Afghanistan Travel Guide
| Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Afghanistan may be dangerous. Read more |
Did you know?
The surface area of Afghanistan is 251.8 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 42 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Kabul (AF) and Washington D.C. (US) is 6922 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Kabul click here
Country Comparison
Compare Afghanistan to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Afghanistan
| Miles | Kabul | Ghazni | Mazar-e Sharif | Bamiyan | Kunduz | Salang Pass | Istalif | Sheberghan |
| Kabul | - | 80 | 189 | 79 | 152 | 55 | 22 | 242 |
| Ghazni | 80 | - | 230 | 94 | 220 | 127 | 96 | 263 |
| Mazar-e Sharif | 189 | 230 | - | 136 | 97 | 144 | 170 | 76 |
| Bamiyan | 79 | 94 | 136 | - | 143 | 76 | 71 | 172 |
| Kunduz | 152 | 220 | 97 | 143 | - | 97 | 131 | 173 |
| Salang Pass | 55 | 127 | 144 | 76 | 97 | - | 33 | 206 |
| Istalif | 22 | 96 | 170 | 71 | 131 | 33 | - | 225 |
| Sheberghan | 242 | 263 | 76 | 172 | 173 | 206 | 225 | - |
A Brief History of Afghanistan
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
1st – 3rd centuries A.D.
Kushan EmpireThe Indo-European Kushan Empire rules parts of present-day Afghanistan. Arts and religion flourish. The Silk Road, which runs from Italy to China, passes through Afghanistan. This allows for the exchange of goods and ideas.
652
IslamizationArabs invade Afghanistan, and introduce Islam and an Arabic alphabet.
1747
Modern AfghanistanA tribal council of native Pashtun people creates modern Afghanistan. Ahmad Shah Durrani becomes king.
1919
IndependenceAfghanistan gains independence from Britain during the Third Anglo-Afghan War. August 19 is celebrated as Independence Day.
1933
Afghanistan's last monarchMohammed Zahir Shah, Afghanistan's last monarch, becomes king. He is king for four decades. Under his rule, the government expands international relations.
1979
Soviet Union invasionThe Soviet Union invades Afghanistan and sets up a Communist government. In 1989, the Soviets are driven out by Afghan fighters called mujahedin.
1996
Taliban seizes KabulThe Taliban seizes control of Kabul and spreads its control across the country. The extremist group introduces harsh laws and punishments.
2001
U.S. invasionThe Taliban protects the terrorist group al-Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden. After al-Qaeda's September 11 attack on the U.S., American forces invade Afghanistan and remove the Taliban from power. The Taliban retains control over many remote areas.
2004
New constitutionAfghanistan adopts a new constitution. Afghans elect Hamid Karzai in the country’s first democratic presidential election.
2011
Withdrawing U.S. troopsU.S. President Barack Obama announces that the U.S. will begin withdrawing some of its troops from Afghanistan.
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MoreAfghani (AFN)
- AFN
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- AFN
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Afghanistan.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Afghanistan
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Afghanistan for tourism
A visa is required, it must be obtained at the embassy or at the appropriate consular office.
- Visitors born in Afghanistan do not require a visa.
- All visitors are fingerprinted, and are required to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival.
- The U.S. government forced all Afghan diplomatic missions in the U.S. to close in March 2022. Applicants must now obtain a visa from a mission in another country.
- The Taliban accepts visas issued by diplomatic missions not under its control.
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Afghanistan the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 37 / 231 Ranking | 38 928 346 Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2% |
Area | 42 / 230 Ranking | 251.8 thous. mi² It is approximately 7% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 196 / 196 Ranking | 53.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 51.7women 54.9 |
Median age | 20 / 157 Ranking | 19.5 Average age of population expressed in years.men 19.4women 19.5 |
Population growth | 28 / 172 Ranking | 2.34% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 127 / 131 Ranking | 37.3% Ability to read, write and count.men 52.1%women 22.6% |
GDP | 181 / 194 Ranking | 2 078 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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