Security and orientation briefing: in Afghanistan

Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in increased democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 communist countercoup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. Internationally supported anti-communist mujahidin rebels forced the USSR to withdraw in 1989. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US and Allied military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Usama BIN LADIN.

A UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan, and he was reelected in 2009. Ashraf Ghani AHMADZAI succeeded him as president in 2014 following a disputed election. The Taliban conducted an insurgency for two decades against the Afghan Government and forces from the United States and other countries. In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement that led to the withdrawal of international forces in exchange for commitments on counterterrorism and other assurances. The Taliban took over Afghanistan on 15 August 2021.

The Taliban established an all-male interim leadership structure dominated by Pashtun clerics under the leadership of Haivatrullah AKHUNDZADA. The Taliban issued numerous edicts that constrained women's mobility, ability to study and work, and access to education beyond primary school. To date, no country has recognized the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is under Taliban control. 

The Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.

You may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.

The British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.

The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan may worsen the security situation. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.

Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.

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 to Afghanistan    

You should not travel to Afghanistan. The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. There is a high risk of British nationals being detained or kidnapped, and terrorists often target places frequented by foreign nationals. The FCDO’s ability to provide assistance in Afghanistan is severely limited.

Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions

There are heighted tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including clashes in border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

UK government support

Support for British nationals is severely limited in Afghanistan. There is no British Embassy in Afghanistan and FCDO cannot give in-person consular assistance. If you are detained, the British government may not be informed.

If you are a British national in Afghanistan and need help from the UK government, you can:

• call FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
• submit an enquiry
• contact us on X or Facebook

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates 

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO:    

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook 

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Afghanistan

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.

In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.

Al-Qaida (AQ), a Daesh branch known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other militant groups have an active presence in Afghanistan. These groups hold strong anti-western views, which could make any British interest or person a target. Daesh (ISKP) continues to be a serious threat and is fiercely hostile to the UK, other western countries and some religious minority communities. Daesh (ISKP) and other groups also target NGOs and humanitarian organisations.

If you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, be aware that terrorists have a strong desire to target public places frequented by foreign nationals. This could include restaurants and hotels used by foreigners, such as the Serena in Kabul.

An attack on Kabul International Airport in August 2021 killed at least 183 people. Further attacks against aviation and airports are very likely.

ISKP have claimed responsibility for attacks in many types of location, including:

• hospitals
• schools
• places of worship
• government, military and security establishments

Diplomatic premises may be attacked to undermine Taliban claims of security.

It is likely that terrorists will conduct attacks at busy times of day, potentially coinciding with local or religious events or celebrations. In the past this has included attacks against:

• schools
• marketplaces
• sites, communities and districts where the majority population is Shia Muslim

Attacks in Afghanistan include roadside and suicide bombs either on foot or by vehicle, indirect rocket and mortar fire, direct fire, including shootings and rocket propelled grenades.

If you are in Afghanistan, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Keep others, including family and friends, informed of your travel plans. Any regular patterns of travel and behaviour could make you the target of an attack.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a very high threat of being kidnapped in Afghanistan.       

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Tour operators in Afghanistan   

There are tour operators that offer travel and guided tours to Afghanistan. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.

The risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to British nationals remain high.

Political situation

Afghanistan is under Taliban control. 

The Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.

You may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.

The British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.

The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan may worsen the security situation. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.

Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.

Protests

Avoid demonstrations as they may turn violent and you may be arrested.  

Detention and possible charges

There is a significant risk the Taliban could detain British nationals.

The Taliban are suspicious of foreign nationals working or travelling in Afghanistan, including humanitarian workers and journalists, and it’s likely your work and movements will be closely monitored.

If you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years in prison without clarity about the charges.

The Taliban are likely to suspect you of spying and may detain you if you are found in possession of:

• weapons or explosives
• tracking devices
• large amounts of money
• items considered unusual

The risk of detention is especially high if you have worked in the military or have connections to previously detained British nationals.

If you are found guilty of spying or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution.

The Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion. Such actions are forbidden and can lead to severe penalties. The Taliban’s justice system includes lengthy imprisonment, lashings (including in public) and the death penalty.

UK government support for detainees

The British government may not be notified if you are detained. There are considerable challenges in setting up contact or access. FCDO’s ability to get any information from the authorities could be severely limited, and you may not be able to contact your next of kin.

