Afghanistan Travel Safety

Road safety

Driving conditions are poor. Traffic is chaotic because traffic laws are not enforced. Overland travel outside of Kabul is extremely dangerous and should be restricted to those who have armed security. Terrorist and criminal groups may set up fake checkpoints with the intention of committing attacks. Plan any road travel very carefully, and always travel in groups. Military and police forces are limited in rural areas. Banditry by armed groups is common.

Landmines

Millions of landmines throughout the countryside pose a threat. No area can be considered safe.

Women's safety

Afghanistan is not a safe environment for personal travel. The security situation remains extremely volatile and unpredictable. If you must travel then you must be extremely careful and always stick around with security. Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault. Women must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged under extramarital sex statutes.

Terrorism

The threat of terrorist and criminal violence is extremely high and continuous. Terrorists and criminals carry out attacks in reputable public areas as well as against Afghan and international institutions. Attacks in Kabul occur often and are completely unpredictable. Targets include hotels, embassies, government buildings, popular landmarks and streets, and locations known to employ or be frequented by Westerners. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe or exempt from the threat of attack. Be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and on days of national significance. Tactics used by terrorists include body- and vehicle- borne improvised explosive devices, as well as the firing of rockets. Armed assaults and ambushes are also common. Other types of violent attack against Afghans and foreigners also occur, including armed robbery, sexual and gender-based violence and harassment, and carjacking. Throughout the country, weapons are readily available and the number of civilian causalities due to armed attacks is high. Exercise extreme caution at all times, particularly in public areas frequented by foreigners-such as hotels, restaurants, shops and marketplaces-and near public buildings, embassies and foreign headquarters. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money, and ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping for ransom has become a very lucrative market in Afghanistan. There is an extreme risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals throughout Afghanistan. Numerous Westerners, including tourists, journalists and non-government organization workers, have been kidnapped and, in some cases, killed. Journalists may be lured to Afghanistan with offers of interviews, when the real purpose is to kidnap them. Several organizations, including terrorist groups and criminal gangs, are behind these kidnappings.

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During the lunar month of Ramadan refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Afghanistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face long imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Afghanistan.

Illegal or restricted activities

Extramarital sexual relations are also illegal. Convicted offenders will be severely punished. Photographing government buildings, military installations and palaces is prohibited. Ask permission from locals before taking their photograph. It's illegal to buy or export historical antiquities without a receipt from an authorised supplier or dealer. If you don't have a receipt, you could be detained and you may face a fine or prison sentence.