PassportSouth Africa

Afghanistan: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to Afghanistan.

Not published officially. Wikipedia says the reported e-visa is single entry, for stays of up to 30 days, and expires 90 days after issue.

Visa required, obtained before you travel. The US State Department says you must apply before travel, and that Afghan border officials may refuse visas issued by Afghan Republic-era embassies and require visas issued by Taliban-appointed consular officials. Wikipedia reports a tourist e-visa launched in March 2026; this could not be confirmed on an official page. All major Western governments advise against all travel to Afghanistan.134

Before you travel

Length of stay

Not published officially. Wikipedia says the reported e-visa is single entry, for stays of up to 30 days, and expires 90 days after issue.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Purpose of visit

Not published by official sources

Passport validity

Not published by official sources

How to apply

Apply before travel at an Afghan mission run by Taliban-appointed consular staff (US State Department). Visas from Republic-era missions may be refused. Wikipedia reports an e-visa through 'E-Afghans' (eafghans.com/e-visa), run by the Islamic Emirate's consulate general in Abu Dhabi, valid only for arrival at Kabul International Airport. This portal was not opened or verified. Arriving without a valid visa can lead to deportation, passport confiscation, heavy fines or detention.34

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Where South Africans apply

Not published by official sources

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Authorities may ask for proof of polio vaccination when you leave Afghanistan (UK FCDO). Afghanistan is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Arrival forms

Not published by official sources

Extending your stay and overstaying

Not published. A valid visa is needed to exit as well as to enter (US State Department).3

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

30 July 2026UK FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan; warns of detention, kidnapping, terrorism and Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes.
1 March 2026Tourist e-visa reportedly launched in March 2026 for arrival at Kabul airport only (Wikipedia; exact date and official status unverified).
20 February 2026US State Department: Level 4, Do not travel for any reason (civil unrest, crime, terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping).

Sources

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 1UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk
  2. 2UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk
  3. 3US Department of State travel.state.gov

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 4Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.