Travel Vaccines and Advice for Afghanistan
Embodied by mountainous terrain and rugged landscapes, Afghanistan is an underrated beauty. With iconic sculptures and undeniable historic significance, it is a gem built for every kind of traveller.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Afghanistan?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Afghanistan?
What is the Climate Like in Afghanistan?
How Safe is Afghanistan?
Cross the Salang Pass
What Should I Take to Afghanistan?
Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan
Do I Need Vaccines for Afghanistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Afghanistan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Afghanistan: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Proof of vaccination required for stays over 4 weeks. Active infection in some parts of country. Cases reported in last 12 months.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Afghanistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Proof of vaccination required for stays over 4 weeks. Active infection in some parts of country. Cases reported in last 12 months. |
Routine Vaccinations for Afghanistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio is still a very real threat in some parts of Afghanistan. Vaccination is highly recommended for travellers. You may be required to show proof of polio vaccination upon entering the country.
Cholera is another infection still found in regions of the country. Vaccination is highly recommended. As with all food-borne illnesses, vaccination is the best form of protection.
Malaria and dengue are present in Afghanistan. Bring mosquito repellent, netting and wearing protective clothing. Antimalarials may be recommended based on your itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Afghanistan?
A valid passport and visa are required for entry into Afghanistan. Proof of polio vaccination may be required for some travellers.
Afghanistan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Afghanistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Afghanistan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Travellers must register with the Ministry of the Interior’s Foreigners’ Registration Office upon arrival. There is a location at Kabul International Airport and others throughout the region.
What Is the Climate Like in Afghanistan?
The weather in Afghanistan is predictable. Hot summers, and cold winters.
Summer temperatures easily reach to 43 degrees. Midwinter temperatures as low as the mid-teens are common around the Hindu Kush. The highlands vary with elevation. The coolest temperatures usually occur on the heights of the mountains.
Temperatures show range greatly on a daily basis. Mornings can be near freezing. But, by the afternoon it can reach up to 32 degrees.
In the mountains bordering Pakistan, Indian monsoons bring moist tropical air in summer. While the frontal winds from the west may bring large sandstorms or dust storms.
How Safe Is Afghanistan?
Canadian citizens are advised to avoid travel to Afghanistan.
The country has the highest incidence rate of domestic violence in the world. It is also ranked first in the total number of violent hate crimes and third in the total number of crime levels, in the world.
Due to the high level of danger and presence of terrorist organizations, travel is not recommended.
Cross the Salang Pass
The Salang Pass connects Kabul and northern Afghanistan. At almost 4000 meters, it is one of the most scenic and adventurous drives in Afghanistan.
Visitors will see views of the Hindu Kush Mountains before entering the Salang Tunnel. The construct which runs through the mountains at 3,400 meters high. It is one of the highest tunnels in the world.
What Should I Take to Afghanistan?
Afghan travel requires those travelling to plan a bit further ahead. Make sure you’re ready for the trip.
- Personal Allergy/Relief Medication – Dust is a constant presence in Afghanistan. Have the necessary medication with you to combat allergies in the Afghanistan climate.
- Chapstick – This is essential to avoid dry or cracked lips while acclimating to the region.
- Lubricating Eye Drops – Again, dust is omnipresent in Afghanistan. Lubricating eye drops could be a life-saver to helping you avoid itchy and irritated eyes.
Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan
The PHAC recommends against all travel to Afghanistan. Consular services are currently unavailable in the region.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Afghanistan
“I had a great experience at Passport Health as I prepared to go to Afghanistan. The nurses were very knowledgeable, kind and friendly. I would definitely recommend it.”
“Thank you for this service. We feel this service is a valuable resource and the staff were super knowledgeable. We feel safe traveling to Afghanistan.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
