Non-Immigrant Visas

How to Apply in Kabul

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is only authorized to issue certain categories of non-immigrant visas. For such visas, there is no personal appearance requirement and the fee is waived. You are eligible for such a visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You are an official with the national government of Afghan AND you are traveling to the United States on official national government business (i.e. U.S. government sponsored training or meeting with U.S. government officials). Immediate family members (spouses and children) are also eligible.
• You are an employee of an international governmental organization (IGO), such as the United Nations, World Bank, or International Monetary Fund, AND you are traveling to the United States on official organization business, including to attend training or conferences organized by the organization. Immediate family members (spouses and children) are also eligible.

The steps to apply are as follows:

1) Make sure you have a passport valid for at least six months past your travel date. 

2) Complete forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and the Kabul Supplemental Form. You may access these forms from this website (see box to the right of this screen). The DS-156 form must be completed on-line using the electronic visa application form (EVAF) and then printed. Handwritten DS-156 forms will not be accepted. DS-157, DS-158 and Kabul Supplemental forms can be downloaded from the Internet or obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Make sure to sign the forms.

3) Receive diplomatic note from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or letter from the international organization for which you work detailing the purpose of your travel.

4) Take photos. The photographs must measure 2 in (50 cm) x 2 in (50 cm) and have a white background.

5) Submit passport, forms, diplomatic note or letter, and photos to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy on any business day (Sunday-Thursday) between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Applications should be submitted 45-60 days prior to planned travel to the United States.

Please note: Most Afghan government and international organization officials who are traveling to the United States for non-official purposes -- study, tourism, family visits -- or on U.S. government exchange programs must apply in person at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for a tourist, exchange, or student visa. Please see How to Apply in Pakistan for instructions.