traveling to Afghanistan….
Every trip needs planning, but when you’re planning what I call, “outside of the box” travel then a little more time and effort is required. Any touristy trip is easy, but as I found out, a little more time is required when traveling to Afghanistan.
A Visa - Yes, you’re going to need to get one and those British Nationals of us sadly cant use the Afgan Embassy in London any more. It closed down a few years back. So you’ve got a couple of options here and they are United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and Pakistan (Islamabad and Peshawar). Thats your lot! Don’t think for a minute think that “VISA HQ” can get you one because they cant. They profess to but all they offer is advise at a cost of £90. Thats advice thats already available on line.
So, before you get to the stage of getting a visa, you’ll need a letter from an Afgan registered guide, in my case this this is Hamza. I’ll give you all his info etc in another post. He is the man to use though. Next download the visa from from here, https://afghanembassy.org.uk/application-forms/visa-application-form.pdf and follow the instructions as to want you need in addition to the form. The letter that Hamza provides will be sent to you a few days prior and you take that letter with your application in person to the Afgan Embassy in Dubai.
Dubai - whether your staying over night or just transiting, get to the Afgan Embassy first thing and queue. You have more chance of get your visa quickly. Most experiences Ive heard say that you can get you visa the same day or even within hours. Each application does vary though so dont quote me. Her’s ther located in Dubai
Villa 23 29B St - Al Jafiliya - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
One final note for you all. Check their opening times and the local national holidays too and get there early to make sure you can hopefully get your visa that day.
I hope the above has been helpful. RD