Afghanistan entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders need an e-visa to enter Afghanistan. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to meet specific passport and application requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan e-VisaWithout an approved e-Visa, you will be denied boarding and entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa for Afghanistan before arrival. The application is submitted online and approval is typically issued electronically. Carry a printed copy of the approved e-Visa to present upon entry. | Required |
| Passport validityAfghanistan enforces a strict 6-month validity rule for all foreign passports. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Afghanistan. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | 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 page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketThis demonstrates that you do not intend to overstay. Proof of departure from Afghanistan | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Afghanistan before your visa expires. Have this ready at check-in and border control. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself financially. Sufficient for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your time in Afghanistan. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step – it does not apply to Afghanistan. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Afghanistan. You do not need to complete any additional form upon arrival beyond standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your stay carefully – extensions are not available. Not possible | The e-Visa for Afghanistan cannot be extended. You must leave the country before your visa's expiry date. | Not required |
Security situation
Afghanistan has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisories before booking anything. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Afghanistan — if you do go, get professional security advice and have a solid plan.
E-visa is not extendable
Your e-visa is valid for the dates you specify in your application. You cannot extend it in-country. Plan your travel dates carefully and leave before it expires.
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 bio page scan, enter your travel dates and accommodation details, then pay the fee. You'll get a confirmation email with a reference number.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approved e-visa PDF. If you don't hear back within a week, contact the e-visa support team using the contact details on the portal.
3
Print your e-visa
Print a physical copy of the approved e-visa. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and to immigration officers on arrival in Afghanistan.
4
Arrive at Kabul International Airport
When you land, go to the immigration hall. Present your passport and printed e-visa to the officer. They'll check your details, stamp your passport, and let you through. Keep the e-visa with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80
Single entry; extendable in Kabul.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30
For onward travel; must show confirmed onward ticket.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Available for business or official purposes.
work visa
Afghanistan Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (~$218 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by an Afghan company or NGO. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labor approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Afghanistan Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) per year
For those enrolled in an accredited Afghan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (tourist, single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities; payable online. | $50 |
| e-Visa (business, single entry)Requires invitation letter from Afghan company. | $80 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Kabul International Airport; subject to approval. | $50–$100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Visa and Passport Department in Kabul. | $50 |
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
All foreign nationals, including Dutch citizens, require a visa to enter Afghanistan, even for transit. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders with prior authorization
- Crew members on duty 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all regions below 2,000 meters; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is 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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and passport photos.
Herat
Herat Immigration Office
Herat City, near the Governor's Office
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in western Afghanistan. Limited English spoken.
Practical information for NL 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, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee varies based on visa type and processing speed. Standard tourist e-visas typically cost around $100–$150, but check the official portal for the exact amount. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. If it's not, you'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Yes, you should print the approved e-visa and carry it with you. You'll need to show it at airline check-in and to immigration officers on arrival. A digital copy on your phone is not enough.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Make sure all your documents are correct and your passport meets the validity requirements before reapplying.
No, there is no visa-on-arrival for Dutch passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you arrive. Without it, you'll be refused entry and sent back.
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.