Afghanistan introduces e-visa

Afghanistan has launched a new e-visa system for international visitors as part of efforts to boost tourism nationwide.

 

Through the new process, tourists can apply online for a single-entry visa, allowing a 30-day stay. Entry is only permitted via Kabul International Airport (KBL) and the visa expires after 90 days. Fees cost from US$150, and travellers must confirm their eligibility before applying. 

 

Rich in natural landscapes and Unesco-listed heritage sites, Afghanistan has been drawing a modest but growing number of international visitors in recent years. In 2024, nearly 9,000 international tourists visited Afghanistan, followed by more than 7,000 in the first half of 2025 alone.

 

The launch of the e-visa follows the recent release of the first mainstream travel guide book for Afghanistan in 20 years. The new Afghanistan Bradt Guide is out now, authored by James Willcox, the founder of tour company Untamed Borders.

 

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A spokesperson for Untamed Borders said: “The Taliban, who are the current Afghan government, are only recognised by one country as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. Due to this, only a limited number of embassies and consulates have remained open globally and were able to issue visas, since the Taliban have been in power. The most reliable and logistically practical for travellers to Afghanistan were in the Gulf states, in cities such as Dubai, and travellers had to visit the Afghanistan consulates and embassies in person.

 

“Due to the current conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, this has become extremely difficult and has forced Afghanistan to fasttrack its e-visa system.”

 

Key attractions in Afghanistan include the 15th-century Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif and Band-e-Amir National Park, the country’s first national park, with six deep-blue lakes framed by the Hindu Kush mountains, a five-hour drive from Kabul.

 

Airlines have also begun increasing operations in Afghanistan, including UAE national carrier Etihad, which launched thrice-weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Kabul in December 2025.

 

For more information, visit eafghans.com