.
•On 24 July 2009, AGE fired three rockets from an unknown location, which impacted in Police District 15, near the Airport. No casualties were reported.
•On 20 May 2009 an IED detonated against a US military convoy travelling between Kabul and Bagram Airbase, around 20km north of the capital. One US soldier and one US contractor were killed and a further three US personnel were wounded in the blast.
•On 11 February 2009, Insurgents made co-ordinated attacks on a number of Afghan Government targets in Kabul city, including the Prisons Directorate, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education. More than 40 Afghan national were killed or injured in the attacks.
•On 17 January 2009 an explosive device was detonated near to the German Embassy in Kabul. At least 19 Afghan nationals were injured.
•On 3 November 2008 at 09:30hrs a male French NGO worker was abducted by armed men in Kabul. The armed men furthermore tried to abduct his colleague, also French, who managed to escape. Both worked for an NGO called AFRANE.
•On 7 July 2008, 28 people were killed and more than 141 others injured in a suicide lorry bomb explosion at the Indian embassy in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul. The dead included the Indian Embassy Defence Attaché, as well as both Afghan civilian and military.
•On 27 April 2008, terrorists carried out an attack on a parade, attended by Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, commemorating Victory Day killing three people and injuring twelve others.
•On 14 January 2008, terrorists carried out an attack at the Serena Hotel. At least six people were killed and many more wounded. Foreign nationals were amongst the dead and the wounded.
Outside Kabul
For any trip to Afghanistan you should carefully consider not only your final destination, but your entry and exit points and any Provinces you might be travelling through. You should carefully consider how each leg of your trip affects the safety of your overall journey.
There have been a number of serious attacks on both Western and Afghan Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and on vehicles belonging to them, in which a number of people have been killed or injured. Most attacks continue to occur in the East and South of Afghanistan with a recent increase in activity in the central areas, but there have also been sporadic but serious incidents in other regions. A high threat from kidnapping to employees of NGOs and foreign companies throughout Afghanistan remains.
Northern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are - Badakshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samagan, Sari Pul and Takhar. However, there have been few incidents in the inaccessible and more permissive Wakhan District of Badakhshan.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghram-e Jidad District of Baghlan.
There have been a number of attacks against aid workers and military vehicles resulting in fatalities and injuries. Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 10 October 2009, in Kunduz City, Kunduz Province an IED exploded near the ANP HQ, one ANP officer was killed.
•On 19 September 2009, a suicide bomber in a car targeted an ISAF convoy in Pul-i-Khumri area of Baghlan province. The bomber was killed with only minor damage to the ISAF vehicle.
•On 09 September 2009, in Chahar Dara District, Kunduz province, ISAF forces raided three residence compounds and managed to free a journalist who had been kidnapped with his interpreter. The interpreter and a female resident were killed during the operation.
•On 05 September 2009, a suicide vehicle struck a German ISAF vehicle on the main Kunduz – Khanabad road. Four German ISAF troops were injured.
•Also on 05 September 2009, 15 km east of Kunduz City, a Toyota Corolla loaded with explosives and parked on the roadside was detonated by remote control as a German ISAF convoy was passing. Four Soldiers were injured and their vehicle was damaged.
•On 03 September 2009 in Dashti Archi district, Kunduz province, a German ISAF patrol was attacked by anti-government elements (AGE) with small arms fire (SAF) and rocket propelled grenades (RPG). As a result two ISAF German soldiers were wounded and three vehicles damaged.
•On 20 August 2009, a number of rocket attacks (IDF), small arms fire (SAF) and RPG attacks were reportedly carried out by AGE with the intention of disrupting the election process.
•On 19 August 2009, AGE fired one rocket into Ghormach District centre, Faryab province, which impacted in an ANP compound. Six ANP officers were killed and the District Chief of Police (CoP) was injured.
•On 12 August 2009, AGE attacked the Kunduz Provincial CoP with SAF and RPGs as he was travelling in a vehicle convoy. As a result, six ANP officers were killed and a further five injured. Three ANP ranger vehicles were also destroyed.
•On 01 August 2009, an remote controlled IED detonated targeting the National Directorate of Security Chief for Baghlan province. As a result, the NDS chief and two ANP officers were killed and one injured.
•On 06 July 2009 in Kunduz, an ISAF patrol was struck by an IED that had been placed under a culvert. Four ISAF police mentors (US) were killed in the attack.
•On 29 June 2009 in Baghlan, a group of 30 – 50 AGE attacked a joint ANP and NDS patrol with SAF and RPGs. Five ANP officers were killed and a further six ANP, including the district Chief of Police, were wounded.
