Afghanistan

WARNING: Due to a perceived high threat to western foreigners, non-Muslims are now forbidden to travel to and from Kabul by land without an armed escort. It's unknown how long this will be in effect. 25 July 2007

By plane

Passengers boarding plane at Kabul Airport. Kabul International Airport (IATA: KBL) in Kabul is operating, but barely. Electricity is partial, lighting is absent in most locations, and services are minimal. Expect to (be forced to) pay bribes on your way out. There may be long delays at immigration and baggage claim. Near the existing terminal, a new modern-style terminal has been planned and some work may have been undertaken, but the scheduled completion during 2008 is questionable. The national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines, is flying with a small fleet of about 14 Airbuses and Boeings (plus Antonovs). Ariana is banned from European air space for safety reasons. They have daily flights from Dubai, and periodic flights from Islamabad, Delhi, Istanbul, Baku and Tehran. Ariana is particularly bad at keeping to schedules, flights can be cancelled or delayed without notice. A far better option is the independent operator Kam Air, which has twice daily flights from Dubai, twice weekly flights from Delhi and weekly flight from Almaty, Istanbul and Mashad. Some of the flights on the Dubai to Kabul route stop in Herat if you'd prefer to enter the country there. Pamir Airways is a new private airline that offers daily flights between Kabul and Dubai ($330 inbound, $210 outbound), some stopping in Herat. Air Arabia flies 4 times per week from Sharjah - however they have currently suspended operations. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies 4 times per week from Islamabad and 1 time per week from Peshawar to Kabul. Another route in may be via through Tehran or Mashad in Iran. Iran Air has periodic flights from Tehran to Kabul. Air India operates two flights a week from Delhi to Kabul. Flights to other cities such as Mazar-e Sharif may be available if you can hook up with the charter company 'PacTec' however seating is very limited.

By car

From Peshawar, Pakistan via the Khyber Pass to Jalalabad and then proceeding to Kabul. From Quetta, Pakistan to Kandahar. From Mashad, Iran to Herat. From Uzbekistan to Mazar-e Sharif and from Tajikistan to Konduz. Travelling any of these routes should not be considered safe, especially Quetta to Kandahar.

By bus

Buses run regularly between Jalalabad and Peshawar, Pakistan. Also, between Herat and Mashad, Iran. Afghani buses are thouroughly checked by Iranian border police for possible drugs, so expect delays.