To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
148open jobs
57organisations hiring
51violent events in 3 months
199deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in increased democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 communist countercoup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. Internationally supported anti-communist mujahidin rebels forced the USSR to withdraw in 1989. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US and Allied military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Usama BIN LADIN.
A UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan, and he was reelected in 2009. Ashraf Ghani AHMADZAI succeeded him as president in 2014 following a disputed election. The Taliban conducted an insurgency for two decades against the Afghan Government and forces from the United States and other countries. In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement that led to the withdrawal of international forces in exchange for commitments on counterterrorism and other assurances. The Taliban took over Afghanistan on 15 August 2021.
The Taliban established an all-male interim leadership structure dominated by Pashtun clerics under the leadership of Haivatrullah AKHUNDZADA. The Taliban issued numerous edicts that constrained women's mobility, ability to study and work, and access to education beyond primary school. To date, no country has recognized the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.
theocratic; the United States does not recognize the Taliban Government
Afghanistan is under Taliban control.
The Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.
You may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.
The British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.
The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan may worsen the security situation. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.
Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.
current, reliable statistical data on ethnicity in Afghanistan are not available; Afghanistan's 2004 Constitution cited Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkman, Baluch, Pashaie, Nuristani, Aymaq, Arab, Qirghiz, Qizilbash, Gujur, and Brahwui ethnicities; Afghanistan has dozens of other small ethnic groups
Afghan Persian or Dari (official, lingua franca) 77%, Pashto (official) 48%, Uzbeki 11%, English 6%, Turkmani 3%, Urdu 3%, Pashaie 1%, Nuristani 1%, Arabic 1%, Balochi 1%, other <1% (2020 est.)
Muslim 99.7% (Sunni 84.7 - 89.7%, Shia 10 - 15%), other <0.3% (2009 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
low-income South Asian economy; economy stable after major contraction due to Taliban takeover, but recovery remains fragile; widespread poverty and obstacles to human development; import-reliant for food, fuel, and machinery; ongoing sanctions, suspended development aid, and frozen reserve assets
43.8 MPopulation2025
25.9 %Urban population2025
$417GDP per capita2024
1.9 %GDP growth2024
-6.6 %Inflation2024
13.4 %Unemployment2025
37.3 %Adult literacy2021
16.1 %Internet users2024
87.8 %Access to electricity2024
3,199,023internally displaced people2025
20,869refugees hosted2025
382asylum seekers2025
2,941,567refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
the Taliban claims authority over a Ministry of Defense and a National Army (aka Army of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Islamic Emirate Army, or Afghan Army); it has also formed police forces under a Ministry of Interior (2025)
Haqqani Network; Harakat ul-Mujahidin; Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami; Islamic Jihad Union (IJU); Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force; Jaish-e-Mohammed; Jaysh al Adl (Jundallah); Lashkar i Jhangvi; Lashkar-e Tayyiba; al-Qa’ida; al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS); Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Afghanistan | 46 | 147 |
| NRF | 10 | 15 |
| AFF | 9 | 71 |
| AUF | 7 | 3 |
| Government of Pakistan | 6 | 61 |
| Forces of Juma Khan Fateh | 3 | 15 |
| TTP | 3 | 50 |
| IS | 2 | 28 |
| Hazara | 1 | 1 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.
There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.
For more details about the risks in Afghanistan, see Safety and security.
You should not travel to Afghanistan. The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. There is a high risk of British nationals being detained or kidnapped, and terrorists often target places frequented by foreign nationals. The FCDO’s ability to provide assistance in Afghanistan is severely limited.
There are heighted tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including clashes in border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Support for British nationals is severely limited in Afghanistan. There is no British Embassy in Afghanistan and FCDO cannot give in-person consular assistance. If you are detained, the British government may not be informed.
