Afghanistan

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Terrorist attacks occur unpredictably across all cities and regions, including Kabul; targets include airports, hotels, restaurants, markets, and places where foreigners gather.

Prepare: Avoid gathering areas and tourist sites; do not travel to Afghanistan under any circumstance given the constant, indiscriminate attack threat.

• Kidnapping of foreigners by terrorist and criminal groups is endemic — Victims have been held for years; groups specifically target people perceived to have money, journalists, teachers, doctors, and NGO workers.

Prepare: If you must be in-country, do not travel alone or unarmed; register with Canadian authorities and maintain 24/7 contact capability.

• Armed conflict, checkpoints, and violent crime are widespread — Criminal networks operate openly; weapons and drugs are readily available; armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual violence are frequent.

Prepare: Avoid all overland travel unless accompanied by vetted armed security; stay in secure compounds; do not display wealth or carry large cash sums.

• De facto authorities arbitrarily detain foreign nationals, especially those associated with the previous government, working for NGOs, or suspected of espionage; detainees may be denied legal counsel and contact with family for months or years.

Prepare: Register all contact details with the Emergency Watch and Response Centre; understand that arrest may prevent any communication with Canada.

• Fake checkpoints and roadblocks are set up by terrorist and criminal groups to commit robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks; avoid all overland travel.

Prepare: Do not engage in overland travel under any circumstance; if movement is unavoidable, use only vetted armed security in groups.

• Avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and protests — Security forces use live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons; terrorist groups also target crowds.

Prepare: Monitor local media for protests; stay away from all public gatherings.

HEALTH

• No active major disease outbreak reported, but medical facilities are extremely limited and unstable; hospitals lack supplies and may not operate reliably.

Prepare: Carry a comprehensive medical kit; ensure travel insurance covers emergency evacuation to a neighboring country.

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, polio, tetanus) are recommended; check with a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for any updates.

Prepare: Visit a travel clinic; confirm hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination status.

• Malaria is endemic in many regions below 2,000 meters, particularly in summer and early fall; anti-malarial prophylaxis is recommended for affected areas.

Prepare: Obtain prescription malaria medication (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) from a travel clinic and use insect repellent daily.

• Water and food safety are poor — Tap water is unsafe; foodborne illnesses are common.

Prepare: Drink only bottled or boiled water; eat hot, cooked foods from reputable sources; avoid raw vegetables and dairy.

VISA & ENTRY

• All travel to and from Afghanistan is severely restricted; borders are closed or may close without notice, and regular entry/exit requirements may not apply.

Prepare: Do not plan travel to Afghanistan; if you are in-country, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for guidance on lawful exit options.

• Passport validity rule: minimum 6 months from date of entry (if regular entry procedures apply, which is currently unlikely).

Prepare: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months; if stranded in Afghanistan, keep your passport secure and in your possession at all times.

• Dual nationals with Afghan nationality face heightened detention risk — De facto authorities may treat dual citizens as nationals and subject them to harsher treatment, including espionage charges.

Prepare: If you hold Afghan nationality, do not travel to Afghanistan; understand that Canada may have limited ability to assist you.

• "X" gender identifier may not be recognized — Afghanistan's systems may require male/female classification; verify with Afghan de facto authorities before travel (though travel is not advised).

Prepare: Carry documentation of your legal sex/gender in English and Dari; be prepared to answer security questions about identity.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• LGBTQ+ persons are at extreme risk — Afghan law prohibits same-sex relations; sodomy and "illegal extramarital sexual relations" carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and potentially execution; 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face physical assault, sexual violence, and arrest.

Prepare: LGBTQ+ travelers must avoid Afghanistan entirely; if you are in-country, conceal sexual orientation and gender identity and seek immediate evacuation.

• Women must travel with a male guardian (mahram) and are prohibited from many public places; they face widespread harassment, assault, and discriminatory enforcement of strict Islamic rules by authorities.

Prepare: Women travelers should avoid Afghanistan; if in-country, travel only with a trusted male companion; understand that authorities may blame victims of sexual assault and criminalize survivors.

• De facto authorities enforce strict Islamic law — Alcohol is prohibited; women must wear full head-to-toe covering; music and entertainment are restricted; dissent and criticism result in arrest.

Prepare: If in-country, comply with all decrees; avoid criticism of authorities; do not consume or carry alcohol.

• Forced marriage involving foreigners has occurred — Women may be forced into marriage without knowledge or consent.

Prepare: Single women travelers should avoid Afghanistan entirely; if betrothed to an Afghan national, verify the person's identity and intentions through trusted third parties.

