An Afghanistan visa is required of all American citizens who want to go to Afghanistan for any purpose. The visa can be obtained directly from the Afghan Consulate or through a private expediter. For quick service and convenience, you can apply online for an Afghanistan visa.

Those who used to be Afghanistan citizens are allowed to stay in Afghanistan for a short period of time even without a visa. However, the duration of stay shall be determined by Afghanistan Immigration Authorities as soon as the visitor arrives.

If a possible extension is needed, getting a single entry Afghanistan tourist visa that is valid for 3 months is a better option. This will allow one to stay in the country for up to 30 days. This can still be extended just once depending on an agreement between Ministry of Interior and the Afghan Tourism Organization. Single-entry tourist visas with 30 days length of stay cost $119.95 to $199.95 depending on processing time that usually goes from 24 hours to 14 business days.

On the other hand, the basic single-entry long stay visa is valid for 3 months and allows up to 90 or 180 days duration. This visa can be considered as an entry visa for work permit issued for business, economic, commercial, industrial, and cultural purposes whether for government or non-government organization. Afghanistan business visa can be obtained from the Consulate Section of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The submission of requirements has to be initiated by the employer or sponsor. Long-term single entry visa for 90-day length of stay costs $209.95 and $259.95 for 180 days.

Another type of visa given to foreign nationals who have already entered Afghanistan is resident visa issued by the Ministry of Interior. It is usually given to those who have decided to change a tourist or business visa for extension. The validity of resident visa is from one to six months. This, however, is available for possible extension.

Afghan Missions issue transit visas to those who will pass through Afghanistan to another country. This type of visa is valid for only 72 hours by air and 6 days for those who will travel by land.

Afghanistan visa is also given to double-entry visitors in possession of any long stay visa. Diplomatic passport holders, for one, can get this from the Afghan Missions. Another type of visa issued by Afghan Missions is service visa which is intended to those who have special or service passports. The same agency is also entitled to issue student visas given that the university or academic institution involved shall pursue the Cultural Relations Department of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

All foreign nationals who came to the country with an entry Afghanistan business visa are issued an exit visa. This is valid within one to six days. In some cases, exit visas can be extended through an appeal. On the other hand, Afghans who have dual citizenship must obtain an exception letter from the Afghan Consulate in the U.S.

For further information on how to obtain Afghanistan visa and the general requirements needed, you may visit the website of the Embassy of Afghanistan in the U.S. You may also inquire in the Consular Office located at 2233 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite #216, Washington, DC 20007. For printable application forms, you may download the file Afghanistan visa application.

Click the link to apply for your Afghanistan Visa online.