Is Kabul safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Afghanistan

What the advice says

• The US State Department maintains a Level 4 - Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, its highest travel warning level, and this is a country-level rating rather than one specific to Kabul.
• The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, citing a high threat of terrorist attack from groups including Al-Qaida and the Islamic State Khorasan Province, which have targeted hotels, restaurants, and other places frequented by foreign nationals.
• There is a very high threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan, and British nationals, including tourists and aid workers, have been described as legitimate targets by the FCDO.
• The Taliban authorities have shown a significant risk of detaining foreign nationals, sometimes for months or years without clear charges, and have treated some visitors with suspicion of spying.
• Demonstrations and protests should be avoided, as the FCDO notes they may turn violent and carry a risk of arrest.
• Solo travelers and anyone moving around after dark should be especially cautious about predictable routines, since the FCDO notes that regular travel patterns can increase the risk of being targeted.
• These advisories reflect country-wide assessments rather than conditions specific to any single neighborhood or district within Kabul.