Crime

There is a risk of violent street crime and home invasion including armed robbery in Afghan cities. Make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.

Criminal kidnaps

There is a significant risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals for ransom.

Potential targets for kidnap include British tourists, British nationals working for international organisations, and British nationals of Afghan origin visiting friends and relatives.

Criminal groups will target anyone perceived to have money for extortion purposes. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. Criminal groups may kidnap victims by stopping cars on busy roads or targeting people who are withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. Kidnap victims are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using their cash cards. Incidents include a British dual national being kidnapped at gunpoint and a British national kidnapped while withdrawing money from a bank.

Laws and cultural differences

There are no formal internationally recognised structures or processes of law in Afghanistan and foreign nationals, including British nationals, have been detained without due process.

Afghanistan is an Islamic country. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK.

The Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion.

Laws on dress

The Taliban have set codes of dress for men and women and strictly enforce them.  

Women, including foreign nationals, must fully cover themselves in public. A woman must wear:

• loose-fitting clothing to conceal her body, arms and legs
• a headscarf to cover her hair
• a veil to cover her face

Men must dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing such as sleeveless shirts or shorts.

Lack of women’s rights

The Taliban have made it illegal for women to travel for more than 72km (44 miles) without being accompanied by their husband, father or brother (a ‘mahram’). Taliban officials regularly check transport and monitor public locations, including hospitals and schools. They can stop women from travelling, including leaving Afghanistan, and may penalise women in other ways, including detention, if they do not comply.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.

During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in a vehicle
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Illegal food, drugs and alcohol    

You are not allowed to use or bring into the country narcotics, alcohol or pork products. If you do, you could be arrested.

Mobile phones, internet access and communications  

The Taliban have blocked, significantly slowed, or shut down landline, internet, and mobile services without warning in the past. This can be nationwide or localised. This can affect communication and location services on smartphones and other devices. You should: 

• not rely on mobile data, non-Afghan mobile apps or international calls for personal safety 
• always keep an alternative means of communication and navigation with you
• make sure friends and family know where you are

Previous internet blackouts have also impacted flights and access to cash.

Using cameras in secure areas

It may not be immediately clear whether taking photos could cause offence or suspicion. Avoid photographing local people without their agreement and pay close attention to local information and ways of doing things. Photographing certain buildings in Afghanistan is not allowed and may lead to detention, including:

• government buildings
• military installations
• palaces
• Taliban checkpoints

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Taliban and has historically always been forbidden in Afghanistan.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Buying antiquities

Do not buy or try to export antiquities without getting a receipt from an authorised dealer. When you leave Afghanistan the authorities may ask for proof you bought the item. If you do not have a receipt, they could detain you, and you may get a fine or prison sentence.

Money  

If you travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, you may face problems with the authorities if you try to import foreign currency. It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash, but you may not be able to use foreign-issued bank cards at ATMs and local banks.

Some ATMs and many banks accept foreign-issued bank cards, with restrictions on the amount of cash you can withdraw. Check with local branches.

Some international money transfer services continue to operate in Afghanistan. However, payouts will be in local currency, even when the payee has requested foreign exchange.

Transport risks

Road travel

Road travel is highly dangerous. FCDO advises against all travel around Afghanistan.

The situation at Afghanistan’s border crossings remains volatile. A number of borders remain closed and if opened, can close at short notice. There have been clashes between Afghan and neighbouring forces at some border crossings. 

Air travel

Kabul International Airport does not meet international aviation safety standards.  

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Afghanistan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Consider signing up to the US Geological Survey global monitoring agency. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Floods and avalanches

Heavy rain and winter snowfall can cause significant floods, particularly outside the capital. Heavy snowfall often causes avalanches in the mountains during the winter and spring. Afghanistan lacks emergency response infrastructure, so be prepared for any situation.

Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. There is no guarantee local health practitioners will be available.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have valid and appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical treatment

There are limited public ambulance services in Afghanistan. The telephone number for the ambulance service in Kabul  is 102 and each province has a separate emergency number. If you need urgent attention, speak directly with a local medical practitioner and use local transport to get to hospital when safe to do so. Ambulances sent by hospitals may require payment or evidence of insurance before they treat you.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Afghanistan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Afghanistan, including:

• diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections
• measles and other viral infections
• respiratory tuberculosis
• malaria

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Afghanistan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. There are serious shortages of some medicines in Afghanistan.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.