Updated with information on risk of wrongful detention
Do not travel to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime.
Country Summary: In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan and announced an “interim government” based in the capital, Kabul. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the U.S. government is not able to provide any emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.
U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason.
Multiple terrorist groups are active in country and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and wrongful detentions. The Department has assessed that there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens by the Taliban. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high.
The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy and while in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.
U.S. citizens in Afghanistan in need of routine consular services can contact any U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance, although our ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited. To locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan, click here.
U.S. citizens who are in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to depart should email complete biographic details and contact information (email and phone number), as well as U.S. passport number, to AfghanistanACS@state.gov.
The Department of State will continue to provide information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), Embassy Kabul’s web page, Travel.State.Gov, Facebook, and Twitter/X.
If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Afghanistan:
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments at all times.
- Keep a low profile.
- Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.
- Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency. Read theCountry Security ReportFor Afghanistan.
- Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
FAQs
Afghanistan - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime. Country Summary: In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan and announced an “interim government” based in the capital, Kabul.
What countries have level 4 travel advisories? ›
The Travel Advisories for the following countries are Level 4 - Do Not Travel: ⛔Afghanistan ⛔Belarus ⛔Burkina Faso ⛔Burma ⛔Central African Republic ⛔Haiti ⛔Iran ⛔Iraq ⛔Libya ⛔Mali ⛔North Korea ⛔Russia ⛔Somalia ⛔South Sudan ⛔Sudan ⛔Syria ⛔Ukraine ⛔Venezuela ⛔Yemen Read the full Advisories at travel.state.gov/ ...
What happens if an American visits Afghanistan? ›
Passport and Visas: U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Travelers arriving without a valid visa are subject to deportation, confiscation of their passport, heavy fines, or detention.
Why is it inadvisable to travel to Afghanistan? ›
You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and border crossings may not be open. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan.
Can you still fly to Afghanistan? ›
We advise against all travel to and within Afghanistan. Border crossing points may be closed without notice, especially during increased border tensions or concerns of an increased risk of a terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country and in Kabul.
Where can US citizens not travel? ›
Americans are not allowed to travel to North Korea. The U.S. government restricts all travel to North Korea for American citizens.
Where not to travel in 2024? ›
Learn about your destination
| Advisory | Level | Date Updated |
|---|
| Iran Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | January 11, 2024 |
| Iraq Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | April 24, 2024 |
| Italy Travel Advisory | Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution | July 26, 2023 |
| Jamaica Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | January 23, 2024 |
143 more rowsThe level numbers advise the following: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions, Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, Level 3 – Reconsider Travel, Level 4 - Do Not Travel. Countries assigned a Travel Advisory level of 2 or more will also be assigned a risk indicator.
What is a level 3 travel warning in the United States? ›
Conditions in any country may change at any time. Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Is North Korea safe to travel? ›
NORTH KOREA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Avoid all travel to North Korea due to the uncertain security situation caused by its nuclear weapons development program and highly repressive regime. There is no resident Canadian government office in the country.
Entry Visas
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
Can Americans go to Iran? ›
Iran Visa for Americans
American citizens are welcome to visit Iran but as an American passport holder you need to obtain an Iranian visa before traveling to Iran.
Is Kabul safe for tourists? ›
Travelling throughout the country is extremely dangerous, including in Kabul. There are checkpoints on all roads and throughout cities. Women are not allowed to travel by themselves and often face difficulties at checkpoints. Some borders are closed or may close without notice.
Is China safe for tourists? ›
The safety numbers do a good job of telling China's story. Numbeo, which crowdsources its rankings, says that China is one of the safest countries in the world. It's ranked 19th, ahead of countries like Denmark and the Netherlands which American travelers have named some of the world's safest places.
Is Egypt safe for tourists? ›
Egypt is nearly crime-free. Most crime is petty theft, with little violent crime. Still, you need to keep alert when walking through densely populated areas of Cairo or Alexandria, just as you would in other large urban areas around the world.
What are the current conditions in Afghanistan? ›
Afghanistan is now facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The Afghan economy has no cash to pay salaries or buy food. Western aid has been suspended because the Taliban government includes designated terrorists. And millions of Afghans face acute malnutrition and starvation in the coming months.
Does the US have an embassy in Afghanistan? ›
Construction was completed on a new embassy compound in 2005. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021.
Can Americans go to Pakistan? ›
Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Does Afghanistan have tourism? ›
The numbers aren't huge — they never were — but there's a buzz around Afghan tourism. In 2021, there were 691 foreign tourists. In 2022, that figure rose to 2,300. Last year, there were 7,000.
