Afghanistan E-Visa Guide (2026)

How to Apply for an Afghanistan Visa Online
11th March 2026

For many years, getting a visa for Afghanistan was one of the biggest challenges for those interested in visiting this beautiful country. You needed to visit Afghan embassies in third countries, such as Dubai or Islamabad. Few European embassies accepted visa applications. Often, the Afghan visa process required invitation letters and multiple layers of paperwork.

It took a few days. 

It was a hassle. And expensive. 

In 2026, this process is finally changing...

Afghanistan has introduced a new online visa system. Now, you can apply for an Afghanistan tourist visa entirely online.

While the system is still new and evolving, early reports from fellow travellers suggest the new Afghanistan e-visa is already working.

In this guide, we explain the following - 

Quick Afghanistan E-Visa Summary
What is the Afghanistan E-Visa? 
How to Apply Online for the Afghanistan E-Visa
E-Visa Costs, Requirements, & Issuing Times
Afghanistan Visa vs Afghanistan E-Visa vs Embassy Visa
Afghanistan E-Visa Further Information
E-Visa FAQs

Updated: 11 March 2026. This is a new system. We will continue to update this e-visa guide with the latest information. 

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Quick Summary - Afghanistan E-Visa

For quick reference, here are the key details about the new system.

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What Is the Afghanistan E-Visa?

The Afghanistan e-visa is a new online visa application system. You can apply for an Afghan tourist visa digitally without visiting an embassy.

Applications are submitted through the E-Afghans Portal. 

👉 E-Afghans Portal

This is a portal for embassy-related inquiries for both foreigners and Afghan citizens. 

Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and can be downloaded and printed before travel.

This marks the first time Afghanistan has introduced an online visa system for tourists. 

It appears that this system is run by the Afghan Consulate in Dubai. So, the main place foreigners used to go for visa processing when getting the physical visa. This was and still remains a very trusted method.

Why the Afghanistan E-Visa Is a Big Change

Until recently, travellers had to -

1. Apply at an Afghan embassy
2. Travel to another country to collect their visa
3. Obtain a letter of invitation from a local partner.

Popular routes previously were;

• Dubai
• Islamabad
• Tehran

The new e-visa system removes these steps and allows the application process to happen entirely online. This is beneficial for the ease of getting the visa, but it's also great for giving everyone peace of mind. Actually being able to secure the Afghanistan visa before you leave for your trip. 

How to Get the Afghanistan Visa in Dubai

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Afghanistan E-Visa

Applying for the Afghanistan e-visa currently follows a six-step process.

Step 1. Register on the portal

Create an account on the E-Afghans website.

Step 2. Complete the visa form

Fill in personal details and travel information.

Step 3. Upload required documents

Upload scans of your identification documents.

Step 4. Pay the initial application fee

Applicants currently pay an $8 application fee.

Step 5. Wait for approval

Authorities review the application.

Step 6. Pay the visa fee

If approved, applicants receive a payment request. After paying the visa fee, the visa is issued digitally.

Then, you simply download and print the visa before travelling to Afghanistan. 

Easy! 

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Afghanistan Visa Requirements, Fees & Processing Time

Those applying for the e-visa currently report being asked for the following documents.

Required documents for e-visa

• Passport copy
• Passport-style photo

Travel information

• Accommodation name
• Brief travel itinerary (cities you plan to visit)

Optional document

• Letter of Invitation (LOI)

Interestingly, several travellers report successfully receiving the visa without submitting an invitation letter.

This suggests it may not be mandatory under the new system.

E-visa processing time

Processing times reported so far suggest:

Standard processing = 1–3 weeks.
Express processing = same day. 

Afghanistan E-Visa Cost

Current reported costs are approximately:

Application Fee	$8 USD
Visa Fee	~$120 USD
Total	~$128 USD

Express processing may increase the total cost.

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Afghanistan Visa vs Afghanistan E-Visa vs Embassy Visa

With the introduction of the new online system, there are now several possible ways to obtain a visa for Afghanistan.

Let's take a look at the differences to help you decide which option works best for your trip.

Visa Type	How to Apply	Processing Time	Embassy Visit Required	Typical Cost	Notes
Afghanistan e-Visa	Apply online via E-Afghans portal	~1–3 weeks	No	~$128	New system launched in 2026
Embassy Visa	Apply at Afghan embassy or consulate	1–7 days (varies)	Yes	$80–$200	Traditional visa method
Visa via Tour Operator	Arranged with visa support documents	Varies	Often yes	Varies	Not common method

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Afghanistan E-Visa Further Information

Entry Points Accepting the Afghanistan E-Visa

At the moment, travellers report the e-visa being accepted at - 

✈ Kabul International Airport

Other airports where acceptance has not yet been confirmed. This list includes;

• Mazar-e-Sharif International Airport
• Kandahar International Airport
• Herat International Airport

Land border crossings have also not yet been confirmed to accept the e-visa.

How Long Can You Stay in Afghanistan?

Current reports indicate the visa allows the following... 

You must enter Afghanistan within the visa validity period.

Who Can Apply for the Afghanistan E-Visa?

The system accepts many nationalities.

Successful applications have been reported from travellers with passports from:

• Italy
• United States
• United Kingdom

However, the full list of eligible nationalities has not yet been published. The above is not a definitive list of who can and cannot - just who has tried with success, so far! 

Some travellers report that citizens of neighbouring countries may not currently be eligible to apply online. (There may be an issue with Chinese eligibility for the e-visa).

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FAQs About the Afghanistan E-Visa

Do you need a visa to visit Afghanistan?

Yes. Most foreign travellers require a visa to visit Afghanistan. In 2026, a new online Afghanistan e-visa system was introduced that allows travellers to apply for a tourist visa through the E-Afghans portal without visiting an embassy.

Can I get an Afghanistan visa online?

Yes. A new Afghanistan e-visa system allows travellers to apply online through the E-Afghans portal.

Can tourists visit Afghanistan?

Yes, tourists can visit Afghanistan. While travel conditions vary and visitors should check the latest travel advice, foreign travellers do continue to visit the country each year, particularly through organised tours with experienced local partners.

Do I need an invitation letter for Afghanistan?

Not always. Some travellers report receiving the e-visa without submitting a letter of invitation.

However, for organised tours the tour company usually provides visa support.

How do you apply for an Afghanistan visa online?

Travellers can apply for an Afghanistan visa through the E-Afghans e-visa portal by completing an online form, uploading documents such as a passport copy and photo, paying the $8 application fee, and waiting for approval. Once approved, the visa fee (around $120) is paid and the visa is issued digitally.

How long does it take to get an Afghanistan visa?

Processing times reported so far suggest around 1–3 weeks, although faster express processing may be available.

Can I enter Afghanistan by land with the e-visa?

It is not yet confirmed whether the e-visa is accepted at land border crossings.

How much does an Afghanistan e-visa cost?

Reported costs are approximately $120–$130 total, including application fees.

How long can you stay in Afghanistan on a tourist visa?

Most tourist visas for Afghanistan allow a stay of up to 30 days. The visa usually must be used within 90 days from the date of issue.

Can you travel independently in Afghanistan?

Independent travel is possible, but many visitors choose to travel with experienced tour operators who can assist with logistics, permits, and local guidance.

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Koryo Tours
Experts in Travel to Afghanistan