AF Afghanistan visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Document Checklist - Everything You Need

Requirements

• Visa Application Form: fully completed and signed Afghanistan visa application downloaded from the embassy website, with no erasures or alterations
• Passport: original passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, with a minimum of two blank visa pages
• Photographs: two identical recent color photos (35 × 45 mm) on matte paper, plain light‐grey or white background, 70–80 % face coverage, head centered, no glasses or headgear (except for religious reasons)
• Invitation Letter: original invitation issued by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an approved sponsor, bearing official letterhead, reference number, date, and contact details
• Visa Fee Receipt: original bank receipt confirming payment of the visa fee to the designated consulate account, with applicant’s name and transaction reference
• Flight Itinerary: confirmed round-trip or onward flight booking showing entry and exit dates matching your visa request
• Hotel Reservation or Host Address: confirmed hotel booking or a notarized letter of accommodation from your Afghan host listing full address and contact information
• Proof of Financial Means: bank statements or sponsorship guarantee showing sufficient funds (typically USD 30–50 per day of stay) covering your entire visit
• Cover Letter: typed personal letter stating purpose of travel, intended entry/exit dates, detailed itinerary, and signed by the applicant
• Supporting Documents by Visa Type:

– Business Visa: letter of assignment from employer and business registration of Afghan partner

– Student Visa: admission letter from Afghan educational institution and proof of tuition payment

– Medical Visa: referral from a recognized medical facility in Afghanistan and proof of prior consultation

• Additional Civil Documents (if applicable): marriage certificate for accompanying spouse, birth certificates for minor dependents, and a police clearance certificate for stays over 90 days

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify Passport Validity and Blank Pages: ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond intended departure from Afghanistan and has a minimum of two consecutive blank visa pages; this prevents sudden rejections due to insufficient validity or space.
• Complete the Official Visa Application Form: download or access the Afghanistan visa form from the embassy’s website, fill in all fields legibly in BLOCK letters, sign and date it where required; a correctly completed form avoids delays and ensures your data matches supporting documents.
• Prepare 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) Passport-Style Photos: obtain two identical color photos taken in the last six months on a plain white background, face centered and occupying 70–80% of the frame, no glasses or headwear (except for religious reasons with facial features fully visible); precise sizing and composition guarantee acceptance by immigration authorities.
• Obtain an Official Invitation or Visa Reference: secure an invitation letter from your Afghan host, sponsor, or company, complete with their government registration number, your full name and passport details, purpose and duration of stay, signature and official stamp; authorities require this to verify your reason for travel.
• Provide Proof of Accommodation: book and print confirmed hotel reservations or a letter of guarantee from your host including full address and contact details; this demonstrates you have a place to stay and helps embassy staff assess your travel plan.
• Show Confirmed Travel Itinerary: submit round-trip flight bookings or onward tickets, including dates, flight numbers and passenger names; a clear itinerary proves your entry and exit plans and supports your application’s credibility.
• Submit Evidence of Financial Means: provide recent bank statements (last three months) showing sufficient funds (typically USD 40–50 per day of stay) or a sponsorship letter with the sponsor’s bank guarantee; financial proof assures the embassy you can support yourself without over-staying.
• Include Proof of Employment or Enrollment: attach an employment letter stating position, salary and approved leave dates, or a school/university enrollment confirmation; this establishes your intent to return to your home country after the visit.
• Present Health and Vaccination Certificates (if applicable): if you have recently been in yellow fever endemic regions, include an International Certificate of Vaccination; this meets public health requirements and avoids health-related entry refusal.
• Calculate and Pay the Visa Fee: check the current fee schedule on the Afghan embassy website, prepare a bank draft or pay online as specified (fees vary by nationality and processing time), include the transaction receipt; accurate payment processing prevents application rejection or hold-ups.
• Book and Attend Your Embassy or Consulate Appointment: schedule a submission slot online or via phone, arrive 10–15 minutes early with all originals plus one full set of photocopies organized in a clear folder; punctuality and completeness expedite the review process.
• Track Application and Collect Your Visa: use the reference number provided at submission to monitor status online or by phone, return to the embassy on the specified date with your receipt to pick up your passport with visa affixed; proactive tracking helps you plan travel and resolve any unexpected issues swiftly.

Tips and Best Practices

• Correct Photo Dimensions: use a precise ruler or trusted photo service to ensure the image is exactly 35×45 mm with the head occupying 31–36 mm of the frame; even 1 mm off can trigger automatic rejection.
• Proper Head Position: center your face vertically and horizontally with a straight gaze and closed mouth; off-center or tilted heads often fail biometric checks.
• Neutral Background: choose a plain light-gray or white backdrop with no shadows or patterns; textured or colored backgrounds lead to manual reviews and visa delays.
• Recent and Clear Image: provide a color photo taken within the last six months showing natural skin tones and sharp focus; outdated or digitally enhanced photos can be refused.
• No Accessories or Glasses Glare: remove eyeglasses, hats, scarves (unless for religious reasons) and keep hair off your face; obstructions and reflections prevent accurate facial recognition.

Conclusion

Conclusion:

• Photo specifications: 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm), color, plain light-coloured background, head height 25–35 mm, high resolution, no shadows or reflections
• Application form: fully completed and signed on all required fields
• Passport requirements: original with minimum 6 months validity and at least two blank visa pages
• Photographs: two identical recent photos meeting size and quality criteria
• Supporting documents: flight itinerary, hotel reservation or invitation letter, proof of financial means (bank statements), business or sponsor letter if applicable
• Visa fee: paid in the correct currency and amount as specified by the embassy
• Final check: verify all items are present, legible, and correctly formatted to prevent delays or rejection

By strictly adhering to these guidelines and double-checking each element before submission, applicants can ensure a smooth and timely Afghanistan visa process.