Afghanistan
Visas, borders and realistic route planning
Afghanistan overland travel guides
The Afghanistan section focuses on practical, cautious, first-hand overland information: visas, borders, money, transport, local guide contacts and realistic route planning.
I share what happened on the road while being clear about uncertainty. Afghanistan is not simple or risk-free, and one successful journey cannot guarantee the conditions another traveller will meet.
Important Afghanistan travel note
Visa rules, border access, transport and security conditions can change quickly. Check current official advice and verify details locally before travelling. This site does not guarantee visas, open borders or safety, and it is not a recommendation that Afghanistan is safe for everyone.
Start here
Start with your entry point. Uzbekistan travellers can follow the Termez visa and Hairatan crossing guides into Mazar-e-Sharif; the Tajikistan route has a different and less predictable process at Shir Khan.
Visa
Afghanistan Visa in Termez
First-hand notes on the Afghan Consulate in Termez, required documents, reported fees, processing and online-form problems. This is a consulate process, not an e-visa route.
Border crossing
Termez to Hairatan Border Crossing Guide
Travel from Uzbekistan into northern Afghanistan: reaching Termez, arranging the visa, crossing the border and continuing toward Mazar-i-Sharif.
City guide
Mazar-e-Sharif Guide
What to expect after Hairatan: money exchange, hotels, the Blue Mosque and onward transport from northern Afghanistan's main hub.
Border crossing
Shir Khan Border Guide
The more remote Panji Poyon–Shir Khan Bandar route from Tajikistan, including practical visa-on-arrival, payment and Kunduz transport notes.
Visas
For Termez/Hairatan, do not rely on the tourist e-visa. Read the Termez consulate visa guide and prepare extra documents, photos and time.
Border crossings
Compare the organised Termez–Hairatan route with the more remote Shir Khan / Panji Poyon route.
Money and practical planning
Bring clean USD notes, keep cash and document backups, download offline maps, and leave generous buffers. See the travel costs guide and trip-planning page.
First stop after Hairatan
Continue with the Mazar-e-Sharif guide for first-hand notes on money, hotels, the Blue Mosque and onward transport.
Need help making the route realistic?
Share your nationality, dates, budget and intended entry point. Zantrail can help you think through the route and private guide contacts without promising a visa, border access or safe conditions.