3.5 hours / + 2.5 hours during Swiss summer time

Kabul

Official languages

Pashto
Dari

Other languages used for communication

Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi, Hazaragi and Nuristani languages, as well as English, Urdu/Hindi and, in religious contexts, Arabic.

220 volts / adapter recommended

Banks

8 am – 3 pm (Sat – Thu)
Banks may have shorter opening hours in rural areas. Longer opening hours are common in cities such as Kabul or Herat.

Shops

8 am/9 am – 8 pm (Sat – Thu)
Opening hours can vary considerably between regions depending on local customs and the security situation. Shops in urban areas often stay open longer, while those in rural areas tend to close earlier. Opening hours change significantly during Ramadan. Shops often open later and stay open longer in the evening to accommodate the meal that breaks the fast (iftar).

• 15 February: withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan
• 28 April: Victory Day (Ruz-e Fath)
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Mid-August: anniversary of the Taliban takeover (24 Asad; the Gregorian calendar date varies from year to year)
• 19 August: Independence Day / National Day (Istiklal)
• 31 August: anniversary of the withdrawal of international troops

Islamic holidays (dates vary according to the lunar calendar):

• Ramadan (first day)
• Eid al-Fitr (festival marking the end of the fast): at the end of Ramadan
• Day of Arafat
• Eid al-Qurban
• Ashura: on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram
• Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday): on the 12th day of the third Islamic month, Rabi al-Awwal

The FDFA advises against travel to this country and stays of any kind.

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter Afghanistan:

• Swiss passport: it must be valid on arrival. Additional requirements regarding remaining validity may apply when a visa is issued.

• Visa: a valid visa is required and must be obtained before travelling. An e-visa can be requested through evisa.mfa.gov.af. It allows entry only through Kabul International Airport (KBL). The tourist e-visa permits a single entry for a stay of up to 30 days.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

Afghanistan has a continental climate that varies greatly by region. Summers are hot, winters cold, and the transitional seasons in spring and autumn are relatively short.

Northern plains

• Summer (May–September): average temperatures range from 30 to 40 °C. This region experiences dry, hot summers with occasional dust storms.
• Winter (December–February): average temperatures range from −2 to 10 °C, with frost and occasional snow.
• Spring/autumn (March–April, October–November): average temperatures range from 15 to 25 °C, with pleasantly mild conditions, flowering fields in spring and a cool breeze in autumn.

Southern desert regions (e.g. Kandahar)

• Summer (May–September): temperatures rise to 35–45 °C, with extreme heat and dry air.
• Winter (December–February): average temperatures range from 5 to 15 °C, with mainly dry weather and occasional cool nights.
• Spring/autumn (March–April, October–November): temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C, with warm, dry conditions that are ideal for travel.

Central highlands (including Kabul)

• Summer (May–September): average temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C. Pleasant days and cool nights are typical.
• Winter (December–February): temperatures fall to between −15 and 0 °C, with heavy snowfall at higher elevations.
• Spring/autumn (March–April, October–November): average temperatures range from 10 to 20 °C, with cool weather and occasional rain in spring.

Eastern mountain regions (e.g. Jalalabad)

• Summer (May–September): average temperatures range from 25 to 40 °C, with warm, humid air and occasional monsoon rain.
• Winter (December–February): temperatures range from 10 to 15 °C, with mild weather and rare frost.
• Spring/autumn (March–April, October–November): temperatures range from 15 to 25 °C, with pleasant conditions and occasional showers.

Western regions (e.g. Herat)

• Summer (May–September): temperatures range from 30 to 40 °C, with dry, sunny weather.
• Winter (December–February): average temperatures range from 0 to 10 °C, with cool days and cold nights.
• Spring/autumn (March–April, October–November): temperatures range from 15 to 25 °C, with mild, pleasant conditions and occasional sandstorms.

In terms of climate, spring and autumn are milder in many regions than the hot summers and cold winters. Conditions nevertheless vary greatly depending on elevation and region.

• Mobile phones: using a mobile phone in Afghanistan incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming charges before travelling and, where appropriate, buy a specific roaming package to reduce costs. Roaming availability depends on the Swiss mobile operator and its partner networks. Coverage is good in cities but limited in rural or mountainous areas.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés and restaurants in larger cities such as Kabul or Herat, but is often slow and unreliable. In rural areas, Wi-Fi is rare or unavailable.
• Prepaid SIM cards: a prepaid SIM card can be purchased locally for local calls and mobile data. Afghanistan has several mobile operators, including Roshan, Etisalat, Afghan Wireless and ATOMA (formerly MTN).
• Other information: Internet and mobile services may be restricted or shut down completely at short notice. Messaging apps may also become inaccessible. Frequent power cuts make communication even more difficult. Important contact details and documents should also be available offline.

