Afghanistan
October 19, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Despite significant progress since the
Taliban was deposed in 2001, Afghanistan still faces daunting challenges –
recovering from over two decades of civil strife, dealing with years of severe
drought, and rebuilding a shattered infrastructure. Meanwhile, Operation
Enduring Freedom continues to combat remaining Taliban and al Qaida elements.
The Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan assumed power following the
Emergency Loya Jirga held in June 2002 and adopted a new Constitution in January
2004.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required.
Information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of
Afghanistan located at 2341 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, phone no.
202-483-6410, fax no. 202-483-6488, website: http://www.embassyofAfghanistan.org.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring
documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from
the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand,
even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Afghan
laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws
that impose special obligations on Afghan citizens. U.S. citizens who are also
Afghan nationals do not require visas for entry into Afghanistan. The Embassy of
Afghanistan issues a letter confirming your nationality for entry into
Afghanistan. However, you may wish to obtain a visa as some Afghan-Americans
have experienced difficulties at land border crossings because they do not have
a visa in their passport. For additional information on dual nationality in
general, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The latest Travel Warning for
Afghanistan states clearly that the security situation remains critical for
American citizens. There are remnants of the former Taliban regime and the
terrorist al-Qaida network in various parts of Afghanistan, who want to drive
all westerners out of Afghanistan and they do not hesitate to use violence to
achieve their aims. There is a continuing threat of terrorist actions, including
attacks using vehicles, rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices
and other forms of bombs. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap US citizens and
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. The country
faces a difficult period in the near term, and American citizens could be
targeted or placed at risk by unpredictable local events. There is also a real
danger from the presence of millions of unexploded land mines and other
ordnance.
Afghan-Americans returning to Afghanistan to recover property have become
involved in complicated disputes and have faced threats of retaliatory actions
including kidnapping for ransom.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov
where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
and other Public Announcements, and Travel
Warnings, including the Travel Warning
for Afghanistan, can be found.
Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the
United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers
are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).
CRIME: A large portion of the Afghan population is
unemployed, and many among the unemployed have moved to urban areas. Basic
services are rudimentary or non-existent. These factors may directly contribute
to crime and lawlessness. Diplomats and international relief workers have
reported incidents of robberies and household burglaries. Any American citizen
who enters Afghanistan should remain vigilant for possible banditry, including
violent attacks.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The
Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical
care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be
transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime is solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if
needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, “A Safe Trip
Abroad,” and “Tips for Travelers to South Asia
” for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by
mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Well-equipped medical facilities are few
and far between throughout Afghanistan. European and American medicines are
generally available in limited quantities and may be expensive or difficult to
locate. There is a shortage of basic medical supplies. Basic medicines
manufactured in Iran, Pakistan and India are available, but their reliability
can be questionable. American travelers may seek emergency medical services at
the International Security Assistance Forces medical facilities in Kabul, but
routine care is not available. The Malteser Clinic, located behind the Police
Academy in Kabul, is staffed by German contract medical personnel and provides
Western-standard routine medical care. Afghan hospitals in Kabul should be
avoided at this time. Travelers will not be able to find Western-trained medical
personnel in most parts of the country outside of Kabul, although there are some
international aid groups temporarily providing basic medical assistance in
various cities and villages. For any medical treatment, payment is required in
advance. Commercial medical evacuation capability from Afghanistan is
limited.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges
Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will
cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance
plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless
supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However,
many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover
health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as
medical evacuations. Medical transfer out of Afghanistan can be very difficult
to accomplish and expensive.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to
providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess
of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face
extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip,
ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or
whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of
remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular
Affairs brochure, “Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of
Consular Affairs home page.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and
other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect
bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For
information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World
Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health
information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. The information below concerning Afghanistan is
provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside
Assistance: Poor
All traffic is in danger of land mines that may have been planted on or near
roadways. An estimated 5-7 million landmines and large quantities of unexploded
ordnance exist throughout the countryside and alongside roads, posing a danger
to travelers. Robbery and crime are also prevalent on highways outside of Kabul.
