Afghanistan

Afghan travellers need some preparation before planning their trip abroad, because visa rules are different in each country. Afghan citizens can travel abroad by getting a visa before their trip, applying online for an eVisa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), or receiving a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in some countries.

As a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Afghanistan is eligible for the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. This allows certain Afghan dignitaries and officials to visit other SAARC member countries without a visa. This scheme makes official travel in the region easier.

Right now, Afghan passport holders can travel visa-free to three (3) countries and can get a Visa on Arrival in twelve (12) countries. For all other destinations, they must visit the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to travel to for a stamped or sticker visa. Some embassies also let travelers book appointments online before submitting their visa applications.

For Afghan nationals, the simple entry requirement to travel to a country with or without a visa is to have a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity from the entry date. This is a common rule around the world and helps avoid problems at immigration.

With a global passport ranking of 93, Afghan travelers face some limits but still have options. They can apply for eVisas or ETAs to visit 62 countries through easy online systems. 

Since visa rules change from country to country, it’s always best to check the latest travel requirements before applying or booking a trip.

An eVisa is a digital visa that you can apply online. You don’t need to visit the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Once your application is approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email. You can print it out or keep a copy on your phone to show at the airport when you travel.

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel pass that allows you to enter a country without getting a visa before your trip. When you arrive, immigration officers issue your visa at the airport or border.

Both the eVisa and ETA are applied for online and delivered through email. The main difference between them is that an eVisa can be used anytime during its validity period, while an ETA is only valid for a limited time. You must travel within that period to receive your visa on arrival.

If your ETA expires before you travel, it becomes invalid, and you’ll need to apply for a new one before making your trip.

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for Afghan citizens:

For Afghan citizens, a Visa on Arrival (VoA) means they can get their visa after reaching the airport or border of the country they are visiting. There is no need to apply for the visa before traveling, because Afghans can complete the process after they arrive at their destination.

The Visa on Arrival policy can change at any time, and it depends on the immigration rules of each country. Therefore, Afghan travelers should always check the latest visa information before starting their trip to avoid any issues at entry.

The countries mentioned below allow Afghan citizens to get a VoA:

Afghan citizens can travel to a few countries without a visa. This means they can enter these destinations freely and stay for a limited time, usually 21, 30, and 90 days, depending on the country’s rules.

With the Afghan passport currently ranking 88th in the world, citizens are allowed to visit three (3) countries visa-free.

The following are the countries that Afghan citizens can visit without a visa:

Afghan citizens need to get a sticker visa before traveling to many countries. Right now, there are 121 countries that require a visa for Afghan passport holders. The visa application can be done online or in person, depending on the rules of the destination country.

In some countries, you can complete the online visa process without visiting the embassy or mailing your passport. This makes it quicker and easier for travelers.

For other countries, you must apply in person at the embassy or consulate. You will need to submit your visa form, passport, and other required documents directly to their office.

The length of the visa depends on the type you apply for and the purpose of your visit. It’s important to check the visa requirements of the country you plan to visit before starting your application.

Here is the list of countries where Afghan citizens must have a visa to enter:

Some general visa requirements are the same in every country. Afghan citizens traveling abroad must fulfill the requirements stated below:

• Valid Passport: A valid Afghan passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the date you enter the destination country.
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form that must be submitted either online or in person at the embassy or consulate. The form will ask for your personal details, travel information, and the purpose of your visit.
• Photograph: One or more recent passport-size photos taken within the last three months. The photos should have a white background and clearly show your full face.
• Flight Tickets: Many countries ask travelers to provide proof of their travel plans. This includes confirmed flight tickets showing when you will arrive and when you will leave the country.
• Proof of Accommodation/Stay: You may need to show proof of your accommodation or the place you will stay (hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or friends and family) in some countries. This is required in some countries’ visa application forms.

Afghanistan is the 8th member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The country officially joined SAARC in 2007. However, during the 1988 SAARC Summit, it was decided that certain categories of dignitaries from member countries would receive visa exemptions when traveling within the region.

These dignitaries are:

Afghan citizens can travel to 198 countries around the world. But visa requirements vary by the destination country’s policy. With an Afghan passport ranked 93rd globally, you can visit three (3) countries.

Afghan citizens can visit three countries without a visa. These destinations are listed in the Visa-Free Destinations section above. Depending on the rules, the length of stay visa-free usually ranges from 21, 30, and 90 days.

No. Afghan law does not allow a person to hold more than one Afghan passport at the same time. However, you can renew your existing passport if it has expired, been lost, or is fully used.

The best way to prove Afghan citizenship is by presenting a valid Afghan passport or a national identity card (Tazkira) issued by the Afghan government. These documents are recognized as official proof of nationality.

Yes. Afghan citizens are allowed to hold dual citizenship, especially if they have received citizenship from another country. However, it is important to check the laws of both countries, as some may have special rules or limitations.

Yes. Afghan travelers may need a transit visa if they are passing through another country’s airport or territory before reaching their final destination. The rules depend on the country you are transiting through, so always check the transit policy before traveling.

Yes, many countries require travel insurance as part of the visa application process. The insurance will cover medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations for the duration of your stay.

Yes. You can renew your Afghan passport at the nearest Afghan embassy or consulate in the country where you are living or staying. You will need to submit your old passport, application form, photographs, and other required documents.

If you lose your passport abroad, you should immediately contact the nearest Afghan embassy or consulate. Report the loss to local police and get a police report. The embassy will then help you apply for a temporary travel document or a new passport so you can return home safely.