Afghanistan
Last update 16 January 2025Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 5: Leave immediately/ avoid all travels
5
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The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Embassy of Afghanistan in Sofia
Address: 1700 Sofia, Simeonovsko Shose 57, Residence 3
Tel: +359 2 962 51 93
Fax: +359 2 962 74 86
Opening hours: 09.00 - 16.00
Consular Department
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs, 09.30 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00
E-mail: [email protected]
As of 15 August 2021, the direct diplomatic presence of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has been suspended due to the takeover of the country by the Taleban Movement and the withdrawal of the international security forces in Afghanistan.
For consular and visa services, citizens may apply to the Embassies of the Republic of Bulgaria in Delhi (Republic of India), Islamabad (Islamic Republic of Pakistan) or Tehran (Islamic Republic of Iran).
General information
Security level:
It is not recommended to carry out visits, individual or collective, to Afghanistan except in case of extreme necessity.
In 2021, the international security forces in Afghanistan withdrew from the country and the Taleban Movement took power. The new regime is not officially recognised by any country, including Bulgaria. Our country adheres to the common European policy of respecting the Five Principles of Engagement adopted by a decision of the EU Council in September 2021.
The security situation in Afghanistan continues to be complex and unpredictable, and the terrorist threat remains high. The risk of attacks and kidnappings, including of foreign tourists, remains high. Potentially dangerous locations include public and administrative buildings with large concentrations of people, offices of international and non-governmental organisations. Criminal groups are active throughout the country, especially in major cities such as Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kandahar, etc., engaging in extortion and kidnapping of wealthy businessmen and foreign nationals.
Moving around, especially during the dark part of the day, without a guard or escort is dangerous. The danger is heightened in the border areas with Pakistan and Tajikistan, where there is a greater concentration of supporters of the Islamic State, Al-Qaida and Tehreek-e Taliban-Pakistan terrorist organisations.
Although the Taleban Movement's interim government officially claims to be making efforts to combat corruption, the country still sees widespread implementation of this practice.
Specific local legislation:
Local laws and customs should be observed in Afghanistan. When in the country, the strict requirements of dress and behaviour in Islamic countries should be observed, especially with regard to women, who must necessarily wear headscarves and long and wide upper garments covering the entire body. According to a newly adopted law, women should not raise their voices in public and should move with a male escort. It is advisable to avoid displaying proximity in public places.
Failure to comply with Islamic norms of behaviour and dress in Afghanistan can lead to serious consequences such as fines, physical punishment and imprisonment. Compliance with the requirements and prohibitions imposed by the Taleban on women is closely monitored by Ministry officials to promote virtue and prevent vice.
During your stay in Afghanistan, you fall under the jurisdiction of the Afghan judicial system and law. You are advised to inform yourself about them in advance and to comply with them.
Penalties for violating local laws can be much more severe than those in the Republic of Bulgaria for the same offence
Customs requirements:
In Afghanistan, the import, sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited and punishable by law. Works of art and objects of antiquarian value are confiscated if they are attempted to be exported from the country. The customs authorities may also apply more severe punitive measures.
All medicines must be in their original packaging and checked to see if any are considered illegal drugs in Afghanistan. If you use such substances, carry a copy of a doctor's prescription confirming this fact.
Road traffic:
You cannot drive in Afghanistan without an original Afghan driving licence for a car or other vehicle. Driving a vehicle with foreign license plates is not recommended. It is necessary to familiarise yourself with local traffic regulations.
In Afghanistan, you are subject to monetary fines or a judicial investigation if you violate traffic laws, mainly in the event of a traffic accident or crash in which local citizens are injured.
Insurance:
It is advisable to take out health, travel, travel or other insurance in Afghanistan in advance.
Local currency:
The local currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan afghan (AFN). In limited places in the capital and major cities it is
It is possible to make purchases and payment is made in US dollars or euros. Payment by bank card is not common, so it is necessary to have sufficient cash ready.
Climate:
Due to its geographical location, the country often experiences severe weather conditions and natural disasters such as floods and strong earthquakes. When visiting remote and mountainous areas, travel should be undertaken with adequate preparation.
Travel papers and visas
The Embassy of Afghanistan in Sofia issues visas to foreign nationals, which are recognised as valid by the Afghan authorities.
Your passport must have at least one blank page so that the entry visa can be affixed to it. There should be no other visa stamps on the back of this page other than the border control stamps.
When entering the country by land, check in advance whether the border post you wish to pass through is open, as they are often closed for various reasons.