Multiple governments strongly advise against all travel to Afghanistan:

• U.S. State Department: “Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities.”
  
• Government of Canada: “Avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, and risk of kidnapping or detention.”
  
• UK Foreign Office: “You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous.”
  

👉 This guide explains only the legal driving permit requirements. It is not a recommendation to travel. Always check your government’s official travel advisories before making decisions.

• ✅ Convention Required: 1949 Geneva Convention IDP
• ❌ Not Accepted: 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs
• 📅 Validity: 1 year from issue date
• 🏠 Where to Get It: Only from your home country or trusted issuers like the International Drivers Association (IDA)
  💵 Cost: Starts at USD $69
  ⏱️ Processing Time: As fast as 8 minutes with IDA

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a stand-alone license. It is an official translation of your national driver’s license into multiple languages (including English, Arabic, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish).

It includes:

• Your photo and identity details
• A list of valid driving categories (cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses)
• Stamps and signatures from authorized issuing bodies
  

In Afghanistan, this translation is crucial at checkpoints, where officers may not speak English.

👉 With the International Drivers Association (IDA), every permit includes both the 1949 and 1968 formats in one booklet, giving you maximum acceptance in 240+ countries, not just Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic but never ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention.

⚠️ Reminder: You cannot obtain an IDP inside Afghanistan. It must be issued in your home country before travel.

👉 Even though Afghanistan only recognizes the 1949 format, IDA includes both conventions automatically, so you are covered for future trips to 240+ destinations.

You must carry all three:

• Passport + Afghan visa
• National driver’s license
• 1949 IDP (attached to your license)
  

At Checkpoints

• Expect document checks at Taliban and police posts.
• Officers may not speak English — your IDP helps bridge the gap.
• Stay calm, keep hands visible, and present documents slowly.
  

Enforcement by Region

• Kabul – Heavy checkpoints, multiple security zones
• Highways – Risk of fake checkpoints
• Rural areas – Unpredictable, minimal law enforcement
• Borders – Very strict, high scrutiny
  

📌 Disclaimer: These notes describe legal requirements only. They are not an endorsement to drive in Afghanistan. Always follow your government’s safety guidance.

The U.S. Embassy suspended operations in 2021 — there is no consular support for U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

Key Risks for Foreign Drivers

• Terrorism: Ongoing threats from armed groups
• Kidnapping: Foreigners are prime targets
• Detention: Risk of wrongful or arbitrary arrest
• Road Hazards: Land mines and unexploded ordnance still present
  

Infrastructure Challenges

• Limited paved roads outside cities
• Minimal signage (Dari/Pashto only)
• Sporadic fuel supply
• Emergency services unreliable

Given the risks, self-driving is not recommended. Consider:

1. Hiring a local driver – $50–150/day, must be vetted through trusted contacts.
2. NGO/diplomatic transport – Only for accredited personnel.
3. Public transport – Shared taxis exist, but unsafe and uninsured.

• 60 Days Before: Apply for IDP, check passport validity.
• 30 Days Before: Register with embassy’s travel program (e.g., STEP).
• 7 Days Before: Copy all documents, leave emergency contacts, arrange insurance.

📌 Insurance note: Many travel and car insurance policies exclude Afghanistan. Medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.

While Afghanistan officially accepts the 1949 IDP, the reality is stark:

• Security risks make self-driving extremely dangerous.
• Multiple governments issue “Do Not Travel” advisories.
  

If travel is unavoidable, ensure you carry a valid 1949 IDP. The International Drivers Association (IDA) can issue your dual-convention permit online in minutes, so you’re legally prepared for Afghanistan and 240+ other countries.

🚫 Final Recommendation: Reconsider driving plans. If you must go, prioritize security consultants, vetted drivers, and emergency insurance.