There is no centralised number to reach emergency services. Research the contact information for the local police and medical facilities, and carry it with you.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Do not travel to Afghanistan.
Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Avoid travelling to or within Afghanistan.
The situation in Afghanistan remains volatile and dangerous. There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. Foreigners, including tourists and NGO workers, may be targeted. Attacks could occur at any time and result in casualties.
All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds. Border crossing points are at risk of a terrorist attack and may close without notice due to an increased risk of attack.
There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. The Taliban has increasingly harassed and detained international and local aid and humanitarian workers.
You must consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any alternative departure point. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
If, despite our advice, you're in Afghanistan, take all extra precautions for your safety.
The Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed. Our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited. Australians needing consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate if you have left Afghanistan and require consular assistance.
There's an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attacks throughout Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time and may target foreigners. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe from the threat of attack.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Afghanistan as a tourist, there’s a very high risk you could be the target of a terrorist attack or kidnapping.
Terrorists continue to target NGO, humanitarian operations and hospitals across the country. NGO, aid and humanitarian workers, including medical providers, are not safe from the threat of terrorism.
Serious, large-scale terrorist incidents frequently happen, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms. Rocket and mortar attacks also occur.
Attacks resulting in casualties have happened near diplomatic facilities, Kabul International Airport, places of worship, border crossings and other high-profile locations.
There's a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan.
Airports and aviation remain an attractive target for terrorist attacks. Terrorists may attack vehicles travelling along roads in and around Kabul. Terrorist attacks have targeted convoys. Avoid travelling to or within Afghanistan.
Targets of an attack may include:
Terrorists have staged attacks from partly constructed buildings and high rises.
If, despite our advice, you're in Afghanistan:
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Afghanistan is a global kidnapping hotspot. There are a high number of recorded incidents.
Westerners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in recent years.
Terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners, including tourists, throughout Afghanistan, including in Kabul and surrounding districts.
Kidnappers have targeted:
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Foreign nationals, including Australians, are at risk of arbitrary detention in Afghanistan. Australians have been previously detained.
The Taliban has also harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers, tourists, and journalists. The Taliban are suspicious of foreigners working or travelling in Afghanistan, including NGO and humanitarian workers and journalists, and it's likely your work and movements will be closely monitored.
Reasons for detention may be unclear. Detention can be lengthy, possibly months or years, and damaging to your health and welfare, with uncertain outcomes. Communication with your next of kin may not be possible.
The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention. Our ability to access information about or assist a detainee is severely limited.
There's an increased risk that the Taliban will suspect you of espionage and may detain you if you're found in possession of:
· weapons
· explosives
· tracking devices
· items that may be considered unusual
· large quantities of money
Or if:
· you have worked in the military
· you have connections to previously detained foreign nationals
If you're found guilty of espionage or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution.
The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Afghanistan is under Taliban control.
Demonstrations and celebratory gunfire
Demonstrations may happen as a result of the following:
Violent demonstrations happen in areas visited by foreigners.
Attacks could occur anywhere.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid:
If they escalate, people could be killed or injured.
If you're in Afghanistan and you're in an area affected by civil unrest:
More information:
There's a high level of serious crime, including:
Many people carry weapons.
Lawlessness exists in rural areas. Armed bandits and kidnappings by armed groups are common.
If you're in Afghanistan:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes in recent years have caused heavy casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Some mountainous areas experience deadly winter avalanches and heavy snow.
Follow the advice of local authorities.
You’ll need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Afghanistan. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Afghanistan, consider your physical and mental health beforehand, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Malaria outbreaks can occur between April and September. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are in some areas.
Other insect-borne diseases, including leishmaniasis, are common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Polio is present in Afghanistan.
In August 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed wild polio as a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The WHO has extended its temporary polio recommendations. These may affect your travel to Afghanistan.
More information:
Household air pollution is an environmental health risk in Afghanistan. There's a higher risk during winter.
To reduce your exposure, take precautions when increased levels are recorded.
More Information:
Medical facilities are very limited, and the standard of training for medical staff is poor. There is no guarantee local health practitioners will be available. Sanitation and hygiene are poor.
There is no public ambulance service in Afghanistan, including Kabul. If you need urgent attention, speak directly with a local medical practitioner and use local transport to get to hospital when it's safe to. Ambulances sent by hospitals may require payment or evidence of insurance before they treat you.
You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Afghanistan.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Follow the local laws and regulations.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Afghanistan imposes the death sentence for murder and other serious offences.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms and fines.
It's illegal to have:
These crimes are particularly serious when the relationship is between a non-Muslim and a Muslim.
Severe penalties apply for breaking these laws. Punishments may include imprisonment, lashing and the death penalty.
Same-sex relationships are illegal.
Penalties are severe for other serious crimes, such as:
More information:
Don't photograph:
You could be detained and have your equipment seized. Obey signs prohibiting photography.
It’s illegal to bring drugs, alcohol or pork products into Afghanistan. If you do, you could be arrested.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
It's a serious criminal offence for an Australian to fight in a foreign state. Penalties include up to 25 years in jail.
More information:
There are conservative codes of dress and behaviour in Afghanistan. This applies to foreigners.
Women must be accompanied by a male guardian (for instance, a husband, father, brother or son) and must fully cover themselves in public. The Taliban placed restrictions on women's movement outside the home. These restrictions could change at short notice and could prevent you from leaving Afghanistan.
Public displays of affection may offend.
Although there are conflicting reports regarding the enforcement of dress codes, you should consider these announcements and customs when out in public and take care not to offend.
If in doubt, seek local advice.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Afghanistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at all times.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities in front of people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
More information:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. If, despite our advice you travel to Afghanistan, ensure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.
Our ability to provide any passport services to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited. We can't facilitate the delivery of passports into Afghanistan.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is valuable. It may be attractive to criminals who try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.
We can't facilitate the delivery of passports into Afghanistan.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Afghani (AFN). It is illegal to bring foreign currency into Afghanistan.
There are very few ATMs in Kabul.
Businesses don't widely accept credit cards and are unlikely to accept travellers' cheques.
We advise against all travel to and within Afghanistan. All travel throughout Afghanistan, including by road, is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Border crossing points may be closed without notice, especially when crowds gather or where there are concerns of an increased risk of attack. Border crossing points are at risk of a terrorist attack. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads in Kabul and throughout the country.
You must consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. Make contingency plans to leave when it's safe to do so. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines and IEDs, are a danger including on:
More information:
Airport and aviation safety infrastructure may not be maintained to the same standard as in Australia, including aircraft, emergency response vehicles, weather services and tower communications.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Research your aviation provider before choosing their services.
You're encouraged to read Air travel before flying.
Check Afghanistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Be alert to anyone attempting to get payments from travellers illegally. They may attempt to do this by withholding your passport.
More information:
There's no centralised number to reach emergency services.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The Australian Embassy in Kabul is closed. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.
If you have made your way out of Afghanistan and require consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
For non-urgent enquiries, including passports, see the contact page on the Australian Embassy Afghanistan website.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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