All foreign nationals are required to obtain a travel visa prior to entering Afghanistan. For UN staff members traveling on official missions, visa will be issued within 2-3 working days.

For all non-UN governmental organizations or private entities that have an office in Kabul, they need to communicate the impending visa requirements of their staff that are based in Switzerland to the Directorate of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul. The Directorate will then provide us the relevant clearance to issue the visa.

Tourist Visas shall be granted to those who want to visit Afghanistan for a holiday or recreation, visit family and/or friends. These are single entry visa valid for the specific dates of stay requested on the application (up to one month).

Please be advised that all Afghans who hold a Swiss passport require a visa, which will be issued free of charge.

 All Visitors must hold :

•  One completed visa application form

•  Two recent passport size photo

•  Valid Passport ( Passport must be valid for 6 months from date of entry)

•  A letter of reference from your employer, indicating the motive and the time of your stay

•  A Prepaid self-addressed return envelope.

•  Copy of the Visa payment receipt. Payment must be made at the Post Office in the name of the               SECTION CONSULAIRE DE L'AMBASSADE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE ISLAMIQUE D'AFGHANISTAN.

Konto # 17-670802-3

•  A fee of 40 CHF per month applies to all visas. (UN Staff on official missions are exempt)

To set up an appointment with the consulate section, please call +41 (0) 22 731 1616.

Important Information and Regulations

1. We strongly recommend all visitors to extend their visa prior to expiry, if they wish to stay in Afghanistan longer than the permitted duration. If the visa are not extended on the due date, the holder of the passport will be fined US$2 for each day during the first month of the delay, US$5 for each day during the second month of the delay (fined can be paid at ports). If the delay is more than two months, in addition to the fine, the holder will be deported.

2. We strongly recommend foreign visitors to register with their embassy in Kabul , the local Afghan Police Department and the Afghan Tourist Organization (if the visit is for tourism purposes only) on arrival.

3. During your stay in Afghanistan , we respectfully request our visitors to respect local culture and sensitivities.

4. Photos and Cinematographic films can be taken after obtaining previous permission in writing from the Tourist Bureau, Press Department, located on the first floor of the Ministry of Information and Culture Building .

5. Transportation of some rare birds out of the country is illegal. Therefore, visitors must contact the Afghan Tourist Bureau to obtain more information and relevant export certificate.

6. Tourists may export duty free 30 sqm carpets, 10 skins excluding Karakul, cut and polished precious stones including Lapis Lazuli, handicrafts and a limited variety of antiques.

7. Upon arrival, visitors are required to declare all foreign currency (If the amount exceeds 1million AFS or its equivalent value, approximately US $20,000) that they carry. Please ask for ‘Ansari Application Form' at the airport.