FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan
Good to knowThe UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the entire country; driving here is not realistic for UK/EU visitors and consular support is severely limited.
FCDO advice← All country guides
Country driving guide · 2026
Driving in Afghanistan
Everything UK and EU drivers need before crossing the border into Afghanistan: 9 legal requirements + 6 other things worth knowing.
9
Required
2
Recommended
4
Good to know
Tick before you go
Pre-departure checklist for Afghanistan
9 legal must-haves. Print it, tick them off, throw it in the glovebox.
1949 Geneva IDP required
Afghanistan recognises the 1949 Geneva International Driving Permit alongside a valid national licence and passport; the 1968 Vienna IDP is not formally recognised.
Source: IDP info →Visa and entry permit
A pre-arranged visa from an Afghan embassy is mandatory; overland border crossings frequently require additional permits from the de facto authorities.
Source: Entry rules →Carnet de Passage for own vehicle
Bringing a foreign-plated car requires a Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) issued by the RAC or equivalent, plus the V5C and proof of ownership.
Source: Carnet info →Local third-party insurance
UK/EU green cards are not valid; third-party insurance must be purchased locally at the border or in Kabul as no international cover extends here.
Drive on the right
Traffic drives on the right-hand side with left-hand-drive vehicles standard; right-hand-drive imports are restricted.
Speed limits
Typical limits are 100 km/h on highways, 70 km/h on rural roads and 40 km/h in urban areas, though signage is sparse and rarely enforced consistently.
Zero alcohol tolerance
Alcohol is prohibited under Taliban-era law; the practical BAC limit is 0.0 g/L and any alcohol consumption carries severe penalties.
Mountain passes close in winter
The Salang Pass and other high routes regularly close from December to March due to snow and avalanche risk; 4x4 and snow chains are essential in winter.
Emergency number 119 (police)
Dial 119 for police and 102 for ambulance, though response is unreliable; UK consular assistance is not available as the British Embassy in Kabul is closed.
Documents
1949 Geneva IDP required
RequiredAfghanistan recognises the 1949 Geneva International Driving Permit alongside a valid national licence and passport; the 1968 Vienna IDP is not formally recognised.
IDP infoVisa and entry permit
RequiredA pre-arranged visa from an Afghan embassy is mandatory; overland border crossings frequently require additional permits from the de facto authorities.
Entry rulesCarnet de Passage for own vehicle
RequiredBringing a foreign-plated car requires a Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) issued by the RAC or equivalent, plus the V5C and proof of ownership.
Carnet infoLocal third-party insurance
RequiredUK/EU green cards are not valid; third-party insurance must be purchased locally at the border or in Kabul as no international cover extends here.
Emergency number 119 (police)
RequiredDial 119 for police and 102 for ambulance, though response is unreliable; UK consular assistance is not available as the British Embassy in Kabul is closed.
Driving rules
Drive on the right
RequiredTraffic drives on the right-hand side with left-hand-drive vehicles standard; right-hand-drive imports are restricted.
Speed limits
RequiredTypical limits are 100 km/h on highways, 70 km/h on rural roads and 40 km/h in urban areas, though signage is sparse and rarely enforced consistently.
Zero alcohol tolerance
RequiredAlcohol is prohibited under Taliban-era law; the practical BAC limit is 0.0 g/L and any alcohol consumption carries severe penalties.
Tolls
No motorway network or vignette
Good to knowThere is no motorway system, no vignette and no electronic tolling; informal checkpoint fees may be demanded on intercity routes.
Required equipment
Spare fuel, water and recovery kit
RecommendedCarry jerry cans of fuel, drinking water, a spare tyre, tow rope and basic tools: fuel stations are unreliable outside Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif.
Environment
Mountain passes close in winter
RequiredThe Salang Pass and other high routes regularly close from December to March due to snow and avalanche risk; 4x4 and snow chains are essential in winter.
Unexploded ordnance and mines
RecommendedNever leave paved roads or stop on verges in rural areas: landmines and IEDs remain widespread, particularly in Helmand, Kandahar and border provinces.
Money
Currency and cash-only economy
Good to knowThe Afghan afghani (AFN) is the local currency; the country is overwhelmingly cash-based as international cards, ATMs and SWIFT transfers do not function reliably.
Fuel price approx EUR 0.70-0.90 per litre
Good to knowPetrol typically costs 60-75 AFN per litre (around EUR 0.70-0.90); quality varies and contaminated fuel is common outside major cities.
Plan your Afghanistan road trip
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Places to add to your Afghanistan road trip.
Don't get caught out
Watch out for these
Drive on the right
RequiredTraffic drives on the right-hand side with left-hand-drive vehicles standard; right-hand-drive imports are restricted.
Speed limits
RequiredTypical limits are 100 km/h on highways, 70 km/h on rural roads and 40 km/h in urban areas, though signage is sparse and rarely enforced consistently.
Zero alcohol tolerance
RequiredAlcohol is prohibited under Taliban-era law; the practical BAC limit is 0.0 g/L and any alcohol consumption carries severe penalties.