LONDON: The UK Foreign Office has issued a strong warning advising British citizens not to travel to Afghanistan, citing a sharply deteriorating security situation and severe risks to foreign nationals.
In updated travel guidance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said there was a significant and ongoing threat to foreigners across the country, stressing that it is unable to provide consular assistance or guarantee the safety of British nationals in Afghanistan.
“You should not travel to Afghanistan,” the guidance said. “Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous, and several border crossings are not currently open.”
The FCDO also warned of a heightened risk of detention, saying British nationals could face prolonged imprisonment.
“There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment,” it said, adding that the government’s ability to help is “extremely limited” and that in-person support is not possible.
According to the British government, foreign nationals in Afghanistan in 2025 face extreme risks due to a volatile security environment, the absence of diplomatic representation from many Western countries, and the strict enforcement of Sharia law.
Foreigners are also considered high-value targets for kidnapping and hostage-taking, including aid workers, journalists, and travellers. The guidance warned that the Taliban may arbitrarily detain foreign nationals for extended periods without clear charges or due process, often triggered by suspicion over items such as tracking devices, military equipment, or large sums of cash.
There remains an extreme and ongoing threat of large-scale terrorist attacks nationwide. Hotels, restaurants, airports, and religious sites frequented by foreigners are among the most common targets. Militant groups active in the country include Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), TTP, and al-Qaeda.
The Foreign Office also highlighted serious legal and cultural risks. Afghanistan is governed by a strict interpretation of Sharia law, under which activities considered normal elsewhere can be illegal.
Health and infrastructure conditions were also described as extremely poor. Medical facilities are severely limited, disease is widespread, and medical evacuation is often the only option for serious illness, though it may not be available. The country is also prone to earthquakes, landslides, seasonal flooding, and dust storms.
British nationals were urged to reconsider any travel plans and to follow official guidance closely, as conditions on the ground remain unpredictable and dangerous.
