Afghanistan entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Afghanistan. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply early, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel. Processing times vary — submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before departure. The visa is a physical sticker placed in your passport, not an eVisa.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Afghanistan. Carry at least one blank page for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Kabul International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have your printed itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Afghanistan. Officers may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but carrying at least $500 USD in cash is practical since ATMs and card payments are unreliable. | Recommended |
Security situation
Afghanistan has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisories before planning your trip. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
Visa application location
The Afghan embassy in New Delhi is the primary processing center for Indian passport holders. The consulate in Mumbai also accepts applications. Appointments may be required.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Afghan embassy
Visit the Afghan embassy in New Delhi or consulate in Mumbai with your application form, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Submit in person or via a travel agent. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's hotel. Keep the confirmations saved on your phone.
3
Arrive at Kabul International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your purpose of visit. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. ₹8,300)
Apply at Afghan embassy or consulate. Requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. ₹12,500)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must show proof of sufficient funds.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$120 USD (approx. ₹10,000)
Requires invitation letter from Afghan company. May allow multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or online. | $100 USD (approx. ₹8,300) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. ₹12,500) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, with no official cap. | $10 USD per day (approx. ₹830) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Afghanistan
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders transiting through Afghanistan require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsKabul International Airport (KBL) · Herat International Airport (HEA) · Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR)
Health & vaccines for Afghanistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas below 2,000 meters, especially from March to November.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
Typhoid feverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kabul
Afghanistan Immigration Department (Kabul Office)
Near Ministry of Interior, Kabul, Afghanistan
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and photos.
Herat
Herat Immigration Office
Herat City, near Herat Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in western Afghanistan. Limited English support.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalKabul
LanguagePashto, Dari
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyAfghan afghani (AFN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 63.75 AFN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4:30
vs New York+9h 30min
vs Los Angeles+12h 30min
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, two round pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Afghanistan does not offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Afghan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The embassy in New Delhi handles most applications.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Visa fees vary by type and duration. A single-entry tourist visa typically costs around INR 5,000–7,000. Confirm the current fee with the embassy.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or treatment can be very expensive.
Visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Immigration Department in Kabul before your current visa expires. The process can take several days.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Always check your visa's validity and apply for an extension if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.