Afghanistan
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Afghanistan
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.
In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
Al-Qaida (AQ), a Daesh branch known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other militant groups have an active presence in Afghanistan. These groups hold strong anti-western views, which could make any British interest or person a target. Daesh (ISKP) continues to be a serious threat and is fiercely hostile to the UK, other western countries and some religious minority communities. Daesh (ISKP) and other groups also target NGOs and humanitarian organisations.
If you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, be aware that terrorists have a strong desire to target public places frequented by foreign nationals. This could include restaurants and hotels used by foreigners, such as the Serena in Kabul.
An attack on Kabul International Airport in August 2021 killed at least 183 people. Further attacks against aviation and airports are very likely.
ISKP have claimed responsibility for attacks in many types of location, including:
- hospitals
- schools
- places of worship
- government, military and security establishments
Diplomatic premises may be attacked to undermine Taliban claims of security.
It is likely that terrorists will conduct attacks at busy times of day, potentially coinciding with local or religious events or celebrations. In the past this has included attacks against:
- schools
- marketplaces
- sites, communities and districts where the majority population is Shia Muslim
Attacks in Afghanistan include roadside and suicide bombs either on foot or by vehicle, indirect rocket and mortar fire, direct fire, including shootings and rocket propelled grenades.
If you are in Afghanistan, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Keep others, including family and friends, informed of your travel plans. Any regular patterns of travel and behaviour could make you the target of an attack.
Terrorist kidnap
There is a very high threat of being kidnapped in Afghanistan.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government policy is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Tour operators in Afghanistan
There are tour operators that offer travel and guided tours to Afghanistan. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
The risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to British nationals remain high.
Political situation
Afghanistan is under Taliban control.
The Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.
You may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.
The British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.
The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.
Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.
Protests
The current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to protests in Afghanistan. Avoid demonstrations as they may turn violent and you may be arrested.
Detention and possible charges
There is a significant risk the Taliban could detain British nationals.
The Taliban are suspicious of foreign nationals working or travelling in Afghanistan, including humanitarian workers and journalists, and it’s likely your work and movements will be closely monitored.
If you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years in prison without clarity about the charges.
The Taliban are likely to suspect you of spying and may detain you if you are found in possession of:
- weapons or explosives
- tracking devices
- large amounts of money
- items considered unusual
The risk of detention is especially high if you have worked in the military or have connections to previously detained British nationals.
If you are found guilty of spying or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution.
UK government support for detainees
The British government may not be notified if you are detained. There are considerable challenges in setting up contact or access. FCDO’s ability to get any information from the authorities could be severely limited, and you may not be able to contact your next of kin.
Crime
There is a risk of violent street crime and home invasion including armed robbery in Afghan cities. Make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.
Criminal Kidnaps
There is a significant risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals for ransom.
Potential targets for kidnap include British tourists, British nationals working for international organisations, and British nationals of Afghan origin visiting friends and relatives.
Criminal groups will target anyone perceived to have money for extortion purposes. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. Criminal groups may kidnap victims by stopping cars on busy roads or targeting people who are withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. Kidnap victims are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using their cash cards. Recent incidents include a British dual national being kidnapped at gunpoint and a British national kidnapped while withdrawing money from a bank.
Laws and cultural differences
There are no formal internationally recognised structures or processes of law in Afghanistan and foreign nationals, including British nationals, have been detained without due process.
Afghanistan is an Islamic country. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. It is illegal to try to convert Muslims to other faiths.
Laws on dress
The Taliban have set codes of dress for men and women and strictly enforce them.
Women, including foreign nationals, must fully cover themselves in public. A woman must wear:
- loose-fitting clothing to conceal her body, arms and legs
- a headscarf to cover her hair
- a veil to cover her face
Men must dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing such as sleeveless shirts or shorts.
Lack of women’s rights
The Taliban have made it illegal for women to travel for more than 75km (46 miles) without being accompanied by their husband, father or brother (a ‘mahram’). This could affect a woman’s ability to leave Afghanistan.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.
During this time, do not:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in a vehicle
- play loud music or dance
- swear in public
Illegal food, drugs and alcohol
You are not allowed to use or bring into the country narcotics, alcohol or pork products. If you do, you could be arrested.
Using cameras in secure areas
It may not be immediately clear whether taking photos could cause offence or suspicion. Avoid photographing local people without their agreement and pay close attention to local information and ways of doing things. Photographing certain buildings in Afghanistan is not allowed and may lead to detention, including:
- government buildings
- military installations
- palaces
- Taliban checkpoints
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Taliban and has historically always been forbidden in Afghanistan.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Buying antiquities
Do not buy or try to export antiquities without getting a receipt from an authorised dealer. When you leave Afghanistan the authorities may ask for proof you bought the item. If you do not have a receipt, they could detain you, and you may get a fine or prison sentence.
Money
If you travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, you are likely to encounter problems with money. It is illegal to bring any foreign currency into Afghanistan, but you may not be able to use foreign-issued bank cards at ATMs and local banks.
Some ATMs and many banks accept foreign-issued bank cards, with restrictions on the amount of cash you can withdraw. Check with local branches.
Some international money transfer services continue to operate in Afghanistan. However, payouts will be in local currency, even when the payee has requested foreign exchange.
Transport risks
Road travel
Road travel is highly dangerous. FCDO advises against all travel around Afghanistan.
The situation at Afghanistan’s border crossings remains volatile. A number of borders remain closed and if opened, can close at short notice. There have been clashes between Afghan and neighbouring forces at some border crossings.
Air travel
Kabul International Airport does not meet international aviation safety standards.
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Afghanistan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Earthquakes
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Consider signing up to the US Geological Survey global monitoring agency. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Floods and avalanches
Heavy rain and winter snowfall can cause significant floods, particularly outside the capital. Heavy snowfall often causes avalanches in the mountains during the winter and spring. Afghanistan lacks emergency response infrastructure, so be prepared for any situation.