Afghanistan

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We strongly advise you not to travel to Afghanistan because of the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack. If you are in Afghanistan, you should consider leaving. Australians who decide to remain in Afghanistan should ensure that they have personal security measures in place and have contingency plans ready in case they need to suddenly leave the country. You should monitor local information sources for details about the safety and security environment.

An international coalition has been conducting a military campaign to restore stability to Afghanistan since October 2001. The security situation throughout Afghanistan, particularly in the south and east of the country, remains extremely dangerous.

Militants continue to plan and carry out significant attacks in major cities.

Serious terrorist incidents, including suicide bombings and other bomb attacks, occur regularly in Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Some attacks have used multiple, consecutive explosions. A large number of people, including civilian foreign nationals, have been killed. Many attacks have targeted international convoys. Australian soldiers have been killed and injured in roadside bomb attacks in Uruzgan Province. Insurgent attacks, including suicide attacks, should be expected throughout the country. Attacks could occur anywhere, anytime.

There has been an increase in the number of major attacks in Kabul in the last year, including in the most heavily fortified areas of the capital.

Recent attacks include:

• 20 September 2011, Professor Rabbani a former president of Afghanistan and a leader in peace negotiations, was killed by a suicide bomber in his home;
• On 13 September 2011, militants conducted attacks against the United States Embassy and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters. At least 7 people were killed and 19 wounded;
• On 19 August 2011, militants conducted a complex attack involving two suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and a number of armed militants against the British Council Complex.

Other recent incidents in Kabul include attacks against a supermarket frequented by foreigners and a police station. Suicide bombers have frequently targeted Afghan and foreign military and security forces throughout the country. These attacks show that there is no room for complacency regarding personal security in any part of Afghanistan, including well-defended international facilities, and in the most heavily protected areas of the city.

On 28 July 2011, an attack on the compound of the Uruzgan Governor and a private security contractor in Tarin Kowt reportedly killed 22 people. In August 2010, ten members of a medical team from the Christian aid group International Assistance Mission were killed in Badakhshan province. Eight foreigners were among those killed in the attack. In September 2010, a British aid worker was also kidnapped and subsequently killed in the rescue attempt. These incidents underscore the risks associated with working and travelling in Afghanistan.

The United Nations continues to operate in Afghanistan, but, on occasion, can withdraw or relocate international staff from some areas in response to security incidents.

Terrorist targets: We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets including places frequented by foreigners, airports, hotels, media centres, military installations and Afghan Government buildings. Recent reporting suggests diplomatic premises and convoys may be particular targets. Reports include threats against identifiably Western institutions, organisations and individuals and information about a potentially heightened threat of attack on days of national significance, such as Victory Day (28 April).

All major hotels in Kabul continue to be attractive targets for terrorists. Credible reporting indicates there are ongoing threats to the Serena and Intercontinental Hotels. On 28 June 2011, a group of militants attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, killing a number of civilians and Afghan security forces. The Serena Hotel in Kabul has also been attacked in the past. Australians are strongly advised to continue to avoid the Serena and Intercontinental Hotels and their surroundings.

The Afghan Government has named a number of potential terrorist targets. These include but are not limited to: embassies and aid agencies run by foreign governments; the Serena, Intercontinental and Safi Landmark hotels; the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the National Directorate of Security; girls’ hostels at Kabul University and Medical University.

Credible reports suggest terrorists may be targeting journalists, including Australians, in Afghanistan. Australian journalists and NGO workers should review personal security arrangements.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible terrorist targets also include commercial and public areas such as restaurants, clubs, markets, shops, hotels and guesthouses, places of worship, landmarks, Kabul International Airport, regional airports, transport infrastructure, embassies and NGO premises. Military premises, multinational forces, multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, and Afghan Government buildings and political figures are also targets for attack.

Attacks on roads: We continue to receive a stream of credible reporting indicating that terrorists are planning attacks on vehicles travelling along roads in and around Kabul.

You should avoid travelling on Jalalabad and Airport (Great Massoud) Roads due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. You are strongly advised not to travel at night. Suicide bombers in vehicles have attacked convoys near Kabul International Airport.

Overland travel is dangerous. Taliban and al-Qa'ida members remain in some parts of the country thereby creating a significant security risk. Fake checkpoints have been used to launch attacks. See also the Local Travel section below.

Kidnapping: There is a continuing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners, including journalists and those working for NGOs and foreign companies. Kidnappings of foreign nationals for political and criminal reasons are common in Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Foreign aid workers and journalists have been kidnapped and killed. Westerners, including employees of NGOs and international organisations, are expected to continue to be targeted.

Be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, including from Western countries.

For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

Advice to Embassy Staff: Security arrangements for Australian Embassy staff in Kabul are at a high level at all times

On 1 April 2011 a large violent protest erupted in Mazar e-Sharif and the UNAMA office in Balkh province was attacked, resulting in a number of casualties. There is the potential for further violent demonstrations elsewhere in Afghanistan including the possibility of further attacks on the UN.

Demonstrations, political violence and insurgent attacks may occur in response to political developments. People, places and events associated with the political process could be attractive terrorist targets. Anti-government groups have undertaken terrorist acts against members of the Afghanistan Government. Government officials have been assassinated.

Australians should avoid demonstrations, political rallies, public gatherings and minor disputes as they could escalate and become violent, resulting in deaths and injuries. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors, monitor local information sources and heed the advice of authorities.

In the past, violent demonstrations have occurred in areas frequented by foreigners, including the diplomatic quarter and ISAF bases.

International events and political developments in the region may trigger demonstrations in Afghanistan.

There is a high level of serious crime in Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul.

Armed robbery, rape and carjacking occur and the level of weapon ownership is high.

Lawlessness exists in rural areas.Banditry and kidnapping by armed groups is common.

You should stay indoors after dark.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. There are a small number of ATMs in Kabul. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not widely accepted.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Due to safety concerns, Australian officials do not travel on domestic and international services provided by Ariana Airlines. Australian officials also avoid international travel with Kam Air. All Afghan airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace in 2010 due to safety concerns.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Afghanistan and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Foreign men and women should dress modestly in public and ensure their legs are covered. Women should also cover their arms, while men may wear short-sleeved shirts. Local women and girls usually cover their hair in public. Female visitors should use their judgement when deciding whether to do likewise.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should not eat, drink or smoke in public during these times.

Public displays of affection may cause offence.

Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Flooding and landslides can occur with little warning between March and May. Some mountainous areas are subject to deadly winter avalanches. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.