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United States Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

No Admission

Afghan citizens must obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant visa (most commonly B-1/B-2) through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad—complete the DS-160 online, pay the MRV fee of 160 USD, and attend a visa interview at the nearest post listed on travel.state.gov; processing times vary.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the United States and have at least one blank page available for a visa stamp.
  • Specific forms: DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application; complete online at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC; print the DS-160 confirmation page to bring to the interview.
  • Financial proof with specific amounts: Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds for your stay; an employment letter with position and salary; recent pay slips or tax returns; evidence of assets (e.g., property) if applicable; if a sponsor is funding your trip, provide sponsor statements and, if needed, an Affidavit of Support (I-134).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide hotel bookings or an invitation letter with your host address, plus evidence of onward or return travel (itinerary or return flight booking).
  • Photo spec: Recent color passport-style photo (2 inches x 2 inches / 51 mm x 51 mm) with a plain white background; photo must meet U.S. visa photo requirements and may need to be uploaded to DS-160; bring an extra printed copy if required.
  • Biometrics: Yes. Fingerprints and digital photo are collected as part of the visa application process; typically at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or designated Visa Application Center in your country of application.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required for the visa, but recommended for travel health coverage during your stay in the United States.

Visa types

  • B-1/B-2 Temporary Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism): Official name B-1/B-2; typical validity up to 10 years for multiple-entry visas; maximum stay per entry usually up to 6 months (officer discretion); single/multiple entry: multiple-entry common; approximate fee: USD 160.
  • F-1 Student Visa: Official name F-1; validity tied to program duration plus allowed grace period; typically multiple-entry depending on program and visa validity; approximate fee: USD 160.
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: Official name J-1; validity depends on program duration; usually multiple-entry; approximate fee: USD 160.
  • M-1 Vocational Student Visa: Official name M-1; duration tied to program length; usually multiple-entry; approximate fee: USD 160.
  • H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Official name H-1B; validity up to 3 years with possible extensions to 6 years; usually multiple-entry; approximate fee: USD 160.
  • L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: Official name L-1; validity up to 7 years for L-1A and up to 5 years for L-1B with extensions possible; usually multiple-entry; approximate fee: USD 160.

Application process

  • How to apply online (Sticker visa path): There is no general e-Visa for the United States for Afghanistan; you apply for a nonimmigrant visa (sticker visa) through a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.
  • How to apply: DS-160 must be submitted online at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC; pay the MRV fee (currently USD 160) and create your visa appointment profile on the post’s site.
  • Where to apply: Afghanistan does not have a U.S. Embassy; Afghan applicants typically apply via the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Islamabad, Pakistan, or another eligible post listed on the List of Posts (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/list-of-posts.html); check the List of Posts for the nearest eligible post and appointment scheduling.
  • Steps: 1) Determine visa type and post; 2) Complete DS-160; 3) Pay MRV fee; 4) Create profile and schedule interview; 5) Gather required documents; 6) Attend visa interview; 7) If approved, passport with visa is returned by courier or pickup.
  • Documents to bring to interview: Passport, DS-160 confirmation page, DS-160 photo if required, MRV payment receipt, visa appointment confirmation, and supporting documents showing ties to home country, financial means, and purpose of travel (e.g., employment letter, student documents such as I-20 or DS-2019, travel itinerary).
  • Biometrics submission: Biometrics are collected during the interview at the designated post or VAC; no separate appointment is usually needed beyond the interview date.
  • Special notes for Afghanistan applicants: There is no U.S. mission in Afghanistan; plan to travel to Islamabad or another eligible post; confirm the nearest eligible post on the List of Posts page and follow that post’s specific instructions.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa application fee (MRV): USD 160 per applicant; local currency equivalents vary by post and are not fixed in the U.S. government rate; check the post’s page for accepted payment methods and exact local currency equivalents.
  • VAC/VFS service fee: Varies by post; check the post’s appointment scheduling page for any Visa Application Center service charges and accepted payment methods.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 160 plus any VAC/VFS service charges as applicable.
  • Standard processing time: Interview wait times and administrative processing durations vary by post and time of year; many applicants receive a decision within a few days to a few weeks after the interview, but some cases may take longer due to additional screening.
  • Express/priority option: Some posts offer expedited appointment options or limited processing accommodations for urgent travel; availability and fees vary by post—check the post’s scheduling portal for details.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the process as early as possible; aim to complete DS-160 and pay MRV at least 3–4 months before intended travel to secure interview availability, especially for peak travel periods.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically: 1) Insufficient or unclear ties to home country or purpose of travel; 2) Inadequate or inconsistent financial evidence; 3) Incomplete or inconsistent documentation; 4) Previous visa refusals or overstays; 5) Lack of a clear travel plan or supporting documents; 6) Not demonstrating intent to depart the United States at the end of the visit.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Afghanistan has no local U.S. mission; most applicants use a nearby post (e.g., Islamabad) and follow that post’s VAC/appointment system; always follow the specific post’s instructions found on travel.state.gov and the List of Posts.
  • Current travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. State Department travel advisories for Afghanistan and the region; the Department may have Do Not Travel or high-risk advisories for Afghanistan, and visa processing can be impacted by safety conditions and local security considerations; consult travel.state.gov for the latest guidance.
  • Extension options inside United States: If you are in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa and need to extend your stay, you may file Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires; extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the circumstances of your case.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.