How to get an Afghan tourist visa in Spring 2024…
The situation with Afghan Consulates around the world is currently confused due to the change in regime in Kabul in August 2021. Whilst some Afghan embassies (Doha, Dubai, Peshawar, Islamabad, Tashkent for example) are directly controlled by the new Taliban government in Kabul, most other Afghan embassies in European capitals are still controlled by the remnants of the old internationally recognised government.
When we started offering trips to Afghanistan in 2022 we successfully used these European embassies to secure visas for our clients - they were accepted without problem at the airport in Kabul. But after a tweet made by Taliban Foreign Minister Balkhi in October 2023 about visas issued in London, we have decided that we will no longer be using visas issued in Europe.
This presents a big problem for us as we understand that for many of our travellers, diverting and spending time in Islamabad or the UAE adds a considerable expense and more importantly a time drain on their valuable holiday days! Sadly at the moment we do not have a fix for this issue.
There is no universal list of documents required by all Afghan embassies and consulates and decisions on visa issues are normally made by the consul themselves. There is no specific rule according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that an invitation letter is required to get a tourist visa either, but that doesn’t stop some consulates asking for one.
When applying for your visa we recommend you arrive at any embassy/consulate with copies of the following documents ( if you are coming on a Safaråt journey, which will be emailed to you once you have paid your deposit and can also be found in your group’s WhatsApp files):
· Letter of invitation in Dari/English
· Copy of Safarat’s Afghanistan Operating License
· Copy of your host’s Tazkera Identity Card (in our case this will be Qudratullah Noory’s Tazkera)
· Colour Copy of your passport
· Copy of marriage license if you are travelling in a mixed couple.
· 2 x Passport Photos (…and make sure you are carrying a further 2 for your GDI registration at Kabul airport)
Some of your best options for collecting a visa are now:
1. Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Consulate is a good place to get a tourist visa. It is a quiet place and you will be treated as a guest and get your visa whilst you wait.
Mr Ghazi is the new consul, and he is warm and friendly to tourists despite limited experience dealing with them. There is a Novotel a short walk from the consul which may be a good place to stay if you need a place to crash.
Current visas costs are $80USD (2-3 working day) and $130USD (Visa issued while you wait). This is payable by visa/mastercard only. Cash is not accepted.
You need to be at the consulate by 1030 at the very latest on Friday to make sure your receive your visa on the same day. It may be useful and speed up the process of getting a visa by emailing in advance your intention to visit the consulate including your invitation letter and electronic copies of the aforementioned paperwork. Please email abudhabi@mfa.af with this information.
Opening Times: Monday-Thursday 0830-1400, Friday 0830-1200
2. Dubai
The Dubai Consulate is a busy place with far more Afghans seeking consulate services and a far less personal touch! This may be more stressful for travelers who have already had a long flight from Europe or the United States, despite the convenience of the consul in relation to Dubai airport and other international flights.
If you are arriving on a Friday you need to be at the consulate as early as to make sure your receive your visa on the same day. I would try and arrive before 0930.
Current visa costs vary slightly by nationality but are broadly in line with the prices I Abu Dhabi . This is payable by visa/mastercard only. Cash is not accepted.
If you don’t fancy running round Dubai yourself, we have developed an excellent relationship with a local agent Rafik. He will collect your passport from any hotel or place in Dubai and return it to you the same day with an Afghan visa in it. The cost of this service is $300. The latest this submission can be made is 1030 on a Friday and midday on Monday-Thursday. Please send him a whataspp on +971551414080 if you want to coordinate in advance with him or ask me to set a WhatsApp conversation between you.
Opening Times:
Monday-Thursday 0830-1400, Friday 0830-1200
3. Peshawar
There are now significantly more direct international flights to Peshawar in Pakistan which makes this option a more attractive option for travelers who no longer need to find transport from Islamabad. Significantly Qatar Airlines are now operating a regular service to the city.
This should leave you enough time to collect your Afghan visa and find your way to the border and cross the border!
Opening Times:
Monday-Thursday 0900-1600, Friday 0900-1300
Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to get a tourist visa in Peshawar.
If you are joining an organised Safarāt tour, then your transport from the Afghan side of the Torkham border crossing to Kabul will leave at 1400 the day before the official start of the trip. You will then be driven to Kabul (approx 4 hours).
Visas on arrival have started to be offered at the Shir-Khan border with Tajikistan - although there are reports of solo female travellers being turned away from here.