If you are a British national in Afghanistan and need help from the UK government, you can:
If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 6 · August 26 · September 19
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badakhshan | 15 | 29 | 0 | ▲ up |
| Baghlan | 6 | 8 | 0 | new |
| Kabul | 6 | 3 | 3 | ▲ up |
| Kandahar | 4 | 11 | 6 | ▲ up |
| Ghor | 4 | 2 | 1 | new |
| Hirat | 3 | 0 | 0 | ▼ down |
| Kunar | 2 | 40 | 9 | ▼ down |
| Hilmand | 2 | 10 | 4 | new |
| Takhar | 2 | 1 | 1 | ▲ up |
| Nuristan | 1 | 65 | 0 | stable |
| Nangarhar | 1 | 25 | 0 | ▼ down |
| Laghman | 1 | 3 | 0 | new |
| Paktika | 1 | 1 | 1 | ▼ down |
| Badghis | 1 | 1 | 0 | new |
| Daykundi | 1 | 0 | 0 | new |
| Paktya | 1 | 0 | 0 | new |
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.
In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
Al-Qaida (AQ), a Daesh branch known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other militant groups have an active presence in Afghanistan. These groups hold strong anti-western views, which could make any British interest or person a target. Daesh (ISKP) continues to be a serious threat and is fiercely hostile to the UK, other western countries and some religious minority communities. Daesh (ISKP) and other groups also target NGOs and humanitarian organisations.
If you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, be aware that terrorists have a strong desire to target public places frequented by foreign nationals. This could include restaurants and hotels used by foreigners, such as the Serena in Kabul.
An attack on Kabul International Airport in August 2021 killed at least 183 people. Further attacks against aviation and airports are very likely.
ISKP have claimed responsibility for attacks in many types of location, including:
Diplomatic premises may be attacked to undermine Taliban claims of security.
It is likely that terrorists will conduct attacks at busy times of day, potentially coinciding with local or religious events or celebrations. In the past this has included attacks against:
Attacks in Afghanistan include roadside and suicide bombs either on foot or by vehicle, indirect rocket and mortar fire, direct fire, including shootings and rocket propelled grenades.
If you are in Afghanistan, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Keep others, including family and friends, informed of your travel plans. Any regular patterns of travel and behaviour could make you the target of an attack.
There is a very high threat of being kidnapped in Afghanistan.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
There are tour operators that offer travel and guided tours to Afghanistan. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
The risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to British nationals remain high.
Afghanistan is under Taliban control.
The Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.
You may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.
The British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.
The political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan may worsen the security situation. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.
Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.
Avoid demonstrations as they may turn violent and you may be arrested.
There is a significant risk the Taliban could detain British nationals.
The Taliban are suspicious of foreign nationals working or travelling in Afghanistan, including humanitarian workers and journalists, and it’s likely your work and movements will be closely monitored.
If you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years in prison without clarity about the charges.
The Taliban are likely to suspect you of spying and may detain you if you are found in possession of:
The risk of detention is especially high if you have worked in the military or have connections to previously detained British nationals.
If you are found guilty of spying or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution.
The Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion. Such actions are forbidden and can lead to severe penalties. The Taliban’s justice system includes lengthy imprisonment, lashings (including in public) and the death penalty.
The British government may not be notified if you are detained. There are considerable challenges in setting up contact or access. FCDO’s ability to get any information from the authorities could be severely limited, and you may not be able to contact your next of kin.
There is a risk of violent street crime and home invasion including armed robbery in Afghan cities. Make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.
There is a significant risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals for ransom.
Potential targets for kidnap include British tourists, British nationals working for international organisations, and British nationals of Afghan origin visiting friends and relatives.
Criminal groups will target anyone perceived to have money for extortion purposes. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. Criminal groups may kidnap victims by stopping cars on busy roads or targeting people who are withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. Kidnap victims are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using their cash cards. Incidents include a British dual national being kidnapped at gunpoint and a British national kidnapped while withdrawing money from a bank.
There are no formal internationally recognised structures or processes of law in Afghanistan and foreign nationals, including British nationals, have been detained without due process.
Afghanistan is an Islamic country. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK.
The Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion.
The Taliban have set codes of dress for men and women and strictly enforce them.
Women, including foreign nationals, must fully cover themselves in public. A woman must wear:
Men must dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing such as sleeveless shirts or shorts.
