Afghanistan entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 need a visa to enter Afghanistan. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankans. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a visa at an Afghan embassy or consulate before travel. Start by contacting the nearest Afghan diplomatic mission — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has the application forms and fee schedule. Processing times vary widely; expect at least 2–4 weeks.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Afghanistan. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines and border officers check validity against your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Kabul International Airport routinely asks for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Afghanistan. Officers at the border may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around $500–$1,000 USD equivalent in cash or bank statements. Afghanistan is a cash economy; credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Afghanistan has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel. If you do go, register with your embassy.
Visa application location
If there is no Afghan embassy in Sri Lanka, you may need to apply at the Afghan embassy in a neighboring country like India or Pakistan. Contact the embassy first to confirm.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Afghan embassy in Sri Lanka (or the nearest Afghan consulate if none in Colombo). Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy — expect around $50–$100 USD). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel
Book a return or onward flight. Also book your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy.
3
Prepare your documents
Make photocopies of your passport, visa, flight tickets, and hotel booking. Store digital copies in your email or cloud.
4
Arrive at Kabul International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. You may be asked about your purpose of visit. Answer clearly. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR)
Must apply at Afghan embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 34,000 LKR)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$250 USD (approx. 42,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Afghan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Sri Lankan passport holders; subject to change. | $160 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. 34,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 85,000 LKR). | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,700 LKR) |
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 Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Afghanistan, even if staying airside. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short layovers; confirm in advance.
Transit hubsKabul International Airport (KBL) · Herat International Airport (HEA) · Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR)
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 = 62.9 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. Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankans.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are usually around $50–$100 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate for the exact amount.
Yes. Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Keep a copy on your phone.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive and evacuation may be needed.
You can buy a SIM at the airport or in the city. Alternatively, use an eSIM provider like Airalo to activate before you land.
Visa extensions are not generally available for tourists. Check with the immigration office in Kabul if you have a specific need.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.