• Photography may be restricted or dangerous — Photographing government buildings, military personnel, checkpoints, or sensitive areas can result in arrest or violence.

Prepare: Do not photograph security forces, checkpoints, or official installations; seek explicit permission before photographing any person or location.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Afghan afghani (AFN); US dollars are also accepted in some places; ATMs are unreliable or absent.

Prepare: Bring US dollars in cash in a concealed money belt; exchange small amounts only when necessary; do not rely on card-based payments.

• Power outlets are Type C and D (European round pins); voltage is 220V, 50Hz — Blackouts and electrical disruptions are frequent.

Prepare: Carry a universal power adapter and a portable battery bank; do not plan on reliable electricity.

• Internet and telecommunications are subject to nationwide blackouts without warning; this affects emergency services, airport operations, and your ability to call for help.

Prepare: Register with the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and use satellite communication devices (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium) if in-country; do not rely on cellular or internet connectivity.

• Roads are dangerous and poorly maintained; drivers are reckless, traffic laws are not enforced, and fatal accidents are common.

Prepare: Avoid driving; use only vetted armed security for any movement; wear seat belts and travel during daylight hours.

• Tipping is not customary but may be expected in high-end establishments; negotiate prices for taxis and goods in advance.

Prepare: Carry small bills for negotiation; do not tip large sums or show large amounts of money.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best season: April to May and September to October — Mild temperatures, lower rainfall; winter (December–February) brings snow in mountains and poor road conditions; summer (June–August) is extremely hot (40°C+).

Prepare: If travel were possible, plan for spring or fall; avoid winter mountain crossings and summer heat exposure.

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance are present throughout the country, especially in remote areas, despite clearing efforts; these pose fatal hazards.

Prepare: Stay on paved main roads only; do not venture into remote or rural areas; if you encounter unexploded ordnance, move away immediately and contact local authorities.

TOP SIGHTS

Travel to these sites is not recommended due to active terrorism and conflict. These are listed for reference only if travel conditions improve.

• Band-e-Amir National Park — Turquoise lakes and canyon landscape; women are expressly prohibited from entry by de facto authorities.

• Bamiyan Valley — Historic Buddha statue ruins (destroyed in 2001) and dramatic mountain scenery; remote and high-risk for attack.

• Kabul Museum — Afghan cultural artifacts and history; located in capital city with constant security threats and terrorist activity.

• Minaret of Jam — UNESCO-listed 12th-century tower in remote Ghor province; extremely isolated and dangerous to reach.

• Panjshir Valley — Mountain scenery and Tajik culture; high risk of military activity and kidnapping.

WHERE TO STAY

Safe accommodation options are extremely limited. Canadian government advises against all travel; the following is for reference only.

Kabul

• Wazir Akbar Khan — Historically the diplomatic quarter; some fortified hotels operate here, but the area remains under frequent attack and subject to terrorist operations.
• Shahr-e-Naw — Central commercial area; crowded and monitored by authorities; hotels here lack reliable security against attack or kidnapping.

Mazar-i-Sharif

• Sarak-e-Shahidan — Northern city district with some international hotel presence; security situation remains highly volatile; attacks have occurred.

Note: No neighborhood in Afghanistan can be considered reliably safe for Canadian travelers. All accommodation carries extreme risk of terrorist attack, criminal activity, and arbitrary detention by authorities. Do not plan accommodation; do not travel.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan — Currently suspended. Operations are not active; consular assistance is extremely limited. If you require help, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Prepare: Save the Emergency Watch and Response Centre number immediately and before travel.

• Emergency Watch and Response Centre (Global Affairs Canada) — Available 24/7 for Canadians abroad.

Phone: +1-613-944-6788 (outside Canada) or 1-800-387-3124 (within Canada).

Prepare: Memorize or write down both numbers; register with the service before any travel.

• Local emergency (if functional) — Police: 100 (unreliable); Ambulance: 115 (unreliable). Do not rely on these services; response is unpredictable and unsafe.

Prepare: Do not depend on local emergency services; prioritize evacuation through Canadian government channels or private security extraction.

• Nearest Canadian embassy (outside Afghanistan) — Canadian Embassy in Pakistan (Islamabad) may provide limited assistance for Canadians fleeing Afghanistan.

Phone: +92-51-201-2000.

Prepare: If you flee to Pakistan, immediately contact the embassy; have proof of Canadian citizenship ready.

FINAL ADVISORY: The Government of Canada advises Avoid All Travel to Afghanistan. This briefing is for awareness only. Do not travel. If you are in Afghanistan, register with the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and pursue immediate, safe evacuation to a neighboring country.