Scam in AfghanistanTheft
Banditry and robbery in Afghanistan
How it works
Bandits may rob travellers. Foreigners also face a risk of kidnapping.
How to avoid it
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Ask a local guide or travel agency for safety advice before travelling between places.
If it happens to you
- Get to a safer place. If threatened, put your safety ahead of money or belongings.
- If cards or banking details were taken, contact your card issuer immediately and block affected cards.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount lost and any booking or vehicle details. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to local police when it is safe. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate for advice if you need help with stolen documents or a serious incident.
- Tell your insurer and any booking or payment provider involved. Keep copies of your reports and correspondence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Afghanistan travel adviceCanadian travel advice warns that criminal and terrorist groups use fake checkpoints and roadblocks to commit robbery, kidnapping and other violent attacks.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Afghanistan travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice warns of armed street robbery and home invasions in Afghan cities, alongside criminals abducting people and emptying their bank accounts.Read on Government advice
- Travel blog2020Travel in Afghanistan: The Ultimate Backpacker’s GuideAfter more than five weeks of independent travel in Afghanistan, the author identified robbery, kidnapping and random attacks as major risks for visitors.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the banditry and robbery scam in Afghanistan?
Bandits may rob travellers. Foreigners also face a risk of kidnapping.
How do I avoid banditry and robbery in Afghanistan?
Avoid non-essential travel. Ask a local guide or travel agency for safety advice before travelling between places.
Where in Afghanistan does this happen?
Many parts of the country, including northern areas
How common is this scam in Afghanistan?
Common. How common tourist scams are in Afghanistan is unclear. Banditry occurs in many parts of the country, including northern areas, and foreigners may be targeted for kidnapping. Overall travel risk is high, and non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.
Who can I report it to?
Local police: report robbery, theft or fraud when it is safe to do so. Ask for a written record if available. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use official contact details to seek advice after a serious incident or the loss of your passport. Travel insurer: contact its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, police records and other evidence. Booking platform or service provider: report a disputed booking or payment through the provider's official support channel.
Reviewed by @snuck