Afghanistan has introduced a new e-visa system, as the nation continues its push to encourage more international visitors.
It comes as tourism to the nation continues to grow. Close to 9,000 international tourists visited Afghanistan in 2024 according to the government, with more than 7,000 visiting in the first half of 2025.
The total for 2025 is thought to have surpassed the 2024 total and now the Afghan government has streamlined its visa process and introduced a new online system for the first time in its history.
The Taliban, who are the current Afghan government, are only recognised by one country as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. Due to this, only a limited number of embassies and consulates have remained open globally and were able to issue visas, since the Taliban have been in power.
The most reliable and logistically practical for travellers to Afghanistan were in Dubai and the Gulf states and travellers had to visit these consulates and embassies in person.
Due to the current conflict between Israel/the USA and Iran, this has become extremely difficult and it has forced Afghanistan to fast track the e-visa system.
It comes as the first mainstream guide book for Afghanistan in 20 years has recently been released. The new Bradt Guide for Afghanistan is available to buy now and was authored by the Founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox.
