KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Canada has again warned its citizens against travel to Afghanistan, citing a volatile security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, kidnapping risks and the threat of arbitrary arrest and detention under Taliban rule.
In a travel advisory updated on Tuesday, Canada’s foreign ministry described the security environment as “highly volatile and dangerous.” It also pointed to high levels of crime and widespread human rights violations by Taliban authorities.
The ministry urged Canadians to avoid all travel to Afghanistan and advised those already in the country to exercise caution and consider moving to a more secure location if necessary. It also called on them to review their personal security plans.
“Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family,” the ministry said.
Canada’s foreign ministry said foreigners and people associated with Western countries face particular risks in Afghanistan, including kidnapping and violence by terrorist groups. They are also at increased risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by the Taliban authorities, it said.
The advisory said the risk could be higher for individuals who had affiliations with Afghanistan’s former government or who were considered to have violated Islamic laws imposed by the Taliban since they returned to power in August 2021.
The ministry also warned that Taliban authorities frequently suspect foreign nationals, including dual nationals who hold Afghan citizenship, of espionage. Humanitarian workers and journalists working or travelling in Afghanistan may face particular scrutiny, it said.
“Authorities will likely monitor your movements and activities while you are in the country,” the ministry said.
Canada closed its embassy in Kabul in 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power and the collapse of the former Afghan government after the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces. Canada does not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate ruler.
The latest warning comes as several Western governments continue to advise their citizens against travelling to Afghanistan. The United States, Britain, Australia and Germany have issued similar high-level travel warnings, citing security threats, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary detention and limited diplomatic assistance.
The Taliban authorities have previously rejected similar warnings from Western governments, claiming Afghanistan is safe for foreign visitors and investors. Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has repeatedly dismissed Western travel advisories and said the security situation had improved since the Taliban returned to power.
Afghanistan has experienced a relative decline in large-scale fighting since the Taliban seized power, but militant attacks, mysterious killing, violent crime, kidnapping, the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention remain among concerns cited by foreign governments in their travel advisories.
Western governments have also warned that the lack of normal diplomatic relations and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan could make it difficult to provide emergency assistance to their citizens.
