Afghanistan entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Afghanistan. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply online in advance. The e-visa is valid for a single entry, and you'll present it along with your passport at immigration in Kabul.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you need to apply online and receive approval before you fly. Apply before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa for Afghanistan before arrival. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. Apply through the official Afghan e-Visa portal well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must remain valid for half a year after you arrive, otherwise you may be denied entry. At least 6 months | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Afghanistan. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport; without it, you could be turned away. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is advisable to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps or errors. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you have plans to leave the country, so keep your flight itinerary handy. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Afghanistan before your visa expires. Ensure you have a confirmed booking. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of money helps show you can support yourself and reduces the chance of being questioned. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Afghanistan. The amount is not fixed but should be proportionate to your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs forms before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for entry into Afghanistan. You will complete standard immigration procedures upon arrival. | Not required |
Security situation
Afghanistan is an active conflict zone. The security situation can change rapidly. Check the latest travel advisories from your government and consider whether travel is essential. If you go, stay in secure areas and have a plan.
E-visa is single-entry
Your e-visa allows only one entry. If you leave Afghanistan, you'll need to apply for a new visa to return. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Afghan e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.af) and fill out the application. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online (around $100 USD for Indian citizens, but check current rates). Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa PDF. Print it in colour if possible — black and white is usually fine, but colour is safer. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Kabul International Airport
After landing at Hamid Karzai International Airport (Kabul), follow the signs to 'Visa' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. Expect this to take 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the immigration stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then go through customs. Have your accommodation details ready in case a customs officer asks. Then you're free to enter Afghanistan.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx. 8,000 AFN)
Requires invitation letter from Afghan company and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 (approx. 2,400 AFN)
For onward travel to third country; must show confirmed onward ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (tourist, single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders; payable online. | $50 (approx. 4,000 AFN) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at certain entry points; subject to approval. | $50 (approx. 4,000 AFN) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Visa and Passport Department in Kabul. | $30 (approx. 2,400 AFN) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; no separate cash payment. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Afghanistan
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders must obtain a transit visa before arrival if they need to pass through immigration control. Airside transit without a visa is only permitted for a maximum of 24 hours at Kabul International Airport, provided you stay in the international transit area and hold a confirmed onward ticket.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty are exempt.
Transit hubsKabul International Airport (KBL)
Health & vaccines for Afghanistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas below 2,000 meters, especially from March to November.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
Typhoid feverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kabul
Afghanistan Immigration Department (Kabul Office)
Near Ministry of Interior, Kabul, Afghanistan
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and photos.
Herat
Herat Immigration Office
Herat City, near Herat Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in western Afghanistan. Limited English support.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalKabul
LanguagePashto, Dari
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyAfghan afghani (AFN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 64.72 AFN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4:30
vs New York+9h 30min
vs Los Angeles+12h 30min
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, two round pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before letting you fly.
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during busy periods or if your application has issues. Apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
The fee is around $100 USD, but it can vary. Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount. Payment is usually by credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
You'll be denied entry. Afghan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Since you're flying from India, it's unlikely, but check the latest health requirements before travel.
Afghanistan has a high security risk. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. If you must go, register with your embassy and avoid non-essential travel outside Kabul.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.