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 Embassy or Consulate.
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.
Having a single entry Afghanistan tourist visa with a validity
period of 3 months is a good choice for those visitors who wish to
extend their stay in the country.
This visa gives you the permission to
legally stay in Afghanistan for up to 30 days. Possible extension for
this application can be granted once depending on an agreement between
the Ministry of Interior and the Afghan Tourism Organization.
Single-entry tourist visas with 30 days length of stay cost $160 based
on reciprocity.
On the other hand, the basic single-entry long stay (business) 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. A letter of introduction should be given that
would state the purpose and duration of trip of the applicant.
Employer's sponsorship information and financial guarantee should also
be included in the letter.
Additional documents are necessary to comply
in terms of individual case application. Once incomplete documents have
been sent, it will be returned to the applicant without being
processed.
Another type of visa given to foreign nationals who have
already entered Afghanistan is resident visa issued by the Ministry of
Interior. This kind of visa is being issued to those who have decided
to change a tourist or business visa for extension. The validity of
residence visa is one year with 3 entries.
Afghan Missions issue transit visas to those who will pass
through Afghanistan to another country. This type of visa is valid for
1 month and 3 days for those who travel by air and 6 days for those who
will travel by land. The visa fee for Single Entry is US $80 and for
Double Entry is US $150.
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 George Town Plaza Suite #216, Washington, DC 20007.
