overview
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Dowlat-e Eslami-ye-Afghanestan
country information
Flag
capital
Kabul
DRIVING SIDE: Right
INTERNET CODE: .af
TIME ZONE: UTC + 4h30
COUNTRY CODE: +93
Neighbours
Pakistan
Iran
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
China
population
38 million
religion
Islam (99.7%)
Other (<1%)
president & parliament
Head of State: Pres. Ashraf Ghani
Ruling Party: Independent
minority & majority groups
Pashtun (42%), Tajik (27%), Hazara (9%), Uzbek (9%), Turkmen (3%), Baluchi (2%), Other (8%)
| The Risk Assessment Levels and Factor Matrix provides an overview of the main factors influencing the safety of expats in a host country.The Levels are based on internationally recognised colour codes and includes a description of each level, as well as preparatory interventions advised for each level.The factor matrix (further below), contains factors that influences the safety of expats as well as the stability of the host country. A total Risk level for the country is provided, based on the added average of the various categories (and rounded to the nearest whole number).The matrix and final score are provided to assist with gathering of information in order for individuals and organisations to make informed decisions and secure a level of preparedness related to the destination. By providing this matrix and score, the CRN in no manner either prohibits or encourages travel to a location. Every individual and organisation makes their own decisions whether to travel or not, and does so completely at their own risk. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Assessment Levels: | |||||||
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Level Type | Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | ||
| Level Description | Little to no impact on expats [i] | Some variables exist, but situation is predictable | Several variables exist and the situation is unpredictable | Conditions exist that are unsafe and situation is unpredictable | Constant and serious threats exist and situation is hostile | ||
| Preparatory Interventions [ii] | – Research country – Travel insurance | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training -Hostage training – Contingency plans – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and Insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced Security training – Contingency and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced security training – Contingencies and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | ___________________________________________________________________
i Expat is a person living in a country other than their native country ii. Preparatory Interventions can include Personal or Advanced Safety Training, Hostage Event training, Contingencies and Evacuation plans and Crisis Management Team (CMT) training. The reason for travelling will determine the type of training – e.g. Global Journalist Security Training focuses on needs of human rights defenders, etc. Individuals or organisations must pursue preparatory measures and content of training suited to their mandate and needs. iii. Note to the reader: When the score for WAR is a 5, it will affect several of the other categories and it becomes the main factor to consider when preparing and travelling to the area. | |
LANGUAGE
Dari / Pashtu
Hello: (As-salâmo ‘alaykom) ااسال م عليكم
Yes: (Bale) بله
No: (Ne) نه
Thank you: (Tašakor) تشكر
C U R R E N C Y &
E X C H A N G E R AT E
Afghan Afghani
1 USD = 76,47 Afghan Afghani
1 ZAR = 4,59 Afghan Afghani
Subject to change
VACCINATIONS
No compulsory vaccinations
Recommended:
Routine vaccines, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B
ELECTRICITY
Voltage Requirements: 220 V
Standard Frequency:
50 Hz
Power plugs & sockets are of type C and type F
Energy in Afghanistan is primarily provided by hydropower. According to the World Bank, approx. 84.1% of Afghanistan’s population has access to electricity. Some rural areas, however, may not get 24-hour electricity but this will change once the major CASA-1000 project is completed in 2020.
TEMPERATURE
Winter: min. -1 °C – max. 12 °C
Summer: min. 22 °C – max. 39°C
For more climate info, see: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/afghanistan
DIPLOMATIC TIES / AIRPORTS / CARRIERS / NGO’S
EMBASSY / CONSULAR PRESENCE
There is no South African Embassy
South Africans use the British Embassy
British Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan
15th Street, Roundabout Wazir Akbar Khan
P.O. Box 334
Kabul
Afghanistan
Office hours: Sunday-Thursday: 08:30-16:30
Head of Mission: Mr Nicholas Kay, Ambassador
(+93) (0) 700 102 000
For more info, visit the website: https://www.embassypages.com
MAIN AIRPORT(S)
Hamid Karzai Kabul International Airport
Mazar-e Sharif International Airport (serves northern Afghanistan)
Kandahar International Airport (serves the southern parts of the country)
Herat International Airport (serves the population of western Afghanistan)
For more information, visit: http://www.afghanlogisticstours.com/contacts.php
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Standard Requirements
- Passport with 6 months validity after the expiry of the Afghan Visa;
- Passport photo;
- Filled out Afghanistan Visa application form
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & CARRIERS
Kam Air
Ariana Airlines
Safi Airways
NGO’S OPERATING IN COUNTRY & CONTACT DETAILS
There are 2402 registered Local NGOs; 293 International NGOs. Since 2013, there have been 3075 registered associations.
ACBAR, the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief & Development
Afghan independent body bringing together 155 national and international NGOs working in Afghanistan and abiding by the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanity.
Contact: [email protected]
International Committee of the Red Cross Afghanistan
Website: https://www.icrc.org
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
202 East Avenue, Arcadia, PRETORIA
+27 12 437 335/6/7
Climates to Travel. Climate – Afghanistan. Available from: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/afghanistan
Minority Rights Group International: World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. Available from:
https://minorityrights.org/country/afghanistan/
World Atlas. What is the currency of Aghanistan? Available from: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-currency-of-afghanistan.html
Last Updated 20 April 2020