Afghanistan

Recommended Vaccinations For Afghanistan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Polio Vaccine

Travellers who intend to visit Afghanistan for 4 weeks or more may be required to show proof of polio vaccination given 4 weeks to 12 months before departure from Afghanistan. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination at the point of departure. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Vaccination against yellow fever is not recommended. This country requires all persons to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Afghanistan

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Afghanistan

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Afghanistan.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Afghanistan through contaminated food or water.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Afghanistan. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Afghanistan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals and should be vaccinated. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Afghanistan. Travellers to Afghanistan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. This country requires all persons to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in areas of Afghanistan below 2,000 meters between May and November. During the rest of the year, there is a low risk. There is low to no risk of malaria in areas above 2,000 meters.

Polio

Travellers who intend to visit Afghanistan for 4 weeks or more may be required to show proof of polio vaccination given 4 weeks to 12 months before departure from Afghanistan. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination at the point of departure. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Afghanistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Afghanistan

Personal Safety

There is a high level of crime in Afghanistan. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime, avoid showing signs of wealth. Keep valuables and money out of sight. Do not carry large sums of cash. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not travel at night. Keep your passport with you at all times.

Do not take photos of military installations, government buildings, or military personnel.

There is freedom of religion in Afghanistan, however, evangelizing or proselytizing is considered a major crime and can be punishable by death.

Same-sex relations and behaviours are prohibited and can be punishable by death. All travellers should avoid open displays of affection due to the conservative nature of the country. Dress modestly in respect for the country’s customs. Take note of whether you will be travelling during Ramadan. If travelling during this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.

Road travel is extremely dangerous throughout Afghanistan because road conditions are poor, drivers may not follow standard rules of the road and there is a threat of roadside kidnapping and terrorism at fake checkpoints. If you travel in Afghanistan, get professional security advice. Consider using armoured vehicles and security protection. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime with penalties of up to several months in jail. Public transportation, including private hire taxi service, is unreliable and unsafe.

Millions of landmines exist around the country and present a risk to the traveller.

Travellers should note that Afghanistan is a largely cash-based economy and credit cards are not widely accepted.

Extreme Violence

Major terrorist attacks occur frequently throughout Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul and in the eastern and southern provinces. Attacks have become more frequent. Credible terrorist threat reports indicate that venues that could be targeted include shopping and market areas, government and military installations, diplomatic missions, hotels, airports, and any areas frequented by foreigners. The Kabul international airport and the roads leading to it are at risk for attack. Foreigners are at serious risk for kidnapping.

If you travel to Afghanistan, it is recommended that you have personal safety and security plans. Have secure plans for transportation and accommodations. Consider hiring professional protection.

Political Unrest

Violent riots and protests have occurred. Demonstrations have been the targets of terrorist attacks. Due to lack of security and safety, avoid any public gatherings and demonstrations.

Areas To Avoid

Due to the safety and security situation, ongoing terrorist activity, high risk of kidnapping, and elevated crime rates, travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Afghanistan.