CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Afghanistan

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

A hyperlink has been added.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Afghanistan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Afghanistan. Canadians undertaking travel despite this warning take serious risks. Canadians already in Afghanistan should leave. The security situation remains extremely volatile and unpredictable.

Due to the disputed results of the August 2009's presidential elections, demonstrations and political violence may occur throughout Afghanistan. Some demonstrations have become violent in the past, causing deaths and injuries. Canadians are advised to avoid all crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they are expected to take place, as they may turn violent without warning. Canadians should also monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorism is a continuous threat throughout Afghanistan. The threat to foreign nationals, including Canadians, from terrorist and criminal violence is extremely high. Numerous attacks have occurred in reputable public areas, as well as against Afghan and international institutions. Targets have included hotels, embassies, and government buildings; however, no location can be considered exempt from risk. Canadians should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and on days of national significance. Suicide bombs, rockets, improvised explosive devices, armed assaults, and ambushes are among the tactics used in these attacks. Overland travel outside Kabul is extremely dangerous, and is restricted by the Afghan government only to those with armed security. Several security incidents have occurred on the highway between Kabul and Kandahar. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in order to commit attacks. Extreme caution should always be exercised, particularly in public areas frequented by foreigners (hotels, restaurants, shops, and marketplaces).

On September 17, 2009, a roadside bomb explosion killed nearly 20 people on the main road leading to Kabul International Airport (KAIA). Further similar attacks in various districts of Kabul, including on this road, cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel within Kabul and to and from KAIA.

Other recent major attacks include: On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers stormed a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing at least 12 people, including six UN workers. On October 8, 2009, 17 people were killed and nearly 80 injured following a terrorist attack outside the Indian Embassy in the Afghan capital. On August 15, 2009, a suicide bomber struck in the vicinity of the NATO headquarters, in the diplomatic district of Wazir Akhbar Khan, in Kabul, killing seven people and injuring at least 90 more, including one Canadian.

There is also an extreme risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped throughout Afghanistan. Numerous Westerners, including journalists and NGO workers, have been kidnapped and in some cases killed. Several organizations are behind these kidnappings, among them terrorists and criminal gangs. Kidnapping for ransom has become a very lucrative market. There are reports that journalists may be lured to Afghanistan with offers of interviews, when the main purpose is to kidnap them.

Canadians who must travel to Afghanistan should be extremely confident in their security arrangements; assess the risks of travelling before undertaking any trip, even in Kabul; monitor local developments closely; and register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kabul. Canadians should carefully follow messages issued by the Embassy of Canada in Kabul through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service. Canadian citizens have been directly affected by the current security situation in Afghanistan. On November 8, 2008, a Canadian journalist was released after having been kidnapped in the Qargha Lake region near Kabul on October 12, 2008. Two Canadian humanitarian workers were killed on August 13, 2008, in an ambush in Logar province.

Canadian authorities may not be in a position to provide prompt consular assistance in remote areas.

Tourism is strongly discouraged.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Landmines

Millions of landmines throughout the countryside pose a threat. No area can be considered safe.

Crime

Violent attacks against foreigners have occurred, including armed robbery and rape. Signs of affluence should not be displayed and carrying large sums of money is discouraged. Travelling at night should be avoided. Carjacking and robbery could also occur. Weapons are easily available.

General Information

Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas. Food and water shortages are common.

In Kabul, there is a 24-hour emergency service, which is reachable by dialling 119.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Afghan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Afghanistan and its consulate for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to travel to Afghanistan. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa before arrival, whatever the purpose of their stay (work, tourism, business, study). Those arriving in Afghanistan without a visa may encounter serious difficulties, which could lead to deportation.

Canadians in Afghanistan whose emergency contingency plan involves an evacuation to a third country by air or road are strongly advised to maintain a valid visa for that country.

Canadians have been denied entry into Afghanistan because their passports bore: (a) an Israeli visa; (b) an Israeli border stamp; or (c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Afghanistan - KABUL, Embassy of Canada
Address: Street No. 15, House No. 256, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul
Tel.: 93 (0) 799 742 800
Fax: 93 (0) 799 742 805
E-Mail: kabul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, you may call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted).

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Health services are significantly substandard. Medical facilities are not appropriately sanitized and patients requiring medical treatment for incisions or wounds run significant risk of infection. In Kabul, there are private clinics that offer a higher standard of service. Immediate cash payment is required for any medical service.

Medical evacuation is rarely possible due to a lack of companies willing to service Afghanistan. Evacuation on military flights is impossible. Travellers are strongly recommended to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Insurance should cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases the possibility of illness. Travellers should drink bottled water.

Eyes, throat, nose, and skin can become irritated during summer and winter due to dry, dusty conditions.

Prescription medicine is not available; travellers should bring sufficient supplies for the duration of their stay.

Pregnant women should not travel to Afghanistan under any circumstances. Delivering a baby in this environment puts both mother and child at significant risk for infection, disease, or death, due in part to the bacterial environment and medical techniques, as well as the lack of facilities, equipment, and medication.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e. g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. 

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Homosexual activity is illegal, as are extramarital affairs. Convicted offenders will be severely punished.

Displaying affection in public is considered an offence.

Photographing government buildings, military installations, and palaces is prohibited. Photographing coalition or ISAF patrols may result in the seizure of camera equipment and/or film. Permission is required before taking photographs of local residents.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving conditions are poor. Traffic is chaotic because traffic laws are non-existent or not enforced.

Road travel should be carefully planned and only undertaken with others. Military and police forces are limited in rural areas. Banditry by armed groups is common. Many areas are controlled by warlords.

Women do not usually drive vehicles.

Kabul International Airport is serviced by several international airlines. Canadians should confirm their flight with their airline before going to the airport as it could close on short notice.

Travel on flights operated by the Afghan company Ariana Airlines is strongly discouraged. Reports indicate that this airline does not meet international standards and has been banned from landing in Europe. On occasion, Ariana has been suspended from operating in the United Arab Emirates due to lax safety standards.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

---

The currency is the afghani (AFN). The economy operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted. U.S. dollars are accepted but should be recent and in good condition. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are beginning to appear in Kabul, but their reliability is questionable.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Afghanistan is located in an active seismic zone. An earthquake may cause landslides in affected areas. Strong aftershocks are possible up to one week after the initial quake.

From March to May, floods and landslides may occur, which could result in a high number of casualties and serious property damage.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP