Travel Warning: Afghanistan

September 14, 1999

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. We continue to receive threats from terrorists, including Usama Bin Laden, who is based in Afghanistan, that do not distinguish between American military and civilian targets. U.S. citizens who are in Afghanistan or considering traveling there should be aware that the U.S. Government reserves the right to retaliate against the facilities of those who harbor terrorists, as well as the terrorists themselves.

The Department of State urges Americans who decide to remain in Afghanistan in spite of this warning to exercise extreme caution, monitor their security situation closely and make plans for responding to a sudden deterioration in security conditions. All U.S. personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul were evacuated in 1989, and no other diplomatic mission represents U.S. interests or provides consular services.

President Clinton signed an Executive Order effective July 6, 1999, imposing financial and commercial sanctions against the Taliban in Afghanistan, a faction that currently exercises de facto control over much of the country, for their support of Usama bin Ladin and his terrorist network.

In addition, frequent military operations continue in various regions of Afghanistan, sometimes involving intense fighting. Americans remain vulnerable to politically and criminally motivated attacks and violence, including robbery, kidnapping and hostage-taking. The estimated 5-7 million landmines scattered throughout the countryside pose a danger to all residents and visitors to Afghanistan.

U.S. citizens who decide to enter Afghanistan in spite of the Travel Warning are strongly urged to register and obtain updated security information at the American Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, or the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, at the following addresses:

U.S. Embassy, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad, telephone (92-51) 2080-0000, consular section (92-51) 2080-2700, fax (92-51) 822-632

U.S. Consulate Peshawar, 11 Hospital Road, Peshawar Cantonment, telephone (92-91) 279-801, fax (92-91) 276-712

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 9, 1999. The Department is unable to provide information on any other topics, such as country description, entry requirements, medical facilities traffic safety and road conditions, and aviation safety oversight, because there is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.