Afghanistan Launches Official e-Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Securing a visa for Afghanistan has long posed a challenge due to its unrecognized government and limited consular access, but Kabul has just introduced a streamlined solution.

After increasing tourism demand—nearly 9,000 visitors in 2024 and over 7,000 in the first half of 2025—the capital launched the E-Afghans portal at https://visaportal.eafghans.com/, replacing the need to navigate largely inaccessible embassies in Europe (France, Germany, UK), Canada, or Australia. The move comes as Afghan authorities no longer recognize visas issued by these missions—since July 2024—leaving travelers reliant on alternatives like Dubai, now further strained by regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The new Afghan e-Visa portal homepage.

Key features of Afghanistan’s e-Visa

The online visa is strictly designed for tourism and short stays, with tight parameters in place.

• Entry type: Single entry only.

• Mandatory entry point: Valid solely for arrival at Kabul International Airport. Not valid for land border crossings.

• Stay duration: Maximum of 30 days in-country.

• Validity window: Visa must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance.

Two-stage payment process with strict deadlines

The Afghan government has implemented a non-negotiable two-stage fee structure—miss the deadlines and your application is canceled.

Initial fee ($8.25): Non-refundable payment due within 48 hours of submitting your application. Failure to pay in time results in automatic cancellation.

Final fee (ranging from $123.71 to $257.73): Upon approval of your application, you’ll receive a notification to pay the balance. The exact amount depends on your nationality and processing option (standard or express). You have 7 days to settle this final payment.

Expert note: Both fees are non-refundable once the visa is approved and issued.

Eligibility filter: Highly restricted nationalities

The E-Afghans portal uses a precise screening algorithm. To qualify, both your nationality and your current country of residence must avoid the blacklist. Either condition can result in rejection.

Passport holders excluded from applying: Citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Israel cannot use the online portal.

Restricted countries of residence: Even with a French or Canadian passport, you’ll be blocked if you reside in India, China, Russia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, or Azerbaijan.

Required documents for your online application

The entire process is fully digital. Before starting your application, gather these mandatory items:

• Passport: Must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date.

• ID photo: Strict 45 mm × 35 mm format, in color, on a pure white background.

• Proof of residence: A copy of your national ID card or residence permit if applicable.

• Facial verification: A real-time biometric scan via your smartphone or computer camera is required to confirm your facial match with your passport photo during account creation.

• Optional but recommended documents: Although labeled as "optional" in the system, travel experts advise including a full itinerary (often arranged through specialized agencies) and a confirmed accommodation booking to speed up visa approval.

Processing times: Standard vs. Express

For advance travel planning, the Standard option offers processing within one to four weeks.

The Express option guarantees a visa issued within one business day—ideal for last-minute travel—but incurs an additional unspecified surcharge on final payment.

Travelers deemed ineligible for the digital format—such as those residing in restricted countries—must pursue the traditional route: submitting a physical dossier and scheduling an appointment at one of the few remaining Afghan consulates still operational. A government-issued application guide is available.