Afghanistan entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Afghanistan. The application is completed online, and you'll need to present the approved e-visa at the border. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so apply well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Apply before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. The e-Visa is not extendable. Apply through the official Afghan e-Visa portal well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the e-Visa. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Afghanistan (i.e., valid until at least February 2027 for a stay starting in August 2026). | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no stamps or markings obscure the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may deny entry if you cannot show how you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Afghanistan before your e-Visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in Afghanistan. The amount is not fixed but should be proportionate to your planned length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Sri Lankan passport holders entering Afghanistan. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high costs if you need medical care or evacuation. Strongly advised | Given the security situation, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation is strongly recommended for travel to Afghanistan. | Recommended |
Security situation is volatile
Afghanistan has a high risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Most foreign governments advise against all travel. If you must go, hire professional security advice and register with your embassy.
E-visa is not extendable
You cannot extend your e-visa once in Afghanistan. Plan your exit date carefully — overstaying can lead to fines and complications at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Afghan e-visa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and provide your travel details. Pay the fee with your card. The processing time is typically 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and check your e-visa
You'll get the approved e-visa by email as a PDF. Check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct. Print a copy and also save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at the airport check-in and at Afghan immigration.
3
Arrive at the border or airport
At Kabul International Airport (or any land border), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the e-visa. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter and company registration proof
Transit visa (land borders)
Max stay5 days
Validity15 days
Cost$30
For overland transit through Afghanistan; must show onward travel
work visa
Afghanistan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 51,000 LKR) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals employed by an Afghan company. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Afghanistan Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 34,000 LKR) plus university acceptance
For those enrolled in an accredited Afghan educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (tourist, single entry)Processing fee; valid for 30 days from arrival | $50 |
| e-Visa (business, single entry)Requires invitation letter from Afghan company | $80 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Department in Kabul; max 3 extensions | $50 |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Payable at airport or border crossing | $10 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Sri Lankan passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit, unless they have a valid visa for Afghanistan or are diplomats.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsKabul International Airport (KBL) · Kandahar International Airport (KDH) · Herat International Airport (HEA)
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)Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most areas, especially below 2,000 meters; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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)
Ministry of Interior, Kabul, Afghanistan
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Herat
Herat Immigration Office
Herat City, near the Governor's Office
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Afghanistan.
Practical information for LK 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to avoid delays. There's no expedited option, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The fee is paid online during the application. The exact amount varies by nationality and visa type, but expect to pay around $50–$100. The portal will show the exact fee before you pay.
No. Afghanistan does not offer visas on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you arrive, whether by air or land.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you overstay, you may face fines or difficulties at exit.
It's strongly recommended. While some officers accept a digital copy on your phone, a printed copy is more reliable, especially at land borders where connectivity may be poor.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, renew your passport first, then apply for the e-visa with the new passport details.
The security situation is volatile. Many governments advise against all travel to Afghanistan. If you do go, use a reputable tour operator, stay in secure accommodations, and keep a low profile. Check your home country's travel advisory before booking.
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.