Travel Precautions & Warnings

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to Kabul, due to ongoing terrorist activity and the continuing high threat of kidnap. They also strongly advise against all travel to the provinces of Balkh (Northern Afghanistan);Ghazni, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjsher and Paktya (Eastern Afghanistan); Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul (Southern Afghanistan); and Farah (Western Afghanistan), due to ongoing military activity and lawlessness.

Visitors should only consider travelling to other provinces if they have a strong reason to do so, and should seek local advice before undertaking their journey.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, with a high threat from vehicle-borne suicide bombers in Kabul and other urban areas. There is also a continuing high threat of kidnap against British nationals, especially in the south and east. Numerous foreign nationals have been kidnapped across the country and some victims have been killed.

There is also widespread danger from mines and unexploded ordnance throughout Afghanistan.

Visitors should maintain a very high level of security awareness, avoid demonstrations and policital gatherings, avoid travelling alone and in the dark, and contact their consular representative for the latest information.