The transportation system in Afghanistan is marginal, although modern highways
and provincial roads are being constructed by the international community.
Vehicles are poorly maintained, often overloaded and traffic laws are not
enforced. Vehicular traffic is chaotic and must contend with numerous
pedestrians, bicyclists and animals. Many urban streets have large potholes and
are not well lit. Rural roads are not paved.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to
foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is currently no direct
commercial air service between the U.S. and Afghanistan, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has not formally assessed Afghanistan ’s Civil
Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety
standards.
Three commercial airlines serve Afghanistan out of Kabul International
Airport. Pakistan International Airlines has three weekly flights to and from
Islamabad. Azerbaijan Airways has three weekly flights to and from Baku. The
U.S. Embassy in Kabul strongly recommends against flying the third carrier
operating out of Kabul, Ariana Afghan Airlines.
In January 2004, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviewed an
aviation safety assessment report prepared by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), which outlined significant safety deficiencies with Ariana
Afghan Airlines. The FAA's review of the ICAO findings and interviews with
Ariana Afghan Airlines officials identified significant safety deficiencies. Due
to these findings, the U.S. government does not authorize official personnel to
fly Ariana Afghan Airlines.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s Internet
website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information
regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at
(618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Afghan customs authorities may enforce
strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from
Afghanistan of items such as firearms, alcoholic beverages, religious materials,
antiquities, medications, and printed materials. It is advisable to contact the
Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington for specific information regarding customs
requirements. Travelers enroute to Afghanistan may transit countries that have
restrictions on firearms, including antique or display models. If you plan to
take your firearms or ammunition to another country, you should contact
officials at that country's embassy and those that you will be transiting to
learn about their regulations and fully comply with those regulations before
traveling. Please consult http://www.customs.gov for information on
importing firearms into the United States.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely
available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them
back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list
of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes
differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking
the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating Afghanistan ’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled,
arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal
drugs in Afghanistan are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and heavy fines. Another potentially sensitive activity is
proselytizing. Although the new Afghan Constitution allows the free exercise of
religions, proselytizing may be viewed as contrary to the beliefs of Islam and
may be considered a harmful activity.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the
United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in
illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18,
whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to
engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the
PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign
country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act
as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by
a person under the age of 18.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a
crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce,
including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of
16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production
of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of
interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene
materials to minors under the age of 16.
CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a
copy of their U.S. passport with them at all times, so that, if questioned by
local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.
As stated in the Travel Warning, consular assistance for American citizens in
Afghanistan is limited.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Because of the poor infrastructure in
Afghanistan, access to banking facilities is extremely limited and unreliable.
Afghanistan 's economy operates on a "cash-only" basis for most transactions.
Credit card transactions are not available. International bank transfers are
very limited, as the banking system is just becoming operational. No ATM
machines exist.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: International communications are
difficult. Local telephone networks do not operate reliably. Most people rely on
satellite or cellular telephone communications even to make local calls.
Cellular phone service is available locally in Kabul and some other cities.
Injured or distressed foreigners could face long delays before being able to
communicate their needs to family or colleagues outside of Afghanistan. Internet
access through local service providers is limited.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Afghan law does not allow for adoption of
children by foreigners. For information on international adoption of children
and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html
or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free
numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and
assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or
traveling in Afghanistan are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Kabul through the State Department’s travel registration
website, https://travelregistration.state.gov,
and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Afghanistan.
U.S. citizens may also register with the consular section online by visiting the
Embassy's web site at http://usembassy.state.gov/afghanistan/.
Americans without internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in
Kabul. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to
contact them in case of emergency. The Embassy provides no visa services, but
does perform emergency and routine passport and citizens services. The U.S.
Embassy is located at Great Masood Road, also known as Bebe Mahro (Airport)
Road, Kabul, telephone number: 93-20-230-0436. Fax number (93-20) 230-1364.
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Afghanistan dated January
21, 2004, to update information on Country Description, Safety and Security,
Crime, Medical Facilities, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety
Oversight, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Children’s Issues, and
Registration/Embassy Location.
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