Afghanistan
United States
United States visa for Afghan citizens
Entry requirement
Afghan citizens are currently not admitted to the United States, according to the visa data used here.
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
For longer stays: study, work and residence
US visas issued to citizens of Afghanistan
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,943 | 1,046 |
| Student (F, M) | 365 | 151 |
| Exchange (J) | 61 | 16 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 70 | 19 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 9 | 4 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 119 | 139 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 215 | 105 |
| Total | 2,782 | 1,480 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 48.9% | 63.3% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,480 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Afghanistan, the 152nd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 71%, student visas 10% and diplomatic and official visas 9%. That is 47% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (2,782).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Afghanistan received 40, 96% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 63.3% for citizens of Afghanistan in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 48.9%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Afghanistan anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Afghanistan.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Afghanistan
United StatesAfghanistan Visa required Afghanistan visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Afghanistan to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
The United States’ neighbours for Afghan citizens
Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Afghan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Afghanistan
US citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Afghanistan.
Frequently asked questions
Do Afghan citizens need a visa for the United States?
Afghan citizens are currently not admitted to the United States, according to the visa data used here.
Do US citizens need a visa for Afghanistan?
US citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Afghanistan.
Can Afghan citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No. According to the visa data used here, Afghan citizens are currently not admitted to the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.