Travel advisory · AfghanistanGovernments advise against all travel to Afghanistan.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Do not travel | Feb 20, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid all travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Vor Reisen nach Afghanistan wird gewarnt (Reisewarnung) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Do not travel (level 4 of 4) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Formellement déconseillé, whole territory | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Kandahar
Kandahar is Afghanistan's second-largest city, known for its shrine of the cloak, its bazaars and its fruit orchards. Visiting depends on current security advice.
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Kandahar is Afghanistan's second-largest city, in the south of the country on the Arghandab River. In the 18th century it was the first capital of the Durrani Empire, under Ahmad Shah Durrani. The city is known for fruit, especially pomegranates and grapes, and its bazaars sell fresh and dried fruit from the orchards around it.
The best-known religious site is the shrine of the cloak, which holds a cloak traditionally linked to the Prophet Muhammad. Kandahar suits travelers who want to see Afghan history and city life closely and who can arrange secure transport and local support. Many governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, advise against all travel to Afghanistan, so check current advice before planning anything. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summer is very hot. If you go, plan a short visit rather than a long stay.
Kandahar in five
- Check your government's travel advice firstSeveral governments, including the UK and the US, advise against all travel to Afghanistan, and that advice can change quickly. Read it before you book and again before you fly.Afghanistan travel guide
- Get your visa before you buy flightsMost foreign visitors need a visa for Afghanistan. Apply through an Afghan embassy or consulate, because application routes and offices change.Visas and entry
- Read the exclusions on your insuranceCheck whether your policy excludes Afghanistan or travel against government advice. Get written confirmation of cover before you pay.Travel insurance
- Carry cash in afghanis and US dollarsPlan on cash for hotels, drivers and purchases, since cards may not work. Keep notes in small denominations for everyday payments.Money and costs
- Arrange airport transfers before you landBook your pickup through your host or a company you can verify, and agree the route and vehicle in advance. Do not rely on finding a ride at the arrivals hall.Getting around
Things to do in Kandahar
See all attractions in Kandahar
Need to know
- Currency
- Afghan afghani (AFN)
- Entry
- Visa required for most visitors; confirm with an Afghan embassy or consulate
- Emergency
- Check your embassy's emergency number before you travel
- Tipping
- Small tips for drivers and helpers; no fixed rule
- Time
- UTC+4:30, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchMild, green
- AprilMild, dry
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneVery hot
- JulyVery hot
- AugustVery hot
- SeptemberHot, easing
- OctoberMild, dry
- NovemberCool, dry
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Kandahar
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 15°
- Humidity
- 34%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 20%
Kandahar
03:13 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today26°14°20%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Wed25°13°19%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 19%.
- Thu25°13°11%Thursday: Clear. High 25°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 11%.
- Fri27°12°2%Friday: Clear. High 27°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sat28°12°0%Saturday: Clear. High 28°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun28°12°0%Sunday: Clear. High 28°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 12:42 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 64.87 AFN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Dahla Damby car; check route security firstA reservoir on the Arghandab River near the city, reached by road.
- Kabulby air; check current flightsThe capital, reached by air. Too far for a day trip, so plan it as a separate leg.Read the guide
Before you go to Kandahar
Rules for Kandahar, checked
- Check women's travel rules before you book; restrictions have changed and affect where women can stay, go and travel alone. Use the UK government advice page.Source
- Dress modestly and ask before photographing people, as local custom is conservative.
- Carry your passport and visa at all times; security checks on roads and at entrances to buildings are common.
Plan around Kandahar
Country overview, safety and the wider route
Read the guideVisas and entryHow to apply and what to check
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights, drivers and local transport
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, prices and what to carry
Read the guideTravel insuranceExclusions and what to ask in writing
Read the guidePhones and eSIMCoverage and staying in touch
Read the guideKandahar FAQ
Is Kandahar safe to visit?
Several governments advise against travel to Afghanistan, and that advice covers Kandahar. Read your government's current advice and your insurance terms before you book, and do not travel against them.
Do I need a visa to visit Kandahar?
Yes, most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Afghanistan. Apply through an Afghan embassy or consulate and confirm the current requirements with them before you buy flights.
How do I get to Kandahar?
Travelers usually arrive by air, often on domestic flights from Kabul. Airlines and schedules change, so check current flights and arrange your transfer from the airport before you travel.
Can women travel alone in Kandahar?
Restrictions on women's travel have changed and can differ by situation. Check your government's advice and speak to your host or contact on the ground before you plan any trip.
What is the best time to visit Kandahar?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are very hot and winters are cold, so avoid those months if you have a choice.
Is Kandahar worth visiting as a tourist?
For most travelers, no. Go only for a specific purpose, such as work or a family visit, with a plan, a reliable contact and a clear exit route.