•On 06 May 2009 in Baghlan, two gunmen on a motorbike ambushed a vehicle carrying the District Governor, NDS Chief, district attorney and the son of the governor. All four occupants were killed in the attack.
•On 29 April 2009, AGE attacked an ISAF patrol in Kunduz with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Two vehicles were destroyed and one German soldier was killed in the attack.
•Also on 29 April 2009, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives packed vehicle against a passing ISAF convoy in Kunduz province. Five German soldiers and four local national bystanders were wounded in the blast.
•On 6 November 2007, a suicide bomber detonated himself during an opening ceremony at a sugar mill in Baghlan. Over 50 people were killed, including six politicians and a large number of children.
Eastern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Bamiyan, Ghazni, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktya and Wardak.
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisam Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan and Parwan. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
The eastern region has become extremely volatile in recent months, with almost daily suicide and roadside bomb attacks, shootings and rocket attacks. The region close to the Pakistani border is extremely dangerous with a high number of insurgents operating freely.
There are regular, large military operations in this region. There have numerous daily attacks against the Security Forces (ANSF) and US-led coalition forces throughout East of Afghanistan. There are also daily incidents of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suicide and rocket attacks and direct fire attacks on security forces patrols, checkpoints and bases as well as on the local population.
Recent significant incidents have included the following:
•On 24 September 2009, an ISAF vehicle patrol in Mano Gai District, Kunar Province, was struck by an IED followed by SAF, RPGs and then a second IED strike. As a result, four ISAF (US) soldiers were wounded.
•On 11 August 2009, an ISAF patrol in Alingar District, Laghman province, struck an IED. As a result, three ISAF (US) soldiers were killed.
•On 21 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Gardez City, Paktia province, using small arms fire, RPGs and suicide vests. Three NDS and two ANP officers were killed and three ANP officers, three NDS officers and one civilian were wounded.
•On 25 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Khost City, Khost province, against the Provincial court, the District Attorney’s office, a government guesthouse and an ANSF military barracks in Khost City. The insurgents used a car packed with explosives at the main gate and then a further three suicide bombers entered the government building while several insurgents fired shots from a building outside.
•On 30 June 2009, a suicide bomber in the Torkham border crossing point in Nangahar province detonated himself near a female search bay. The bomber had been taken into the search bay while attempting to enter the country from Pakistan. One ABP female searcher was killed and at least 10 others - four ABP and six local nationals - were wounded in the blast.
•On 27 May 2009, a suicide bomber in Zabul detonated his explosive packed vehicle against a passing OEF patrol. Four OEF soldiers (US) were wounded and four local nationals were killed in the blast.
•On 12 May 2009, a number of AGE launched simultaneous attacks on the Governor’s compound and the provincial ANP HQ in Khost City. At least one suicide bomber attempted to breach the Governor’s compound, before detonating his explosive vest and further attacks with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades followed. A further three suicide bombers were killed and a vehicle packed with explosives was seized. Security forces surrounded the building and the siege eventually ended with at least six security forces and local national fatalities, and ten wounded persons, including the deputy governor.
Southern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul.
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Southern Afghanistan is unpredictable and extremely volatile. There are regular military operations throughout the region and there has been a significant increase in the number of incidents ranging from shootings and roadside bombs to suicide bombings that have been targeted against both civilians and the military. Suicide and roadside bomb attacks in Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz continue.
There has also been a series of attacks on the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat road in Zabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz (and Farah) provinces and in Uruzgan province. Nimoz has seen an increasing number of suicide attacks in recent months including an attack on 3 January 2008, which killed seven.
Recent significant incidents include:
•On 22 October 2009, in the Nahr-e Serraj Districtof Helmand Province, an ISAF mentored ANA patrol was struck by an IED, which resulted in one (UK) ISAF killed and two (UK) ISAF wounded.
•On 16 October 2009, in Arghandab District, Kandahar Province an IED strike followed by SAF on an ISAF PMT vehicle patrol, resulted in one (US) ISAF soldier killed and nine (US) ISAF wounded.
This list in the southern region could go on with very many further examples:
•During the summer months of 2009, ISAF troops have been involved in a substantial war fighting role against the Taliban in Southern Afghanistan, predominantly Helmand and Kandahar, although activity levels in Zabul, Nimroz and Uruzgan remain high. In Helmand, activity levels remain highest in Musa Qala, Sangin, Gereshk, Garmsir and areas of Nad-e Ali and Babaji to the west and north west of Lashkar Gah, the Provincial capital. ISAF troops have suffered a number of casualties as a result of conventional war fighting, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strikes. From April 2009 through to the end of September, UK troops alone have suffered 69 killed in action.
Western Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Badghis, Dai Kundi, Farah, Ghor and Herat.
