The security situation in Afghanistan is very challenging. There are frequent attacks, and security operations are ongoing in most of Afghanistan.
Safety
The security situation in Afghanistan is very challenging. There are frequent attacks, and security operations are ongoing in most of Afghanistan. The armed struggle between the Taliban and the Afghan government continues with great force. A number of terrorist organizations are in Afghanistan. It includes the Islamic State of Khorasan province, which is considered to be behind a number of civilian attacks.
The risk of being hit by terrorist attacks and fighting is considerable in most places in Afghanistan. In many cases, military and civilian international targets are not distinguished. Public offices, foreign representations and hotels are often regarded as high profile targets. There is a considerable risk of being hit by suicide bombing and the use of road bombs.
Crime in the country has worsened in line with the negative developments in the general security situation. Ordinary crime and politically motivated violence in many cases have common features that make it difficult to distinguish between them.
There is a significant risk of murder, kidnapping, kidnapping and robbery. There are many mines and unexcused explosives around the country, which can cause personal injury and, in the worst case, death.
The availability of medical assistance is very limited.
Afghanistan is located in an earthquake exposed area. There were earthquakes with a four-digit number of fatalities in 1998 and 2002, and hundreds more died in a major quake in the fall of 2015. Snowy winters cause major flood problems in the spring solution in many places. Snow and landslides can also occur during periods of heavy rainfall.
Outside of major cities, there will in many cases be only occasional communication options, and it is therefore advisable to include satellite telephone when traveling outside urban areas.
Afghanistan’s infrastructure and road links are poorly developed, which means that large parts of the country are at times difficult to access and sometimes impassable.
One should make sure you have a valid travel insurance that covers travel to Afghanistan.
In Kabul, the local emergency number is currently 119 for police and health services.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
A valid visa is required for entry into Afghanistan for all Norwegian citizens. A visa must be obtained before entering Afghanistan. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents, visas, etc. are valid.
A visa must be obtained before entering Afghanistan and cannot be obtained at the border. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the scheduled departure date.
Tourist visas usually have a validity of one month. You can apply for a visa extension at the Afghan Foreign Ministry.
For the latest updated information on entry rules to Afghanistan, travelers are encouraged to contact the Afghan Embassy in Oslo. For customs regulations, it is referred to the Afghan Ministry of Finance.
Health
Health services in Afghanistan are limited. There are some private, international medical centers in Kabul that can be used for easier illnesses. Beyond this, the provision is mainly limited to the local health care system. In severe cases, leaving Afghanistan for treatment is recommended.
One should contact the health station well in advance of departure to get updated information on which vaccines should be taken. Public Health Institute’s overview of current vaccines for travel in Asia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared in the spring of 2014 that polio virus is a threat to international public health. To prevent the spread of polio, Norwegian health authorities provide travel advice on polio vaccination before stays in several countries, and especially when staying for more than four weeks. Countries with less local polio outbreaks, such as Afghanistan, are also advised to follow WHO’s vaccination advice.
See complete information at the Institute of Public Health.
The best way to stay healthy in Afghanistan is to exercise common sense and take common precautions. Tap water should be avoided even if it is boiled. To be safe, one should stick to bottled water. This is easily accessible. Make sure the bottle you buy is properly sealed. Fruits and vegetables not to be cooked should be placed in disinfectant liquid (milton or potassium permaganate) and rinsed in clean water. Meat should be cooked through. There is limited control of locally produced foods.
Medicines are mainly imported from neighboring countries and are of varying quality. It is recommended that you bring necessary medicines from Norway.
Practical information
The time difference to Norway is + 2.5 hours summertime and + 3.5 hours winter time. According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Afghanistan is +93.
The telephone network and cellular coverage in Kabul are relatively good, but in certain situations may be unstable. Norwegian mobile phones can usually be used. It is possible to acquire Afghan mobile subscriptions for longer stays.
The voltage in the mains is 220 volts. The local power supply is unstable. Those who have the opportunity have their own aggregates. It is recommended to bring a plug adapter, as you can meet at various types of electrical outlets.
Some major hotels accept credit cards, or you have to spend cash. The local currency, Afghan, and US dollars are used interchangeably. There are few ATMs. The price level for places frequented by international is relatively high.
Stores generally have long opening hours and there are few or no standards for this. Banks and public offices are closed on Fridays as well as public holidays.
Around half of Afghans are illiterate, but with an increase in schooling the proportion is becoming smaller. This is accompanied by a lack of Western language skills. Most Pashtunians speak both Pashtu and Dari. Most Tajiks speak only dari, a language very close to Iranian Persian. Several millions have been refugees in Pakistan and Iran and speak Urdu or Persian. Where most foreigners travel, they often meet highly educated Afghans who speak English and other languages.
Foreigners are encouraged to dress decently. For men, this means that one should not wear shorts outdoors. For women, this means wearing foot pants or skirts and long-sleeved blouses/jackets. Women are not required to wear veils. Still, many non-Muslim women living and working in Afghanistan prefer to wear a headscarf when traveling outdoors. This is especially true of those who work closely with Afghans in NGOs and international organizations.
Both alcohol and drugs are available in the country although prohibited. Nevertheless, in the big cities, restaurants and restaurants that sell alcohol are primarily foreigners. Serving or selling alcohol to Afghans is prohibited. Afghans can be punished for possessing or consuming alcohol. Drugs are prohibited for everyone.