This advice has been reviewed. It contains new information or advice.

Australian citizens should defer all holiday and normal business travel to Afghanistan until further notice.

Safety and Security

A state of civil war continues in Afghanistan and the situation remains tense and uncertain. Australians are advised that unexploded ordnance and mines remain a potential problem throughout Afghanistan.

United Nations (UN) sanctions on the Taliban government have prevented the national airline, ARIANA Afghan Airlines, from operating international flights. Travel to Afghanistan is currently limited to road transport and non scheduled air services for UN and other officials. These air services are operated by the UN from Islamabad and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from Peshawar.

Further UN sanctions including restrictions on travel by the Taliban leadership and an arms embargo against the Taliban took effect on 18 January 2001. These additional controls also prohibit the provision of advice to the Taliban on military or related security matters. Any Australian citizen who may be providing such advice should leave the country and Australian citizens should not respond to any future requests for such advice.

General

Australians traveling by road in Afghanistan should ensure that their vehicles travel in convoy. Banditry in rural areas by armed groups is common.

There are strict Islamic codes of dress and behavior in Taliban-controlled areas and care should be taken not to breach these regulations. The import and use of alcohol, music and videotapes is strictly prohibited.

Australians who choose to work for non-government organizations and humanitarian projects in Afghanistan are urged to register with the Australian High Commission in Islamabad, and to report on their absences and final departure dates from the country.

Health Issues

For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travelers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic. Contact details for travel clinics can be found in our Health Travel Advice on the Department's website at address: http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice/health.html

Travel and Health Insurance

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travelers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travelers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travelers have disregarded the Government’s travel advice.

Consular Assistance

Advice on current developments in Afghanistan is available from the Australian High Commission in Pakistan, telephone (92 51) 2824 345 or facsimile (92 51) 2820 112 or e-mail consular.islm@dfat.gov.au

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra may also be contacted on telephone (02) 6261 3305.