Visa guide · reviewed 2026-11-02
How to get your Afghan visa
Most travellers now apply online for a tourist e-Visa through the portal run for the Afghan Consulate General in Dubai. A Letter of Invitation from a licensed Afghan tour operator such as Afghan Guest strengthens your application — and is usually required at embassies.
Tourist e-Visa at a glance
- Issued by
- Consulate General of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Dubai, UAE
- Type
- Single-entry tourist e-Visa
- Length of stay
- Up to 30 days from the date of entry
- Validity
- Must be used within 90 days of issue
- Entry point
- Kabul International Airport (other entry points are not currently accepted for the e-Visa)
- Fee
- Around US$120–135 including processing (confirm the current fee on the portal)
- Delivery
- Issued as a PDF by email — print it and carry it with your passport
- Official portal
- visaportal.eafghans.com
Visa rules change often and are set by the Afghan authorities, not Afghan Guest. Always confirm current requirements on the official portal before you travel.
Option 1
Letter of Invitation from Afghan Guest
As a licensed Kabul tour operator, Afghan Guest can sponsor your trip with an official Letter of Invitation (LOI). Embassies and consulates commonly ask for one, and it can strengthen an e-Visa application.
Best for: Travellers applying at an Afghan embassy or consulate, arriving overland, or who want a licensed local sponsor and support on the ground.
- 1
Apply online
Complete the secure LOI application with your passport details, travel dates and the provinces you plan to visit.
- 2
We review your itinerary
Our Kabul team checks your plans and may suggest changes or ask for more information. Most reviews take 2–5 working days.
- 3
Receive your LOI
Your signed Letter of Invitation on Afghan Guest letterhead is emailed to you as a PDF.
- 4
Submit your visa application
Attach the LOI to your e-Visa application or take it to the Afghan embassy or consulate.
- 5
Book your stay
Reserve hotels, guides and transfers with Afghan Guest so your arrival is fully supported.
Option 2
Tourist e-Visa via the Dubai Consulate portal
Since March 2026 tourist visas can be applied for online through the e-Visa portal operated for the Afghan Consulate General in Dubai. No consulate visit is needed.
Best for: Most nationalities flying into Kabul International Airport for a trip of up to 30 days.
- 1
Check eligibility
Most nationalities are eligible. Some nationalities and residents of certain countries are excluded — check the portal before booking flights.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages, a recent passport photo (white background), a scan of your passport bio page, your itinerary and accommodation details. An Afghan Guest LOI can be attached.
- 3
Apply on the portal
Create an account at the official portal, complete the form and upload documents.
- 4
Pay the fee
Pay online by card. Fees are set by the consulate and can change.
- 5
Receive your e-Visa
The approved visa arrives by email as a PDF. Print it and travel with it.
- 6
Fly into Kabul
Present your passport and printed e-Visa on arrival at Kabul International Airport.
Option 3
Afghan embassy or consulate
Visas are also issued in person by Afghan missions abroad. Requirements vary by mission — most ask for a Letter of Invitation from a licensed Afghan tour operator.
Best for: Overland entry (Torkham, Islam Qala, Hairatan), nationalities not covered by the e-Visa, and non-tourist visas.
- 1
Choose a mission
Popular missions for travellers include Dubai, Islamabad, Peshawar, Tehran, Mashhad and Tashkent. Confirm services and opening hours before you go.
- 2
Get your LOI
Apply for a Letter of Invitation from Afghan Guest.
- 3
Visit with documents
Passport, photos, application form, LOI and fee (usually cash in US dollars).
- 4
Collect your visa
Processing can be same-day to a few days depending on the mission.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Letter of Invitation for the e-Visa?
Not always. The portal accepts applications with or without an LOI, but an LOI from a licensed Afghan tour operator gives the consulate a local sponsor for your trip and is usually required at embassies. If in doubt, apply for one — we can turn most around within a week.
Can I enter overland with the e-Visa?
At the time of our last review the e-Visa was only valid for arrival at Kabul International Airport. For overland entry, apply at an Afghan embassy or consulate with an LOI.
How long can I stay?
The tourist e-Visa allows up to 30 days from entry and must be used within 90 days of issue. Speak to us before travelling if you need longer.
Is there a visa on arrival?
Not for ordinary tourists. Visa on arrival is limited to specific categories (for example UN passport holders) at Kabul airport.
Do I need to register after arriving?
Local registration and travel-permit requirements change. Afghan Guest guests receive up-to-date arrival guidance and, where needed, help with permits for provinces outside Kabul.
What does the Afghan Guest LOI cost?
The LOI fee is shown when you apply and is payable securely by card. It is refundable if we are unable to issue the letter.