• Band-e-Amir National Park, Bamiyan Province: breathtaking lakes with deep blue water surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Afghanistan’s first national park.
• Buddhas of Bamiyan, Bamiyan: the remains of enormous Buddha statues once carved into the rock, which retain their historical significance despite their destruction.
• Herat Citadel (Qala-e-Ikhtiyaruddin), Herat: an important historic fortress on the site of an ancient settlement. Its present appearance was shaped by medieval building phases and subsequent restoration.
• Minaret of Jam, Ghor Province: a 65-metre-high minaret dating from the 12th century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Blue Mausoleum (Hazrat Ali Shrine), Mazar-e-Sharif: a magnificent shrine with turquoise domes, of religious significance to Muslims.
• Gardens of Babur, Kabul: historic gardens containing the tomb of the Mughal emperor Babur, a peaceful retreat in the capital.
• Panjshir Valley, Panjshir Province: picturesque landscapes, rivers and the mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Massoud, an Afghan resistance leader.
• Balkh (the mother of all cities), Balkh Province: one of the world’s oldest cities, known for its ancient ruins and historic mosques.
• Shar-e Gholghola (city of noise), Bamiyan: the ruins of a destroyed medieval city with a fascinating history.
• Qargha Lake, Kabul: a popular recreation area near the capital, with opportunities for boating and picnics.
• Khyber Pass, near Jalalabad: a historic trading route connecting Afghanistan with Pakistan and offering spectacular views.
• Pul-e Kheshti Mosque, Kabul: Kabul’s largest mosque, with its distinctive blue dome and imposing prayer hall.
• Hadda stupas, Nangarhar Province: the remains of Buddhist stupas and monasteries dating from the time when Afghanistan was a centre of Buddhism.

This list describes places of cultural, historical and scenic significance. Access may be restricted. Women face additional access restrictions, including at parks and recreational facilities. The United Nations also documents such restrictions at Band-e-Amir National Park.

• Kabuli Palau: Afghanistan’s national dish consists of spiced rice, lamb, carrots and raisins. It is a staple at celebrations.
• Mantoo: steamed dumplings filled with minced lamb or beef and onions, served with a yoghurt sauce and spiced tomato sauce.
• Ashak: thin dumplings traditionally filled with leeks or spring onions, topped with tomato sauce, yoghurt and dried mint.
• Naan: this traditional flatbread, often fresh from a clay oven, is a staple food that accompanies almost every meal.
• Kebab: grilled lamb or chicken skewers seasoned with herbs and spices, often served with naan.
• Shorwa (Shorba): a traditional soup or stew, often made with meat, potatoes and other vegetables, served with bread.
• Afghan green tea (Chai Sabz): the main beverage, often served with sugar and sometimes cardamom, as a sign of hospitality.
• Firni: a creamy milk pudding flavoured with cardamom and rose water and sprinkled with pistachios, served as a popular dessert.
• Tschalao: fragrant white rice enhanced with saffron or cardamom and served with various dishes.
• Dried fruit and nuts: Afghanistan is known for its high-quality almonds, pistachios, raisins and pomegranates, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

• Greetings: a handshake is the most common greeting, but only between people of the same sex. Women and men should generally not shake hands when greeting one another. A friendly “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) is appropriate; the reply is “Wa alaikum assalam” (and peace be upon you too).
• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important. “Please” is “Lotfan”, and “thank you” is “Tashakor” or “Mamnoon”. For greater favours, “Tashakor-e-zeyad” (thank you very much) can also be used.
• Clothing: strict dress rules apply to women, including foreign travellers. In public, they must wear loose clothing that covers the body, together with head and face coverings. Men should wear long trousers and tops that cover their shoulders.
• Women’s freedom of movement: women’s freedom of movement is severely restricted. Requirements to be accompanied by a male family member (“mahram”) can considerably limit their use of transport and access to facilities.
• Dining etiquette: the left hand is considered unclean, so only the right hand should be used for eating. Washing hands before a meal is customary. Guests are often offered food several times; a polite refusal is acceptable, but a small bite is expected as a gesture of appreciation for the hospitality.
• Smoking: although smoking is widespread in Afghanistan, a law banning smoking in public institutions and many public places, including restaurants, offices and transport, was introduced in 2014. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas or private spaces. It is recommended to ask whether smoking is allowed, especially indoors and in conservative communities.
• Tipping: tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated in restaurants, by taxi drivers and in hotels. A tip of 5–10% of the bill or a small amount as a sign of appreciation is appropriate.
• Other information: respect for older people and religious traditions is very important. Discussions about politics or the security situation should be avoided. Hospitality is central to the culture, and a small gift, such as sweets, is greatly appreciated.
• Photography: people should be photographed only with their explicit consent. Photographing military facilities, airports, security forces and other sensitive facilities is prohibited and can have serious consequences.

