Afghanistan visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Afghanistan

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Afghan Visa.

  • A completed and signed visa application form.
  • A passport with a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country and should have two blank pages for stamps.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a white background.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of  stay in the country. 
  • A copy of travel itinerary showing details of your trip.
  • A valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation: either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.

Afghanistan Visa for South Africans

Facts about Afghanistan

Afghanistan is part of Asia with largest city and Capital being Kabul.  Babur Gardens which is considered ‘the loveliest spot’ in Kabul, Afghanistan is the most popular destination in Afghanistan. The garden is a site for recreation and relaxation. Tourists also troop into the National Museum of Afghanistan and the Kabul Zoo. The zoo has about 280 animals.

Even though Afghanistan has a lot to offer especially to the brave tourists, it's an extremely dangerous country to visit due to it being a war zone. Terrorism is a huge problem with the government forces fighting against Taliban insurgents.

Travel to Kabul is strongly advised against due  to it being a lethal war zone. Despite the turmoil in Afghanistan, the country manages to pull in a reasonable number of tourists annually. On average, about 20,000 tourists visit the country. 

Tourists should avoid trying to preach to or convert Muslims to other faiths, it is highly forbidden and regarded as a crime. Use and possession of narcotics, alcohol and pork products is a violation of the Afghan laws and orders. Homosexuality is also illegal in the country.

Types of Afghanistan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 - 5 working days 30 days
Business visa 3 - 5 working days 30 days
Transit visa 3 - 5 working days 24 hours

General Requirements for Afghanistan Visa

  • A completed and signed visa application form.
  • A passport with a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country and should have two blank pages for stamps.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a white background.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of  stay in the country. 
  • A copy of travel itinerary showing details of your trip.
  • A valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation: either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.
Afghanistan Tourist visa Afghanistan Business visa Afghanistan Transit visa

Afghanistan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is granted to South Africans who are visiting Afghanistan for recreation, sightseeing and relaxation purposes.
  • Tourist visa is also issued to those who intend to visit friends and relatives in the country.
  • Visiting friends or relatives in the country requires you to have a letter of invitation from the person you are visiting in Afghanistan. This letter should include a valid means of identification and the valid home address of your host.
  • The receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • If you are travelling as a group, a proof of group travel is required.
  • For non-South Africans, a copy of your South African stay permit should be presented at the embassy during the visa application process.
  • Minors are expected to be in possession of the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • A proof of Yellow Fever visa vaccination is required.
  • A proof of incentive to return to your home country is necessary. This may be a return ticket to South Africa or proof of family ties.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to take up either paid or unpaid employment in the country.
  • You are also prohibited from studying in any of the country’s institution of learning.

Afghanistan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Afghanistan embassies issue this visa to foreigners whose sole purpose  is to carry out short-term business activities in the country.
  • With this visa, you can attend business meetings, negotiate and sign contracts, attend conferences and trade fairs.
  • An invitation letter stating the duration and purpose of your visit  should be provided by the company you have business dealings with in Afghanistan. 
  • The certificate of business registration of the company should be presented as well.
  • A letter from your employer in South Africa is needed. The letter should state that he/she is aware of your leave. 
  • An unabridged copy of birth certificate is required for applicants under the age of 18.
  • A receipt of paid visa application fees is required.
  • Applicants are expected to submit a medical report from their local physician affirming that they are in good health.
  • Applicants are not expected to be paid for services they render in the country.

Afghanistan Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Transit visa allows foreigners to make short-stays in the country and join a connecting flight from Afghanistan to their destination country.
  • You are not allowed to be in the country for more than 24 hours with this visa.
  • Applicants should ensure they have the visa and the confirmed flight ticket of their destination country.
  • You can neither visit friends and relatives with this visa nor tour the country with this visa.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, a letter of consent from the minor’s parents should be provided.
  • A proof  of  yellow fever vaccination is required.
  • For non-South Africans, a South African stay permit will be requested.

Afghanistan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

160.00 (USD)

Business visa

160.00 (USD)

Transit visa

160.00 (USD)

Afghanistan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Frequently Asked Questions

What religion was practiced in Afghanistan before Islam?

Before the introduction of Islam in Afghanistan, the religion practiced were Zoroastrianism, Surya worship, Paganism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Is Afghanistan a poor country?
Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world.
What are some interesting facts about Afghanistan?
  • Afghanistan’s national game is goat-grabbing
  • Afghans celebrate new year on the first day of spring, on 21st March.
What is Afghanistan famous for?
The country is known for producing the finest fruits and vegetables.
What does Afghanistan mean?

Afghanistan means ‘land of the Pashtuns’.

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