United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Afghanistan passport holders
Afghan citizens require a UK Standard Visitor Visa to visit the United Kingdom, costing £115 ($145 USD). The visa allows stays of up to 6 months. With the UK Embassy in Kabul having suspended operations in 2021, Afghan applicants typically apply at the UK Visa Application Centre in Islamabad or Dubai.
Afghanistan passport holders require a visa to enter United Kingdom.
Apply online at the UK visa application portal (gov.uk/apply-uk-visa) then book a biometric appointment at the nearest UK VAC in Islamabad or Dubai. Required documents include a completed online application, valid Afghan passport (at least 6 months validity), biometric enrollment at the VAC, two recent passport photos, a detailed itinerary for the UK visit, proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter from a UK host), 6 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds, employment or income proof, and strong ties to your home country or current country of residence to demonstrate intent to return. Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks. The £115 fee is paid online.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Afghanistan to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in August 2021 following the Taliban's takeover. Afghan nationals seeking a UK visa must apply at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in a country where they have legal access, most practically in Islamabad, Pakistan (managed by TLS Contact or VFS Global), or in Dubai, UAE. The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months and costs £115. Multiple-entry visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years are available. The UK runs its own visa system separate from Schengen. Afghan visa applicants face a more rigorous assessment given Afghanistan's current political situation.
How to Get There
No direct flights connect Afghan airports to the United Kingdom. Common routings go via Dubai (DXB) with flydubai or Ariana Afghan Airlines to DXB, then Emirates or another carrier to London Heathrow (LHR). Via Islamabad (ISB) with Pakistan International Airlines then connecting through Doha (DOH) or Istanbul (IST) is another option. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is a frequently used route. Total journey time from Kabul is typically 12 to 18 hours including connections.
Money & Banking
The United Kingdom uses the British pound (GBP). Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. The UK is expensive: London accommodation from £60 per night at budget options, meals from £12 to £18 in casual restaurants. Public transport in London (Oyster card for the Tube and buses) is convenient. ATMs are widely available. Notify your bank before travel. Scotland, Wales, and England all use GBP. Tipping 10 to 12.5 percent is customary at restaurants.
Practical Tips
London offers the British Museum, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and world-class theatre. Edinburgh's Old Town and castle (UNESCO) are among Europe's most dramatic urban landscapes. The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Oxford and Cambridge have world-renowned university architecture. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Cotswolds offer beautiful English countryside. English is spoken everywhere. The UK has an outstanding public transport network including inter-city trains.