• Drinking water quality: drinking water quality in Afghanistan is inadequate. Tap water is not safe to drink and should always be boiled or filtered. Bottled water is widely available and is the safest option. Care should also be taken when brushing teeth and washing food.
• Vaccinations: no vaccinations are required to enter Afghanistan unless arriving from a yellow fever area. However, routine vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles and polio are recommended. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B are also advisable.
• Malaria risk: there is a risk of malaria in much of Afghanistan below 2500 metres, including Kabul. Transmission is particularly elevated from April to December. Some areas have a high risk. Depending on the itinerary, preventive medication or carrying emergency treatment is recommended. Travel medicine advice and consistent protection against mosquito bites are necessary.
• Dengue fever: there is a risk of dengue fever in Afghanistan. Protection against mosquito bites is particularly important during the day.
• Polio: polioviruses continue to circulate in Afghanistan. Full vaccination and checking whether a booster is needed are important.
• Mosquito protection: as mosquitoes in Afghanistan can transmit not only malaria but also other diseases, consistent protection is essential. Insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets are among the best precautions.
• Other information: rural areas have a higher risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and diarrhoeal illnesses. Access to medical care is often limited, making a well-equipped travel medical kit and comprehensive travel health insurance with repatriation cover essential.

• Medical care is severely limited throughout Afghanistan and does not meet Swiss standards. Many places lack qualified staff, medicines and medical equipment. Funding shortfalls place an additional burden on the healthcare system. For women, accompaniment requirements, other restrictions and a shortage of female healthcare professionals make access to treatment more difficult.
• Carry a well-equipped travel medical kit tailored to your individual needs and an adequate supply of any medicines you take regularly. Seek travel medicine advice before travelling and clarify the requirements for carrying prescription medicines in advance.
• Medical treatment often has to be paid for in advance. Before travelling, explicitly check with your insurer whether you are covered in Afghanistan and what benefits are provided for treatment and medical evacuation. Local conditions can make repatriation considerably more difficult or impossible.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

• Follow the media to stay informed about the current situation before and during your trip, and keep in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Travel to Afghanistan and stays of any kind are discouraged.

• Swiss nationals who stay in Afghanistan against the FDFA’s advice must be aware that Switzerland has very limited or no means of providing assistance.

• The situation remains fragile and unstable. Fighting and attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. There are high security risks throughout the country, including rocket strikes, terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent criminal attacks, including rape and armed robbery.

• The legal situation is unclear. Foreign nationals have repeatedly been arrested for allegedly unlawful acts and violations of local traditions.

• Bombings and suicide attacks occur regularly. Their targets include the authorities, security forces, religious sites, religious minorities, markets, schools, aid organisations and public gatherings. Foreign nationals (travellers, employees of aid organisations and foreign companies, etc.) and facilities frequented by foreigners (e.g. restaurants, hotels and airports) may also continue to be specifically targeted.

• The risk of kidnapping is very high. Victims may be either Afghan or foreign nationals (travellers, employees of aid organisations and foreign companies, etc.).

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

• Driving licence: an international driving permit is required and is valid only together with your Swiss driving licence.
• Traffic rules: drive on the right.
• Other information: road traffic in Afghanistan is characterised by difficult conditions, including poor roads, inadequate road infrastructure and often chaotic driving. Traffic rules are not always observed consistently, and accident rates are high. Foreign drivers should take particular care, drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected obstacles such as animals or pedestrians.

• Rail connections: existing railway connections are primarily used for freight; there is no regular nationwide passenger train service.
• Buses: buses are the main form of public transport for long-distance and regional journeys. Numerous private operators offer connections between major cities such as Kabul, Kandahar and Herat. The quality of buses varies greatly, and safety standards are often low.
• Underground/trams: Afghanistan has neither an underground system nor tram networks. Urban transport is mainly provided by shared taxis, minibuses and rickshaws.
• Tickets: bus tickets are available from the respective companies, sales outlets or, in some cases, online. Booking and payment options vary by operator.
• Other information: using public transport involves risks, particularly because of the security situation and poor infrastructure. Travellers are advised to use local transport only with caution and, where appropriate, to favour private transport.

Kabul International Airport (KBL) has international flight connections, including to Dubai and Doha. Flight schedules and available connections may change at short notice and should be checked directly with the airlines. Flydubai serves Kabul; Kam Air resumed its Doha route in May 2026.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 119
• Ambulance: 102 (Kabul)
• Fire brigade: 101

The Swiss Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, is responsible for consular matters concerning Swiss nationals in Afghanistan.

Embassy of Switzerland
Street 6, Diplomatic Enclave, G-5/4
Islamabad 44000
Pakistan

Tel.: +92 51 209 88 00 / +41 58 464 18 81 / +41 58 464 18 82
Email: islamabad@eda.admin.ch