Afghanistan Launches E-Visa: What It Means For Indian Passport Holders

Afghanistan has rolled out a new electronic visa system as part of an effort to modernise its visa process for international travellers. The move allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for visas through a digital platform, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates in person. Officials say the online mechanism is designed to make applications simpler, quicker and more transparent. Under the new setup, applicants from approved countries can submit documents, receive updates and complete most steps of the visa process online, marking a shift from paper‑based systems used earlier.

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Who Can Use Afghanistan's New E‑Visa Portal?

The e‑visa facility is available only to passport holders from select countries. Eligibility is determined by nationality, and not by the purpose of travel. Applicants who qualify can apply digitally for different visa categories using the official portal and follow instructions provided online for documentation and processing.

Authorities have indicated that the platform will help streamline administration and improve monitoring of visa requests by handling applications centrally.

Are Indian Passport Holders Eligible For The E‑Visa?

Despite the expanded online system, Indian citizens are currently excluded from applying through the e‑visa route. This means Indian passport holders cannot use the new digital facility and are still required to follow the existing visa application process. The restriction applies across travel purposes, including tourism, business and other categories. As of now, no official announcement has been made on whether Indians will be added to the list of eligible nationalities in the future.

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What The Change Means For Indian Travellers

For travellers from India, the introduction of the e‑visa system does not alter current access to Afghan visas. Anyone planning travel will need to rely on the prevailing procedures and check official guidelines issued by relevant authorities before finalising plans.

Travellers are advised to remain cautious, ensure clarity on entry rules and avoid relying on informal sources for visa information. Indian applicants are encouraged to monitor official updates, as visa policies can change over time and may expand to include more nationalities in the future.