The Taliban have made it illegal for women to travel for more than 72km (44 miles) without being accompanied by their husband, father or brother (a ‘mahram’). Taliban officials regularly check transport and monitor public locations, including hospitals and schools. They can stop women from travelling, including leaving Afghanistan, and may penalise women in other ways, including detention, if they do not comply.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.
During this time, do not:
You are not allowed to use or bring into the country narcotics, alcohol or pork products. If you do, you could be arrested.
The Taliban have blocked, significantly slowed, or shut down landline, internet, and mobile services without warning in the past. This can be nationwide or localised. This can affect communication and location services on smartphones and other devices. You should:
Previous internet blackouts have also impacted flights and access to cash.
It may not be immediately clear whether taking photos could cause offence or suspicion. Avoid photographing local people without their agreement and pay close attention to local information and ways of doing things. Photographing certain buildings in Afghanistan is not allowed and may lead to detention, including:
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Taliban and has historically always been forbidden in Afghanistan.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Do not buy or try to export antiquities without getting a receipt from an authorised dealer. When you leave Afghanistan the authorities may ask for proof you bought the item. If you do not have a receipt, they could detain you, and you may get a fine or prison sentence.
If you travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, you may face problems with the authorities if you try to import foreign currency. It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash, but you may not be able to use foreign-issued bank cards at ATMs and local banks.
Some ATMs and many banks accept foreign-issued bank cards, with restrictions on the amount of cash you can withdraw. Check with local branches.
Some international money transfer services continue to operate in Afghanistan. However, payouts will be in local currency, even when the payee has requested foreign exchange.
Road travel is highly dangerous. FCDO advises against all travel around Afghanistan.
The situation at Afghanistan’s border crossings remains volatile. A number of borders remain closed and if opened, can close at short notice. There have been clashes between Afghan and neighbouring forces at some border crossings.
Kabul International Airport does not meet international aviation safety standards.
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Afghanistan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Consider signing up to the US Geological Survey global monitoring agency. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Heavy rain and winter snowfall can cause significant floods, particularly outside the capital. Heavy snowfall often causes avalanches in the mountains during the winter and spring. Afghanistan lacks emergency response infrastructure, so be prepared for any situation.
66.3yearsLife expectancy2024
53per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
521per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
17.8per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.32per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2023
80.8 %Basic drinking water access2024
Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. There is no guarantee local health practitioners will be available.
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
There are limited public ambulance services in Afghanistan. The telephone number for the ambulance service in Kabul is 102 and each province has a separate emergency number. If you need urgent attention, speak directly with a local medical practitioner and use local transport to get to hospital when safe to do so. Ambulances sent by hospitals may require payment or evidence of insurance before they treat you.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Afghanistan, including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Afghanistan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. There are serious shortages of some medicines in Afghanistan.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Afghanistan’s current rules for most common types of travel.
The authorities in Afghanistan set and enforce entry rules. A visa is required to enter Afghanistan. The Afghan embassy in London is closed.
If you decide to travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, check with your travel provider whether your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
On your departure, the Afghan authorities may ask for a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine.
For full details about medical entry and departure requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Afghanistan guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Afghanistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash. For more information, see ‘Money’ on ‘Safety and security’ page.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in AfghanistanFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
6 events · 3 deaths · 3 civilians
If you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, be aware that terrorists have a strong desire to target public places frequented by foreign nationals. This could include restaurants and hotels used by foreigners, such as the Serena in Kabul.
An attack on Kabul International Airport in August 2021 killed at least 183 people. Further attacks against aviation and airports are very likely.
15 events · 29 deaths
6 events · 8 deaths
1 event · 1 death · 1 civilian
4 events · 11 deaths · 6 civilians
4 events · 2 deaths · 1 civilian
3 events · 0 deaths
2 events · 40 deaths · 9 civilians
No organised violence recorded over the period.
1 event · 25 deaths
No organised violence recorded over the period.
2 events · 10 deaths · 4 civilians
2 events · 1 death · 1 civilian
1 event · 1 death
No organised violence recorded over the period.
1 event · 3 deaths
1 event · 65 deaths
1 event · 0 deaths
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.