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Afghanistan Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Required

British citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Afghanistan; apply online at https://evisa.mfa.gov.af/; the portal lists visa types, required documents, fees and processing times for UK passport holders.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: Online e-visa application Form on evisa.mfa.gov.af for e-visa; for sticker visas or embassy submissions, use the forms provided by the Afghan Embassy in the United Kingdom.
  • Financial proof: There is no published fixed minimum; you should be able to show you can cover your stay. If requested, provide bank statements for the last 3 months or other proof of funds.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay and a confirmed return or onward ticket unless your visa type indicates otherwise.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport photo sized 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a plain white background; full face visible; no hats or sunglasses; digital uploads should meet portal requirements.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not typically required for online e-visa submissions; if you apply via a consulate, you may be asked to attend a biometric appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended; ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation.
  • Additional documents (if applicable): For business, provide an invitation letter or sponsor details; for study or work, provide relevant certificates, sponsorship letters and supporting documents.

Visa types

  • Afghanistan Tourist Visa (e-Visa): Official name Afghanistan Tourist Visa (e-Visa); Validity up to 1 year from issue; max stay per visit typically 30 days; entry: Single; approximate fee: USD 60–80.
  • Afghanistan Business Visa (e-Visa): Official name Afghanistan Business Visa (e-Visa); Validity up to 1 year from issue; max stay per visit typically 30 days; entry: Multiple entries commonly allowed; approximate fee: USD 120–180.
  • Afghanistan Student Visa: Official name Afghanistan Student Visa; Validity up to 1 year (or duration of studies); max stay per visit varies with study period; entry: Multiple entries; approximate fee: USD 100–250.
  • Afghanistan Work Visa: Official name Afghanistan Work Visa; Validity up to 1 year; max stay per entry often 90 days; entry: Multiple entries; approximate fee: USD 200–350.
  • Afghanistan Medical Visa: Official name Afghanistan Medical Visa; Validity up to 6 months (short medical stays); max stay typically 60 days; entry: Single; approximate fee: USD 80–150.
  • Afghanistan Transit Visa: Official name Afghanistan Transit Visa; Validity 7 days; max stay 7 days; entry: Single; approximate fee: USD 20–40.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to https://evisa.mfa.gov.af/; create an account, fill in applicant and passport details, choose visa type, upload required documents (passport data page, photo), pay the visa fee online, and receive the e-visa by email. Print the e-visa and present it at border control.
  • Visa on arrival: Available at selected entry points (primarily Kabul International Airport and some border crossings). Steps: present passport, photos and travel documents, complete the local form, pay the visa fee in USD or AFN, and obtain the entry stamp. Acceptable currencies and exact ports may vary; expect longer queues and verify current points of entry beforehand.
  • How to apply (sticker visa via embassy/consulate): Submit your application to the Afghan mission in the United Kingdom (e.g., London) or through the embassy’s preferred channel. Documents typically include your passport, photos, completed visa form, invitation letter or sponsorship papers (if required), and proof of funds. Fees are paid as directed by the mission (bank transfer or money order). Standard processing is longer (weeks in some cases); express options may be available for an additional fee; interviews may be required.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (varies by visa type): Tourist USD 60–80; Business USD 120–180; Student USD 100–250; Work USD 200–350; Medical USD 80–150; Transit USD 20–40. Fees are shown during the online application or at the Afghan Mission, and may be charged in USD or AFN depending on the method of payment.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not universally applicable for Afghanistan; if a service center is used, any service fees will be charged by that center in addition to the official visa fee.
  • Total cost estimate: Sum of visa fee plus any service or embassy processing fees; for online e-visa, total typically equals the e-visa fee shown in the portal (no separate local courier if you apply online).
  • Standard processing time: e-Visa applications usually take 24–72 hours; visa on arrival is generally issued on or within the same day at the port of entry; sticker visa via embassy can take 7–15 days and up to several weeks in peak periods.
  • Express/priority option: Sometimes available for online applications or embassy processing at higher fees; check the portal or embassy for availability and costs.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For e-Visa, apply at least 2–4 weeks before travel to allow for potential processing delays; for sticker visas, plan 4–6 weeks or more due to embassy processing times; visa on arrival should be planned with ample time in case of border checks.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent information, passport data mismatch, insufficient funds or lack of proof of funds, missing invitation letter or sponsor documentation for business/work, incorrect visa type selected, or failure to meet photo/biometric requirements.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Afghanistan’s main route for UK applicants is via the Afghan Embassy in the UK (London) or the official e-visa portal; VFS/BLS are not universally used for Afghan visas in the UK; always verify current submission channels on the official site.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) typically lists Afghanistan as high risk; check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest warnings, entry restrictions, and safety guidance before planning travel.
  • Extension options inside Afghanistan: Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on Afghan authorities. In practice, extensions often require leaving the country and reapplying, or applying for an updated visa through the Afghan mission before expiry; consult the local authorities or the embassy for current rules.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.