Travel Advisory: Afghanistan at Level 4 – Avoid Visit

Reissued after periodic review with updates to reflect the security environment, immigration information, and availability of medical care.

Traveling to Afghanistan poses significant risks due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities. For those considering travel to Afghanistan, it is crucial to understand the current landscape before making any decisions.

Table of Contents

• Country Summary
• Security Risks
• Medical Care in Afghanistan
• Travel Advisory Information
• What to Know Before Traveling

Country Summary

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended all operations in 2021, meaning that the U.S. government currently cannot provide either routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens located in Afghanistan. This situation has created an environment where multiple terrorist groups are identified to be active, targeting U.S. citizens specifically for kidnapping and hostage-taking.

The Taliban regime has shown a history of harassing and detaining aid and humanitarian workers, which indicates a broader hostility toward foreign entities. Even registered individuals conducting business in Afghanistan may face high risks of detention, often without clear explanations.

Security Risks

The U.S. Department of State has identified a pronounced risk of wrongful detention for U.S. nationals currently in Afghanistan. This extends particularly to Afghan-U.S. citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who previously provided assistance to the United States, such as interpreters.

Access to welfare checks on U.S. citizens in custody by the United States is severely limited, and detention periods can be prolonged. During such times, detainees might have restricted or entirely unavailable access to medical attention and are at risk of physical abuse.

Due to these circumstances, U.S. citizens are strongly cautioned against traveling to Afghanistan for any purpose, including accompanying family members eligible for relocation assistance.

Medical Care in Afghanistan

While basic medical care is accessible in major cities like Kabul, the same cannot be said for rural areas where health facilities are scant and limited. The concern over adequate healthcare further complicates the idea of traveling to Afghanistan, especially considering the risks of civil disorder and potential injuries during travel.

Travel Advisory Information

Due to the grim security situation, U.S. citizens still in Afghanistan are urged to leave the country immediately via available commercial means. Those seeking assistance from the U.S. government for departure should contact them by providing thorough biographic details including:

• Email: AfghanistanACS@state.gov
• Phone Number: Your contact number
• Passport Number: U.S. passport number

For comprehensive guidelines on travel advisories, refer to the travel advisory information page.

What to Know Before Traveling

In the unfortunate case that one chooses to ignore the travel advisory and proceed to Afghanistan, several precautions are recommended:

• Review: Your personal security plans regularly.
• Stay Aware: Monitor your surroundings and stay informed about local security developments.
• Low Profile: Maintain a low profile to avoid drawing attention.
• Local Media: Keep up with local media for breaking news and be prepared to alter your plans accordingly.
• Documents: Keep all travel documents updated and accessible.
• Notify Others: Inform a trusted person about your travel and movement plans.
• Contingency Plans: Prepare escape strategies that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Legal Preparations: Draft a will and designate beneficiaries, along with a power of attorney.
• Family Plans: Discuss a plan with family regarding care for children, pets, and belongings.
• Health Records: Leave DNA samples with your medical provider for necessary access.
• Enroll: In the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency notifications.
• Follow Updates: Stay updated through the Department of State’s social media channels.
• Dual Nationality Risks: Consider the implications of having dual U.S.-Afghan nationality while traveling.
• Emergency Plan: Have a preparedness plan for unexpected situations.
• Travel Health Information: Review CDC travel health recommendations relevant to Afghanistan.

With the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, taking the necessary precautions and understanding the risks involved is vital for anyone considering travel to this region.