Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Afghanistan...
Summary
We strongly advise you not to travel to Afghanistan because of the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack.
If you are in Afghanistan, you should consider leaving. Australians who decide to remain in Afghanistan should ensure that they have personal security measures in place.
The Afghan Government recently named a number of potential terrorist targets facing heightened threat of attack. These include, but are not limited to: embassies and aid agencies run by foreign governments; the Serena, Intercontinental and Safi Landmark hotels; the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the National Directorate of Security; girls’ hostels at Kabul University and Medical University; and a guest house used by the United Nations on Kolola Pushta Road.
We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets including places frequented by foreigners. These reports include threats against identifiably Western institutions, organisations and individuals and information about a potentially heightened threat of attack on days of national significance. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas such as hotels (including the Intercontinental and Serena hotels in Kabul), restaurants, clubs, marketplaces and Kabul airport and non-governmental organisation (NGO) premises. Multinational forces, Western embassies and Afghan government buildings and political figures are also targets for attack.
Unconfirmed sources have indicated that terrorists are planning to target the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul. The specific timeframe is unknown, but some of the terrorists involved in the plot are believed to already be in Kabul and an attack could take place in the coming days.
On 14 January 2008, terrorists attacked the Serena Hotel in Kabul using small arms fire and explosives. Credible reporting indicates there is a renewed and ongoing terrorist threat to the Serena Hotel. Australians are strongly advised to continue to avoid the Serena Hotel and its surrounds at this time. Australian Embassy officials have been instructed to avoid all non-essential local movement at this time. Recent credible information indicates that terrorists may be planning to attack another major hotel in Kabul. For consular assistance, you should call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Due to a deterioration in security in the provinces surrounding Kabul, travel by road from Kabul by foreigners, including Australians, has been restricted by the Afghan government to those with armed security. If travelling by road, you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides.
We continue to receive a stream of credible reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks along roads in and around Kabul. You should avoid non-essential road travel in Kabul City and avoid travelling on Jalalabad and Airport (Great Massoud) roads due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. Australian government officials are advised not to travel on Jalalabad and Airport roads unless essential.
Credible reports indicate terrorists may be planning attacks against Western civilians in Ghazni City.
Since September 2006 there has been a significant upsurge in the number of serious terrorist incidents, including suicide bombings and the detonation of improvised explosive devices in Kabul and Kandahar. Further attacks are expected.
There is a continuing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners, including journalists and those working for NGOs. Since the start of 2007, there have been numerous incidents of kidnap involving foreign nationals, including 23 South Korean aid workers. Westerners, including employees of NGOs and international organisations, are expected to continue to be targeted for violence, while media reports suggest terrorists plan to kidnap and kill more foreign nationals. Be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, including from western countries.
Unexploded landmines and other ordnance are a danger throughout Afghanistan.
Demonstrations resulting in deaths and injuries have occurred in Kabul You should avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and minor disputes that may occur as they have the potential to escalate and become violent. You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about new possible safety and security risks.
Security arrangements for Australian Embassy staff in Kabul are at a high level at all times.
We strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency.
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Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Afghanistan because of the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack. If you are in Afghanistan you should consider leaving. Australians who decide to remain in Afghanistan should ensure that they have personal security measures in place.
An international coalition has been conducting a military campaign to restore stability to Afghanistan since October 2001 against al-Qaeda and Taliban operatives. The security situation throughout Afghanistan, particularly in the south of the country, remains extremely dangerous. There is a high threat to Westerners from terrorist and criminal violence, including suicide bombings and kidnappings.
Afghanistan is not safe for tourism.
We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets including places frequented by foreigners. These reports include threats against identifiably Western institutions, organisations and individuals and information about a potentially heightened threat of attack on days of national significance.
The Afghani Government recently named a number of potential terrorist targets. These include but are not limited to: embassies and aid agencies run by foreign governments; the Serena, Intercontinental and Safi Landmark hotels; the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the National Directorate of Security; girls’ hostels at Kabul University and Medical University; and a guest house used by the United Nations on Kolola Pushta Road.
Unconfirmed sources have indicated that terrorists are planning to target the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul. The specific timeframe is unknown, but some of the terrorists involved in the plot are believed to already be in Kabul and an attack could take place in the coming days.
On 14 January 2008, terrorists attacked the Serena Hotel in Kabul using small arms fire and explosives. The number of people killed and injured is yet to be confirmed. Credible reporting indicates there is renewed and ongoing terrorist threat to the Serena Hotel. Australians are strongly advised to continue to avoid the Serena Hotel and its surrounds at this time. Recent credible information indicates that terrorists may be planning to attack another major hotel in Kabul. The Australian Embassy is temporarily closed to the public. See Where to Get Help for further details. Australian Embassy officials have been instructed to avoid all non-essential local movement at this time.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas such as hotels (including the Intercontinental and Serena hotels in Kabul), restaurants, clubs, markets, shops, Kabul airport and non-government organisation (NGO) premises. Multinational forces, Western embassies and Afghan government buildings and political figures are also targets for attack. Suicide bombers have targeted security personnel. Recent attacks have occurred near the Kabul Police Headquarters, on a police bus and on an Afghan National Army bus. Dozens of people have been killed.
