Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, the risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, the high crime rate, and widespread violations of human rights by the de facto authorities. The security situation remains highly volatile and dangerous. If you are in Afghanistan, exercise caution if you need to move to a more secure location and review your personal security plans. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family. The Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan has suspended its operations. Our ability to provide consular assistance and other support in this country is extremely limited. We may not be notified even if you request assistance from us. If you require consular assistance, try to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. If you have successfully made your way out of the country and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Canadian government office. We strongly recommend that you sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information.
FCDO advises against all travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO ’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan. For more details about the risks in Afghanistan, see Safety and security.
Do not travel
Do not travel due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, natural disasters, and limited health facilities. Do not travel to Afghanistan for any reason We urge American citizens in Afghanistan to leave immediately.
- U.S. citizens seeking U.S. government help to leave the country should email their complete biographic details, contact information (email and phone number), and U.S. passport number to AfghanistanACS@state.gov
- The U.S
Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021.
- The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan
- The Taliban actively surveil and monitor travelers
U.S.-Afghan dual nationals and U.S. citizens linked to NGOs face higher risks of surveillance.
- The Taliban’s so-called General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Complaints (PVPV) are responsible for enforcing directives and edicts issued by Taliban authorities
- Multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan
U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking, and may become targets for violence. There is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan. All American citizens, including tourists and U.S.-Afghan dual nationals, are targeted for detention. Lawful Permanent Residents who previously supported the United States in Afghanistan may also be targeted. For example, anyone who worked as an interpreter could be targeted. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid, faith-based organization, and humanitarian workers. Foreigners are often viewed with suspicion.
- Reasons for detention may be unclear or arbitrary
- Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high
- Detention conditions are severe
- The Taliban do not permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone
- Detention can be long
Even if a case is determined to be a wrongful detention, there is no guarantee of release. While in detention, American citizens have limited or no access to medical attention. They may face physical abuse. Natural disaster Afghanistan is a seismically active region, with frequent and devastating earthquakes. Earthquakes have caused mass casualties and critical damage to homes and infrastructure. In September 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Afghanistan, killing over 1,100 people. Aviation Safety Oversight The FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Afghanistan. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.
