Can You Enter Afghanistan by Land? Border Crossings in 2026
For decades travellers reached Afghanistan overland, over the Khyber Pass or across the Amu Darya. In 2026 that is much harder: some crossings are shut to tourists, and others open and close with little notice. Here is where things stand in October 2026, and why most of our guests fly.
Sometimes, but plan to fly. In October 2026 the main crossing from Pakistan, Torkham, is closed to tourists; Islam Qala, from Iran, is open, but travel in Iran is not advised; and the crossings from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan open and close with little notice. The e-Visa is accepted only at Kabul airport, so entering by land also needs a visa from an Afghan embassy.
Which visa do you need to enter by land?
An embassy visa. The e-Visa introduced in March 2026 is accepted only for arrivals at Kabul International Airport, so for a land border you need a visa issued by an Afghan embassy or consulate whose visas Kabul accepts: our visa guide has the map. For the way out you need an open crossing and the next country's visa.
Which border crossings are open to tourists?
| Crossing | Neighbour | For tourists |
|---|---|---|
| Torkham (Khyber Pass) | Pakistan, from Peshawar | Closed since October 2025; since 31 March 2026 open only to Afghans returning home |
| Spin Boldak–Chaman | Pakistan, from Quetta | Closed to tourists |
| Islam Qala | Iran, from Mashhad | Open to foreigners, but travel in Iran is not advised and it has closed at short notice |
| Hairatan (Friendship Bridge) | Uzbekistan, from Termez | Reopened in 2025; some foreigners have crossed, others have been turned back. Ask us first |
| Sher Khan Bandar | Tajikistan, from Panji Poyon | Used by foreign travellers in the past; check before you plan on it |
| Ishkashim | Tajikistan, from Khorog | The way into the Wakhan from the Tajik Pamirs; ask whether it is open for your dates |
Can you cross from Pakistan at Torkham?
Not as a tourist in October 2026. Torkham, at the top of the Khyber Pass between Peshawar and Jalalabad, was the classic overland route, but it was closed after the border fighting of October 2025. It reopened on 31 March 2026 only for Afghans returning from Pakistan, with no trade and no general passenger traffic, and the crossing at Spin Boldak is closed too. Fly to Kabul instead: there are direct flights from Dubai, Istanbul, Doha and Jeddah (see flights to Afghanistan).
What about Iran and Central Asia?
Islam Qala, between Mashhad and Herat, is the busiest crossing in the west and is open to foreigners, but most Western governments advise against travel in Iran in 2026 and the border has closed at short notice. From Uzbekistan, the Friendship Bridge between Termez and Hairatan reopened in 2025 after four years; some foreigners have crossed since and others have been turned back. The crossings from Tajikistan, at Sher Khan Bandar and at Ishkashim for the Wakhan, are used by a few travellers each year when they are open.
If you do come overland
- Get your Afghan embassy visa first, and the neighbouring country's visa for the way back.
- Cross early on a working day: crossings work in daylight, and Afghan government offices close on Fridays.
- Tell us your crossing and date: we meet you at the border with a vehicle and guide, so you are not looking for transport on arrival.
- Keep a flight as a fallback: a crossing can close the day before you reach it.
Most of our guests fly in and out of Kabul: read arriving in Kabul and the Afghanistan visa guide.
Sources: Amu TV: Torkham reopened to migrants; Khaama Press: Termez–Hairatan reopens; Wikipedia: Torkham border crossing; reports from travellers and our team, October 2026.
Questions about entering Afghanistan by land
Can tourists cross the Torkham border in 2026?
No. Torkham has been closed to tourists since the border fighting of October 2025; since 31 March 2026 it has opened only for Afghans returning from Pakistan.
Can I use the Afghanistan e-Visa at a land border?
No. The e-Visa is accepted only for arrivals at Kabul International Airport. To enter by land you need a visa from an Afghan embassy or consulate.
Which land border into Afghanistan is open to tourists?
In October 2026 Islam Qala, from Iran, is open to foreigners, although travel in Iran is not advised; Hairatan, from Uzbekistan, and the crossings from Tajikistan open and close with little notice. Ask before you plan on one.
Is it better to fly or go overland to Afghanistan?
Fly. Flights to Kabul are reliable and work with the e-Visa, while land crossings in 2026 can close at short notice.
Planning a trip? Talk to our Kabul team — we reply fast on WhatsApp.
Plan My Trip