{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624893,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:33"}},"data":{"country-iso":"AF","advisory-state":3,"has-advisory-warning":1,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Afghanistan","url-slug":"afghanistan","friendly-date":"February 26, 2014 14:25 ","advisory-text":"AVOID ALL TRAVEL","recent-updates":"The Security tab was updated - elections.","advisories":"
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to Afghanistan, due to the unstable security situation, ongoing insurgency, terrorist attacks, the risk of kidnapping and a high crime rate. If you choose to travel to Afghanistan despite this warning, you are taking a serious risk. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad<\/a> (ROCA) service and include personal and professional contact details. If you are already in Afghanistan, you should leave. The Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan's ability to provide consular and other support throughout the country is very limited.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n Afghanistan is not a safe environment for personal travel. Attempting any form of travel, including adventure or recreational, in this very hazardous security environment would place you and others at grave risk of injury, death or abduction. Insurgents continue to attempt to destabilize the current political system through acts of terrorism and kidnapping. Foreigners whose country of origin has contributed to the International Security Assistance Force, including Canadians, are preferred targets for terrorist attacks and kidnapping. Criminals, taking advantage of the unstable security situation, are also committing violent attacks and kidnapping travellers. The Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan's ability to provide consular and other support throughout the country is very limited.<\/p>\n Terrorism is a continuous threat throughout Afghanistan. The threat to foreigners, including Canadians, from terrorist and criminal violence is extremely high. Numerous attacks have occurred in reputable public areas, as well as against Afghan and international institutions. Attacks in Kabul occur often and are completely unpredictable. Terrorists’ targets include hotels, embassies, government buildings, and locations known to employ or be frequented by Westerners. No location in Afghanistan can be considered safe or exempt from the threat of attack. Be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and on days of national significance. A surge in violent incidents may occur in the period surrounding the presidential elections, which are scheduled to take place on April 5, 2014.<\/p>\n Tactics used by terrorists include Suicide bombs, rockets, improvised explosive devices, armed assaults, and ambushes. Exercise extreme caution at all times, particularly in public areas frequented by foreigners -such as hotels, restaurants, shops and marketplaces- and in the vicinity of public buildings, embassies and foreign companies’ headquarters.<\/p>\n There is an extreme risk of kidnapping for foreign nationals throughout Afghanistan. Numerous Westerners, including journalists and non-governmental organization workers, have been kidnapped and in some cases killed. Several organizations are behind these kidnappings, among them terrorists and criminal gangs. Kidnapping for ransom has become a very lucrative market in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that journalists may be lured to Afghanistan with offers of interviews, when the real purpose is to kidnap them.<\/p>\n Violent attacks against foreigners occur, including armed robbery and rape. Carjacking and robbery also occur. Weapons are easily available.<\/p>\n Demonstrations, including anti-Western demonstrations, and civil unrest sometimes occur throughout Afghanistan. Some demonstrations have become violent, causing deaths and injuries. Political and socio-economic issues are usually causes for protests.<\/p>\n Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n Millions of landmines throughout the countryside pose a threat. No area can be considered safe.<\/p>\n Overland travel outside of Kabul is extremely dangerous, and is restricted by the Afghan government to those who have armed security. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in order to commit attacks.<\/p>\n Road travel should be carefully planned and only undertaken with others. Military and police forces are limited in rural areas. Banditry by armed groups is common. Many areas are controlled by warlords.<\/p>\n Driving conditions are poor. Traffic is chaotic because traffic laws are non-existent or not enforced.<\/p>\n Confirm your flight with your airline before going to the airport as the airport can close on short notice.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Tourism is strongly discouraged.<\/p>\n The security situation remains extremely volatile and unpredictable. If you must travel to Afghanistan, be extremely confident in your security arrangements; assess the risks of travelling before undertaking any trip, even in Kabul; monitor local developments closely; and register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kabul. Carefully follow messages issued by the Embassy of Canada in Kabul through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Due to the unpredictable security situation, Canadian authorities may not be in a position to provide consular assistance in remote areas.<\/p>\n Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas.<\/p>\n Food and water shortages are common.<\/p>\n Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.<\/p>\n Do not travel at night.<\/p>\n Dial 119 in Kabul for a 24-hour emergency service.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Afghan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Afghanistan<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Afghanistan.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Afghanistan.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required If your emergency contingency plan involves an evacuation to a third country by air or road, maintain a valid visa for that country.<\/p>\n You may be denied entry into Afghanistan if your passport holds: (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 that you entered from Israel.<\/p>\n Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThere is a risk of polio<\/a> in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>
<\/p>","security":"Terrorism<\/h3>\n
Kidnapping<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Landmines<\/h3>\n
Road travel<\/h3>\n
Air travel<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required<\/p>\nChildren and travel<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Polio<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>