Afghanistan entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Afghanistan for tourism or business. 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 typically processed within 3–5 business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan e-VisaWithout a valid e-visa, you will be denied entry at the border. Apply before travel | You must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Afghanistan. The e-visa is not extendable. Apply through the official Afghan e-visa portal well in advance of your planned travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Afghanistan. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may require evidence of your departure plans. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Afghanistan before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Afghanistan. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Afghanistan. | Not required |
High security risk
Afghanistan is an active conflict zone. The FCDO, US State Department, and most Western governments advise against all travel. If you must go, hire professional security, avoid non-essential movement, and have a solid evacuation plan.
E-visa is non-extendable
Your e-visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Plan your exit date carefully — overstaying can lead to fines, detention, or deportation.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival facility for New Zealand citizens. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Afghan e-visa website, create an account, fill in the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around USD 100 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can stretch to 2 weeks during busy periods.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get a PDF e-visa. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at Afghan immigration. Keep a digital backup on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Kabul International Airport
At the airport, go to the immigration hall. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents (like your return ticket). The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. Expect a thorough security screening before you reach immigration.
4
Complete the arrival process
After the stamp, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There's no separate arrival declaration form. Keep your passport and e-visa handy — you may be asked to show them again at the exit.
Download Afghanistan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 date
Cost$160 (approx. 9,600 AFN)
Requires invitation letter from an Afghan company; single or multiple entry.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 (approx. 1,800 AFN)
For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed tickets.
work visa
Afghanistan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 300 (approx. NZD 490)
For foreign nationals employed by an Afghan company or organization. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Afghanistan Student Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. NZD 325)
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Afghanistan. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee; paid online before travel. | $100 (approx. 6,000 AFN) |
| Afghanistan e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option; check eligibility. | $160 (approx. 9,600 AFN) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at certain entry points; not guaranteed for all nationalities. | $100 (approx. 6,000 AFN) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Kabul; subject to approval. | $50 (approx. 3,000 AFN) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
New Zealand citizens transiting through Afghanistan require a visa, even if staying airside. There is no visa waiver for transit passengers.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt with prior approval.
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 all regions below 2,000 meters; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
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
Ministry of Interior, Kabul
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Herat
Herat Immigration Office
Herat City, near Governor's Office
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Afghanistan.
Practical information for NZ 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The fee for a single-entry tourist e-visa is around USD 100. You pay online with a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity period ends. Overstaying can result in fines and potential legal trouble.
No. The e-visa is electronic and linked to your passport number. You just need to carry the printed approval letter to show at check-in and immigration.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you must have an e-visa. Check with your airline — some may require a visa even for transit.
The security situation is extremely volatile. Many governments advise against all travel to Afghanistan. If you do go, use a reputable security company, avoid travel outside Kabul, and keep a low profile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Your passport (valid 6 months), the printed e-visa, and sometimes your return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and have your hotel details ready.
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.