Afghanistan: Travel Advisory and Call to Leave Remain in Effect (as of August 19, 2026)

The current travel and safety advisory dated August 19, 2026, confirms that travelers are still expressly warned against traveling to Afghanistan. Individuals currently in the country are urged to leave Afghanistan. Consular assistance on the ground is practically impossible, as the diplomatic mission in Kabul has been closed since 2021. For travelers, this means that anyone planning a trip to Afghanistan should be aware that, in an emergency, no official assistance will be available on the ground.

The reason for the ongoing warning is an extremely unstable security situation. Between late February and mid-March 2026, military clashes occurred in the border region with Pakistan, as well as attacks on targets in the urban areas of Kabul and Kandahar. On March 16, 2026, according to current information, civilians were also killed and injured in several airstrikes on Kabul. Although hostilities are currently limited primarily to the Afghan-Pakistani border region, further airstrikes could occur at any time and lead to short-term restrictions on air traffic at Kabul International Airport.

The situation is further exacerbated by the broader regional context: Since late February 2026, military tensions have existed between the U.S./Israel and Iran, resulting in attacks on civilian targets such as hotels, airports, and office and residential buildings in the region. Afghanistan itself has not yet been a direct target, but the entire region remains highly volatile. Although a two-week ceasefire between the parties involved was announced on April 8, 2026, a renewed flare-up of the conflicts and associated restrictions on air traffic cannot be ruled out.

For travelers who nevertheless plan to visit Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism is a key factor. In Kabul and other parts of the country, serious attacks are repeatedly carried out, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Bombings, armed assaults, and kidnappings have been part of daily life for years and are also specifically targeted at foreign nationals. In particular, people from Western countries are considered prime targets of jihadist groups that remain active in Afghanistan, such as the ISPK. Violent crime has increased, and there is a real risk of kidnapping or arbitrary detention.

Particular caution is advised for individuals of Afghan origin or holding dual Afghan citizenship, as local authorities treat them exclusively as Afghan nationals—regardless of whether they were naturalized abroad or born there. In the event of family law disputes, there is a risk of passport revocation, denial of exit, or loss of custody, as such cases are decided on the basis of Sharia law. In such cases, assistance from foreign authorities is not possible as long as the affected individuals remain in Afghanistan.

Medical care also poses a significant risk: the country’s healthcare infrastructure is considered inadequate, particularly in the event of accidents, and the incidence of infectious diseases is high. Added to this are recurring restrictions on internet and mobile phone services, such as those that most recently occurred in September 2025 nationwide or in individual provinces—air traffic at Kabul International Airport may also be affected. Anyone who absolutely must travel despite all warnings should be aware of the significant risks and take comprehensive precautions, for example, in the event of an attack or an unplanned extension of their stay.

In light of this situation, we recommend that anyone who is still planning to travel to the region or has general questions about visa requirements for other destinations thoroughly research the matter in advance. For travel to safer destinations, we assist you in selecting the appropriate visa type and guide you through the entire application process to ensure your travel plans proceed smoothly.