Afghanistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of South and Central Asia makes its land borders crucial for trade and travel. Here we will outline the various land border options you have when choosing to travel to Afghanistan.
Due to the nature of travel in Afghanistan, borders can close to tourists at any moment and it’s always best to send us an email to check the most up to date information.
Afghanistan shares borders with six countries: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China.
1. Afghanistan-Pakistan Border
There are eight legal border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan and many more illegal crossings, used primarily for undocumented individuals and contraband. There are two border crossings that can be used for foreign citizens.
Torkham Crossing
-
Location : Near Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
-
Operational Hours : Typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and security checks.
-
Significance : One of the busiest crossings, essential for trade and transit between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Chaman Crossing
-
Location : Near Quetta, Baluchistan, Pakistan.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 3 hours, but it can vary based on customs inspections.
-
Significance : Important for the southern provinces of Afghanistan and trade with Pakistan.
2. Afghanistan-Iran Border
There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Iran and Afghanistan. The Islam Qala is the most common crossing, and the easiest.
Islam Qala Crossing
-
Location : Near the city of Herat in Afghanistan.
-
Operational Hours : Generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 2 hours, depending on border traffic.
-
Significance : A major trade route, linking Afghanistan to Iranian markets.
-
Considerations : It is 4 hours from Mashhad to the border crossing. This can be done in a shared taxi for roughly $15.
Milak Crossing
-
Location : Connects to Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 3 hours.
-
Significance : Offers a quieter route for trade and travel.
3. Afghanistan-Turkmenistan Border
Serhetabat Crossing
-
Location : Near the town of Serhetabat. Best accessed from Herat in Afghanistan.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed for lunch.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and inspections.
-
Significance : Facilitates trade with Turkmenistan, providing access to Central Asian markets.
-
Considerations : The Turkmenistan authorities often reject applicants who wish to cross this border. There have been reports of even those with valid Letters of Invitations being turned away.
4. Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Border
Hairatan Crossing
-
Location : Near Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, Termez in Uzbekistan.
-
Operational Hours : Generally open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 2 hours.
-
Significance : A vital route for trade, connecting Afghanistan to Uzbekistan and beyond. The friendship bridge was built by the Soviets and used for their military intervention during the Soviet-Afghanistan War.
-
Considerations : The border has just recently been opened (2024) and there are few reports on the current crossing.
5. Afghanistan–Tajikistan Border
There are several crossings from Tajikistan into Afghanistan, including the Shir Khan Bandar border, which allows travellers to access a visa on arrival, rather than the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance.
Panji Poyon–Shir Khan Bandar Crossing
-
Location : Near Kunduz.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 4 hours, influenced by security checks.
-
Significance : Main border crossing for those travelling from Dushanbe.
-
Considerations : Stay informed about local security conditions, as the area can be volatile. Verify visa requirements ahead of time. This is also the only border crossing at which it is possible to get a visa on arrival for Afghanistan.
Ishkashim Crossing
-
Location : In the town of Ishkahim.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a lunch break. However, the border is currently closed for foreigners.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 2 hours.
-
Significance : Main border crossing for those wishing to experience a small taste of Afghanistan without venturing much further.
-
Considerations : The border crossing is currently closed.
Khorog–Shegnan Crossing
-
Location : Near Khorog.
-
Operational Hours : Open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Currently closed to foreigners.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 2 hours.
-
Significance : Access to the Shegnan Afghan bazaar.
-
Considerations : Snow in winter can make this border quite treacherous.
Kokul–Ai Khanoum Crossing
-
Location : Near Kokul.
-
Operational Hours : Unknown. Not currently open to foreigners.
-
Average Crossing Time : 1 to 4 hours, influenced by security checks and which side of the river the boat is on.
-
Considerations: There is no bridge for this crossing. Travellers must use a small unsafe boat which can carry up to 5 passengers at a time. No life vests are available.
6. Afghanistan-China Border
The thin stretch of border between Afghanistan and China is a historical anomality caused by the Great Game between Britain and Russia. There are no reports of foreigners being able to cross this border.
Wakhan Corridor Crossing
-
Location : This narrow strip connects Afghanistan to China.
-
Operational Hours : It is unknown what hours this border operates.
-
Average Crossing Time : Unknown.
-
Significance : The Wakhan Corridor is one of the least explored parts of the world and this is arguably one of the least crossed borders in the world.
-
Considerations : Access is heavily regulated. Travelers should verify permissions and regulations before planning to cross.
Practical Considerations for Crossing Borders
-
Visa Requirements : Afghanistan requires a visa in advance unless crossing the Shir Khan Bandar border crossing from Tajikistan. Even when crossing this border, permits and permissions should be obtained in advance.
-
Security : Remain vigilant about the security situation in Afghanistan. It is best to book with a reputable reliable company when travelling to Afghanistan as it is still a volatile war zone.
-
Customs Regulations : Familiarize yourself with customs rules for each country, as violations can lead to fines or delays. Bringing items such as alcohol, pornography or religious materials can lead to serious consequences in Afghanistan.
-
Travel Insurance : Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers border crossings and potential disruptions.
-
Local Customs and Laws : Respect local customs and regulations to ensure a smooth crossing experience.
