Travel Report for Afghanistan

Country Profile for
Afghanistan

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 29, 2006 15:58 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:56 EST

Afghanistan

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 11 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to this country. Canadians in this country should leave. (IDW1)

The threat to foreign nationals, including Canadians, from terrorist and criminal violence in

Afghanistan

is high and insurgency attacks are not expected to diminish in the near future. There is also a significant risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Military and international police action in Afghanistan by coalition countries, including Canada, continues.

Canada

assumed command of coalition forces in southern

Afghanistan

in March 2006 and is supporting security sector reform and local governance through our Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar province.

Remnants of the former Taliban regime, the terrorist al-Qaeda network, as well as criminal groups remain active in various areas. The justice sector is underdeveloped. Afghan security forces depend heavily on assistance from international security forces.

The security situation remains extremely volatile and unpredictable. There have been a number of attacks against the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ISAF, coalition forces, and foreign nationals. On May 29, 2006, widespread rioting, looting, and gun related violence broke out in Kabul following a motor vehicle incident between a Coalition Forces convoy and local vehicles. The backlash targeted foreigners and several buildings belonging to NGOs and Embassies were attacked. Several buildings were burned and several shootings occurred across the city, including in areas inhabited and frequented by foreigners. For several hours it remained unsafe to be on the streets. For several days, curfews were in effect.

Millions of landmines throughout the countryside pose a threat. No area can be considered safe.

Canadians contemplating travel despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks. Canadians in Afghanistan should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, exercise extreme caution, particularly in public areas frequented by foreigners (hotels, restaurants, shops and market place), avoid crowds and demonstrations, and monitor local developments closely.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

There is a continuing threat of terrorist actions, including attacks using vehicles, improvised explosive devices and other forms of bombs. There have been numerous attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, journalists, foreign interests, and foreign nationals throughout the country. Foreigners have been killed, kidnapped, and/or held hostage.

Crime is a serious concern. Foreigners have been victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. Visitors should not display signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. You should avoid travelling at night.

Canadians in Afghanistan whose emergency contingency plan involves an evacuation to a third country by air or road are strongly advised to maintain a valid visa for that country.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving conditions are poor. Traffic laws are non-existent or not enforced. Women do not typically drive vehicles. Overland travel outside Kabul is extremely dangerous. Military and police forces are limited in rural areas. Banditry by armed groups is common. Warlords control many areas. Road travel should be carefully planned and only undertaken with others. Do not travel after dark. Kabul airport is operational and is serviced by several international airlines. Afghan airspace is controlled by coalition forces.

Travel on flights operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines is strongly discouraged. Reports indicate that this airline does not meet international standards and has been banned from landing in Europe. On occasion, Ariana has been suspended from operating in the United Arab Emirates due to lax safety standards.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Afghanistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Kabul (see Section 7 below), in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Homosexuality is illegal, as are extramarital affairs. Convicted offenders will be severely punished.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Promoting any religion other than Islam is illegal and subject to severe punishment. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006. This date is subject to change as

Afghanistan

follows its own lunar calendar.

Photographing government buildings, military installations, and palaces is prohibited. Photographing coalition or ISAF patrols may result in the seizure of camera equipment and/or film. You should request permission before taking photographs of local residents.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Afghanistan - KABUL, Embassy of Canada
Address: Street No. 15, House No. 256, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel.: 93 (0) 799 742 800
Fax: 93 (0) 799 742 805
E-mail: kabul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, you may call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Afghan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 25, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Afghanistan and its consulate, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Afghanistan. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa before arrival.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians have been denied entry into Afghanistan because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the afghani (AFN). The economy operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted. U.S. dollars are accepted but should be recent and in good condition. ATMs are beginning to appear in Kabul but their reliability is questionable.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Afghanistan (capital: Kabul) is located in south-central Asia, bordered by Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Pakistan, and Iran. The official languages are Pashtu and Dari. Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas. Food and water shortages are common. Accommodations are limited.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the status of poliovirus transmission globally. Until 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries. Polio has since been eradicated in many parts of the world.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Canadians considering travel should understand that health services here are significantly substandard. The medical facilities are not appropriately sanitized and patients requiring medical treatment for incisions or wounds are at significant risk for infection. Medical evacuation is rarely possible due to a lack of companies willing to service Afghanistan. Evacuation on military flights is impossible. Travellers are strongly recommended to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Insurance should cover emergency expenses, such as medical evacuation.

Pregnant women should not travel to Afghanistan under any circumstances. Delivering babies in this environment and in the available medical facilities puts both mother and child at significant risk for infection, disease, or death due in part to the bacterial environment as well as medical techniques, lack of facilities, equipment, and medication available.

Prescription medicine is not available; travellers should bring sufficient supplies for their length of stay.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. You should not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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