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.
Do I Need Vaccines for Afghanistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Afghanistan. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Afghanistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - 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-stay 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.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Afghanistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| 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-stay 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. |
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 foodborne 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?
Visas are required for all forms of entry to Afghanistan. Passports must have at least six months’ validity. Proof of polio vaccination is required if you are intending to stay for over four weeks. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.
Afghanistan Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Afghanistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Afghanistan and GOV.UK
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?
UK 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 organisations, travel is not recommended.
Cross the Salang Pass
The Salang Pass connects Kabul and northern Afghanistan. At nearly 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. Ensure 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 whilst acclimatising 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.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Afghanistan
If you are in Afghanistan and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Kabul
15th Street, Roundabout Wazir Akbar Khan
PO Box 334
Kabul
Afghanistan
Telephone: +93 (0) 700 102 000
Emergency Phone: +93 (0) 700 102 000
Fax: +93 (0) 700 102 250
Email: britishembassy.kabul@fco.gov.uk
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!
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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Afghanistan