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
The security situation in Western Afghanistan has become worse in recent months; although in recent days large numbers of insurgents have surrendered in Herat Province. There have been roadside and suicide attacks, rocket attacks and criminal kidnapping throughout these provinces and increased lawlessness in Western Ghor. There is little security infrastructure in Dai Kundi and Westerners have been kidnapped there.
Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 16 October 09, in the Bala Boluk District of Farah Province, an IED strike on an ANP vehicle patrol, wounded three policemen.
•On 27 September 2009 the Minister for water and Energy for Herat was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb. As a result, four local civilians were killed and a further 15 wounded. The Government official escaped unhurt.
•On 10 August 2009, seven rockets were fired at the airport in Heart.
•On 31 July 2009, an Afghan National Army vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. As a result, five ANA soldiers were killed and a further five injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. Four Italian soldiers were injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. One Italian soldier killed and a further three wounded.
•On 02 July 2009, an Italian ISAF patrol vehicle was struck by suicide vehicle in Herat. Two ISAF soldiers (Italian) suffered minor injuries in the blast.
Crime
Crime is a serious countrywide concern, particularly in rural areas. Foreigners have been the victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. You should not display any obvious signs of affluence, or carry large sums of money. You should not travel alone, especially on foot. You should ensure someone knows where you are at all times and have at least one means of communication, ideally with back up. You should exercise caution, particularly after dark.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Political Situation
Country Profile: Afghanistan
Air Travel
In May 2009, Safi Airways and in September 2009 Kam Air fulfilled the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and were officially certified to fly within EU airspace.
Ariana Airlines has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employees are not allowed to travel on this airline in or out of Afghanistan.
Some other airlines that operate in and out of Afghanistan may not meet international safety standards.
In February 2005, a Kam Air Boeing 727-200 flying from Herat to Kabul crashed in snowstorms 17 miles out of Kabul. All 96 passengers and eight crew on board were killed in the incident.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Afghanistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.
Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan. You may not seek to convert Muslims to other faiths. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol and pork products are forbidden.
Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people without their agreement.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals intending to visit Afghanistan must obtain a visa before travelling. For further information on visas contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London. Visas are not issued on arrival in country. Afghan Embassy in London website.
Travelling with children
Women travelling alone with children should be aware that documentary evidence of parental responsibility may be required in order to enter Afghanistan or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. We do not currently allow our officers based in Afghanistan to be accompanied by their partners or children. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
in London.
Health
Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. You should ensure that you have all the prescription medication you require during your visit, as supplies are unlikely to be available locally.
Diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, becoming worse in the hotter months. The dry dusty conditions in both summer and winter can cause irritation to eyes, throat, nose and skin. Respiratory tuberculosis is common in the Afghan population.
Malaria is a potential hazard except in the high mountainous regions of the country and in winter.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Afghanistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see travel health.
Avian Influenza
Since March 13, 2007 the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed reports of 11 outbreaks of HN51 Avian Influenza (bird flu) across three provinces of Afghanistan (Nangahar, Kabul, and Kunar). The authorities are taking measures to control the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas. No human infections have been reported.
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. You should also ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
For more information on Avian Flu and other diseases please follow see the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Natural disasters
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. More information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs you should follow the advice of local authorities. You should know the address and telephone number of the British Embassy in Kabul in the event of an emergency; this number can be found in our contacts section.
General
Insurance
We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance be obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. In the event of a serious accident or illness an evacuation by air ambulance may be required. It is therefore essential that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. For more general information see our travel insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient cash, in US Dollars, for your visit because credit cards are not accepted. There are a number of ATMs in Kabul that dispense dollars as well as the local currency, Afghanis. Banks are closed on Fridays, but there are ATMs at the Intercontinental Hotel, Supreme supermarket and various locations in Wazir Akhbar Khan and some other locations. ATMs are located at military camps, however unless you have an ISAF pass, you will not be able to gain access. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted and where they are, it can take up to two weeks for them to clear.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
Find out more about LOCATE.
Consular Assistance
You should register with the British Embassy in Kabul (britishembassy.kabul@fco.gov.uk). You should be aware that the British Embassy in Kabul is able to provide only limited consular assistance.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue passports, though in an emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided. You should make sure you have plenty of spare pages in your passport, as it will fill up with visas and entry stamps very quickly. Replacement passports can be issued either by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in the UK, or the British High Commission in Islamabad. The application process will take at least four to five weeks.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue visas. Visa applications should be made through our missions in Dubai, New Delhi or through Gerry's/Fedex bureaux in Pakistan. Before applying please contact the Embassy in Kabul for information on restrictions affecting visa applications made in these countries.
Il y a 7 ans
