Afghanistan

Afghanistan visa guide

  • 8 visa types
  • checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Afghanistan work

The authorities in Kabul, who call their administration the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, handle visas through the Deputy of Foreigners Visas, part of the Directorate of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry’s website lists twelve visa types: tourist, business, service, entry, residence, student, visitor, arrival, crew, transit, entry permit and exit.

The Ministry publishes short descriptions of each visa: its purpose, validity and a fee in US dollars, for example USD 80 for a tourist visa allowing a one-month stay, USD 40 to 300 for a business visa and USD 200 for an arrival visa at Kabul International Airport. Most visas are issued by Afghan embassies and consulates abroad; the Ministry’s list of foreign missions covers about two dozen countries.

Apply to the Afghan embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you live. Each mission sets its own opening hours, appointment arrangements and application form, and may ask for documents beyond the Ministry’s short lists. Requirements below are limited to what the Ministry publishes; confirm current conditions with the mission that will issue your visa before you travel.

Which visa do I need?

Tourism: tourist visa (USD 80, one-month stay). Meetings and trade: business visa. Invitation from a licensed company or institution in Afghanistan: entry visa. Visiting relatives or friends, sports competitions or exhibitions: visitor visa. Studies at a recognised Afghan university: student visa. Passing through to another country: transit visa (three to six days).

Arriving at Kabul airport with an official letter from an Afghan organisation or an invitation from an international organisation working in Afghanistan: arrival visa. Staying on after a business, entry, student, service or crew visa: residence visa (USD 50 a month). Foreign nationals of Afghan origin may enter with an entry permit instead of a visa.

Visa types for Afghanistan

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa

    Afghanistan’s tourist visa is issued on the basis of the travel purpose and supporting documents such as a valid passport and a hotel booking.

    Maximum stay: One month
  • Transit visa

    Travellers crossing Afghanistan on their way to another country need a transit visa, issued by Afghan missions abroad to people who already hold a valid visa or travel documents for their destination.

    Maximum stay: Three to six days
  • Family and friends visit visa Visitor visa (relatives and friends, sports competitions, exhibitions)

    Afghanistan’s visitor visa is for foreign nationals visiting relatives and friends or taking part in sports competitions and exhibitions.

    Maximum stay: One to three months

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa

    Afghanistan’s business visa is issued on the basis of a valid business licence, a copy of the passport and supporting bank statements.

    Validity: One month to three years

Study and training

  • Student visa

    Afghanistan’s student visa is issued on the basis of agreements with recognised universities in Afghanistan and valid educational documents submitted by the applicant.

    Maximum stay: One to three months

Work

  • Work visa Entry visa (invitation by a licensed company or institution)

    Afghanistan’s entry visa is issued to people invited by companies or institutions that operate in Afghanistan with an official licence.

    Maximum stay: One month (continued with a residence visa)

Residence

  • Residence permit Residence visa

    Afghanistan’s residence visa lets foreign nationals continue a stay that began on a service, business, entry, student or crew visa.

    Maximum stay: One month to one year

Online travel permits

  • Visa on arrival Arrival visa (Kabul International Airport)

    Afghanistan’s arrival visa is not available to ordinary tourists.

    Maximum stay: One month

Frequently asked questions

Where can I apply for an Afghan visa?

At an Afghan embassy or consulate abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul says its missions issue visas in all categories; its list of foreign missions covers about two dozen countries. Only invited travellers can get the arrival visa at Kabul International Airport.

Who issues Afghan visas?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, through its Deputy of Foreigners Visas, and the embassies and consulates abroad that act for it. Arrival visas are approved by the Ministry at Kabul International Airport.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Kabul?

Only with an official letter from an Afghan organisation or an official invitation from an international organisation working in Afghanistan. It costs USD 200 and allows a one-month stay.

Is there an online visa application?

The Ministry in Kabul does not describe an electronic visa. Applications go through Afghan missions abroad; ask the mission responsible for you whether it uses its own online form before you hand in the file.

What if my visa expires while I am in Afghanistan?

The Ministry issues an exit visa (USD 50, six days) to foreigners who could not extend their visa for reasons such as detention or a travel ban; ordinary stays are continued with a residence visa.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.