Recent Americans in Afghanistan?

[briannn]

Have any American recently transitted or explored the country? Somewhat sold talking to a guide recommended here on Caravanistan. I do think I've seen independent stuff from Shir Khan, that's probably it.

[Lagerfeld]

Have any American recently transitted or explored the country? . . .

I ask about which country you're talking about? The STAN's are 5 different countries.

[gnomad]

Have any American recently transitted or explored the country? . . .

I ask about which country you're talking about? The STAN's are 5 different countries.

It's in the Afghanistan topic.

[briannn]

Thanks - yea, I could have been clearer, but am talking specifically about Afghanistan. I do think security for most visitors and security for Americans might differ. Obviously the US government says don't even think about it, but local guides say it's safe. It does seem as if Shir Khan is the only northern border where an American can get a visa on arrival.

[LindaR]

Hi, I was communicating with a guide, and he has quite a few American tourists who he takes on private tours. Hope this helps.

[sinclairsin]

I just left after 4-5 days there for the Eid Al-Adha holiday. I drove my American muscle car into the country (drove from America), I had zero issues. Extremely welcoming. The Taliban acts as security, not a threat.

Locals treated me with love. This was all in the northern region. I will go through one more time to the Kabul / Bamyan region in a week or two, will update if anything changes.

I recommend visiting.

[Duncan Wilson]

Thanks - yea, I could have been clearer, but am talking specifically about Afghanistan. I do think security for most visitors and security for Americans might differ. Obviously the US government says don't even think about it, but local guides say it's safe. It does seem as if Shir Khan is the only northern border where an American can get a visa on arrival.

You can get a visa at the consulate in Termez same day if you submit your application early enough in the day (bearing in mind it's closed on the weekend. You can then head straight to the Hairatan border and cross still same day and be in Mazar by nightfall. An advantage over VOA at Shir Khan is that you don't have to validate your visa.

I got my visa same time as an American woman and she said the consulate asked some additional questions and had to contact higher ups to get approval for Americans. She said it was no big deal and got her visa at the same time as everybody else.