WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES – The U.S. Department of State has advised American citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns, including terrorism, wrongful detention, civil unrest, kidnapping, and crime.
In a travel advisory issued on Monday, July 29, the department highlighted the presence of several active terrorist groups and indicated that U.S. citizens are particularly at risk for kidnapping and hostage-taking.
“The Taliban have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear,” the department said.
“Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high,” it warned.
The advisory further highlighted the Taliban’s frequent refusal to allow U.S. officials to check on detained Americans, even by phone. “Detention can be lengthy. While in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse,” part of the advisory reads.
According to the advisory, individuals with dual Afghan and U.S. citizenship or those claiming Afghan citizenship are at higher risk, as the Taliban may not recognize their U.S. citizenship.
“Individuals should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason, including to accompany eligible family members for relocation,” the US Department of State warned. “U.S. citizens or LPRs do not have to be physically present in Afghanistan for their qualifying family members to receive such assistance,” it added.
The department also urged U.S. citizens currently in Afghanistan to leave the country immediately using commercial means, if possible.
The advisory comes amid ongoing concerns about the Taliban’s treatment of foreign nationals. In August, the group confirmed holding 16 foreigners, including five women, without specifying their identities or charges. In September, the group detained 18 employees of an international NGO, including an American female surgeon, accusing them of “promoting Christianity.”
At least two U.S. citizens remain in Taliban custody, including Ryan Corbett, an American humanitarian who was detained by Taliban agents in Kabul in August 2022.
Similar travel warnings have been issued by other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, and Australia, due to security concerns.
After the deadly attack on foreign tourists in central Bamyan province in May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation advised Russian citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan, particularly for personal reasons like tourism.
“Against the backdrop of the ongoing extremely difficult security situation in Afghanistan, the Russian Foreign Ministry strongly recommends that Russian citizens refrain from visiting this country for personal, including tourism purposes,” the ministry said.