We continue to receive a stream of credible reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks along roads in and around Kabul. You should avoid non-essential road travel in Kabul City and avoid travelling on Jalalabad and Airport (Great Massoud) roads due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. Australian government officials are advised not to travel on Jalalabad and Airport roads unless essential. Suicide bombers in vehicles have attacked convoys near Kabul International Airport. On 13 March 2008, a suicide bomber attacked Multinational forces near the airport, killing at least eight civilians and wounding more than 20. In May 2007, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed two people travelling on Jalalabad Road, Kabul.
Credible reports indicate terrorists may be planning attacks against Western civilians in Ghazni City. Attacks could take place anywhere in Afghanistan, including centres such as Kabul, Kandahar and Bagram.
Since early September 2006, there has been a significant upsurge in the number of serious terrorist incidents in Afghanistan, including suicide bombings and the detonation of improvised explosive devices in Kabul and Kandahar. These have killed and injured a large number of people, including civilian foreign nationals. Many of the recent attacks have targeted international vehicle convoys. On 8 October 2007, an Australian soldier was killed when the armoured vehicle he was driving was hit by a roadside bomb in Oruzgan Province. Continuing violence, including further suicide attacks, is expected. Attacks could occur anywhere, anytime.
The United Nations has suspended road missions in many parts of the country. Warlords control many areas and overland travel is dangerous. Taliban and al-Qaeda members remain in some parts of the country thereby creating a significant security risk. If travelling by road, you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides.
There is a continuing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners, including journalists and those working for non-government organisations (NGOs) Kidnappings of foreign nationals for political and criminal reasons are increasingly common in Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Foreign aid workers and journalists have been kidnapped and killed. Westerners, including employees of NGOs and international organisations, are expected to continue to be targeted for violence. Media reports suggest terrorists plan to kidnap and kill more foreign nationals. Credible reports indicate that terrorists are planning to lure Western journalists to Afghanistan with offers of interviews in order to take them hostage.
Since the start of 2007, there have been numerous incidents of kidnap involving foreign nationals. In July 2007, 23 South Korean aid workers were kidnapped from a bus in Ghazni Province. Twenty-one were released six weeks later. Two were killed. Be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, including from Western countries.
Security arrangements for Australian Embassy staff in Kabul are at a high level at all times.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
You should avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and minor disputes that may occur as they have the potential to escalate and become violent. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed local advice. You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about new possible safety and security risks. In the past, demonstrations have resulted in deaths and injuries and have affected areas frequented by foreigners, including the diplomatic quarter, the presidency and US and NATO bases. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders. The release of this film is expected to provoke violent anti-Dutch and possibly anti-Western reaction.
Anti-government groups have undertaken terrorist acts against members of the Afghanistan Government, including the assassination of the Governor of Paktia Province in September 2006 and a prominent upper house member of parliament in May 2007.
Crime
There is a high level of serious crime in Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul. Armed robbery, rape and car-jacking are common and the level of gun ownership is high.
You should stay indoors after dark.
Local Travel
Due to a deterioration in security in the provinces surrounding Kabul, travel by road from Kabul by foreigners, including Australians, has been restricted by the Afghan government to those with armed security.
Travel outside Kabul should only be to properly secured workplaces. You should avoid unnecessary road travel in Kabul City. If travelling by road, you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. You should consider permanent armed protection, though even these precautions cannot guarantee personal safety. Car-jacking is also a problem.
Banditry in rural areas by armed groups is common.
Unexploded landmines and other ordnance are a danger throughout Afghanistan.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. There is a small number of ATMs in Kabul. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not widely accepted
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in Afghanistan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Death sentences are imposed for murder and other serious offences.
Homosexuality is illegal.
Preaching (non-Islamic), infidelity and abandoning religion (Islam) are considered serious crimes. Penalties are severe.
You can be detained and your equipment could be seized for photographing any military installation (regardless of which nation operates it), government buildings and palaces. Signs prohibiting photography should be strictly obeyed. You should ask permission before photographing local people.
Regulations governing the import and use of prohibited items, including alcohol and pork products, are strictly enforced.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Local Customs
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Afghanistan and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Foreign men and women should dress modestly in public and ensure their legs are covered. Women should also cover their arms, while men may wear short-sleeved shirts. Local women cover their hair in public. Foreign women should use their judgement when deciding whether to follow suit.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should not eat, drink or smoke in public during these times.
Public displays of affection cause offence.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan for the most up to date information.
If you are planning to travel to and from Afghanistan via Pakistan be sure to obtain a multiple entry for Pakistan, otherwise it will be necessary to obtain another entry visa from the Pakistani embassy in Kabul, which could lead to your travel plans being delayed.
It is difficult to renew passports from Afghanistan. If you are in Afghanistan and require a new passport, be sure to contact the Australian Embassy in Kabul well in advance of your passport expiring or running out of pages.
Health Issues
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities are limited throughout Afghanistan, including Kabul. The standard of training for medical staff is low, while sanitation and hygiene are poor. There is a shortage of basic medical supplies and medicines. Several private medical clinics in Kabul may be used for routine health issues. Clinics will request up-front payment for all medical treatment. In the event of a serious accident or illness, a medical evacuation would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
Malaria is prevalent in Afghanistan, particularly between April and September, except in areas above 2000 metres. Chloroquine resistant strains are prevalent in some areas. Other insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis) are common. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, measles, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, polio, pertussis and rabies) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to discuss the need for vaccinations with your doctor before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
This Advice was issued on Friday, 04 April 2008, 09:02:44, EST.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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