Khyber Pass/Torkham border reports (AF>PAK)

[Felix]

I just completed another Torkham border crossing with driver and car organised on both sides ahead of time. Crossing was completely problem-free. No issues with border police or crossing through Khyber Agency on the Pakistan side. I crossed AF-PK but It would seem the opposite direction is also clear right now. Border is a chaotic market on both sides, so a little help form a person you trust to find the various check points and to applying appropriate queuing techniques (Anything goes is the method of choice). There appear to be regular shared taxis from Torkham to Islamabad, but as I said, I had organised a pick up with a trustworhy person ahead of time.

[Felix]

I should add that I obtained both PAK and AF visa indicating I would fly between Kabul and Islamabad. But htis didn't cause any problems at the border.

[Indorus]

How is it when you come from the other way? Ie from Pakistan to Afghanistan ? You need NOC for Border area?

I am a Russian Passport holder and would want to cross that way in March 2020.

[zulani]

Hi, any news about Torkham Border crossing from Pakistan to Afghanistan?

[ninonon]

Hey everyone,
i tried crossing to afghanistan from pakistan through Torkham border.
-german passport
-own car
-have carnet de passage
-have afghanistan visa

already on the Pak side of the border i was asked a „permit“ to cross the border by car. got sent back to islamabad where i should get that certain letter in the ministery of interior. now these guys have absolutely no idea what i’m taking about (as well seem to not really care).
thing is my pak visa runs out in a bit. afghanistan is pretty much the only chance to leave the country.

has anyone had a similar or same experience with that „permit“?

[steven]

What happened in the end?

[ninonon]

So:
After a 3 days journey from Torkham to Peshawar to Islamabad i crossed as the first tourist w own vehicle since 5 yrs they mentioned.
You seem to need some “permit” from the Ministery of Interior which has to be given out before by the Ministery of foreign affairs asked by your embassy.
Then in Islamabad NO ONE knows what you want from them. After all I met the right people that then made some contact to the head of customs at Torkham. After 8 hours I could cross!!!

After some surprised but very friendly afghan border guys welcome you. I had to be escorted by them to Jalalabad to a Taliban base and sleep over. Wasn’t the best feeling -but wasn’t the worst. The Taliban are very clear briefed to be courteous to tourists. Still be prepared to answer a shot load of questions. Next morning I was free and made my way to Kabul.

I can recommend Afghnaistan TO MALE travelers. Would not suggest as female and was Glad my girlfriend decided to not join me there…

[traveltoad]

Ninonon, it's fascinating to hear uou did this. I'm from the UK and I'm in Pakistan right now. I bought a motorbike over here and I'm touring the North. I would love to cross into Afghanistan. Please do a trip report, I'd love to know where you went and the security situation.

The only thing putting me off was Jalalabad, and how dangerous it is. The convoy changes everything. Would love to read more.

[traveltoad]

Also, where are you going from Afghanistan? All land borders, other than with Pakistan, are closed.

[jaaf]

So:
After a 3 days journey from Torkham to Peshawar to Islamabad i crossed as the first tourist w own vehicle since 5 yrs they mentioned.
You seem to need some “permit” from the Ministery of Interior which has to be given out before by the Ministery of foreign affairs asked by your embassy.
Then in Islamabad NO ONE knows what you want from them. After all I met the right people that then made some contact to the head of customs at Torkham. After 8 hours I could cross!!!

After some surprised but very friendly afghan border guys welcome you. I had to be escorted by them to Jalalabad to a Taliban base and sleep over. Wasn’t the best feeling -but wasn’t the worst. The Taliban are very clear briefed to be courteous to tourists. Still be prepared to answer a shot load of questions. Next morning I was free and made my way to Kabul.

I can recommend Afghnaistan TO MALE travelers. Would not suggest as female and was Glad my girlfriend decided to not join me there…

They were asking for NOC from Ministery of Interior.
You have to arrange it from the Interior Ministry office in Islamabad 'well before' you go to the Afghan border.