The latest Travel Warning for Afghanistan states clearly that the security situation remains critical for American citizens. There are remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qaida network in various parts of Afghanistan, as well as narco traffickers and other groups that oppose the strengthening of a democratic government. Those groups aim to weaken or bring down the new Government of Afghanistan, and often, to drive Westerners out of the country. They do not hesitate to use violence to achieve their aims. They use following tactics for achieving their objectives:
. Terrorist actions include suicide bombing
. Road side bombing
. Vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices
. Assassinations
. Carjacking
. Rocket attacks
. Assaults or kidnapping.
There is an ongoing threat to kidnap U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Since the beginning of 2007, more than three dozen foreigners have been kidnapped and held for extended periods of time, and six foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered; foreigners and Afghan nationals have been killed or injured in improvised explosive device attacks. In the past few months, Kabul has seen an increase in suicide bombers attacking Afghan government personnel. Riots -- sometimes violent -- have occurred in response to various political or other issues. Crime, including violent crime, remains a significant problem. Official Americans' use of the Kabul-Jalalabad road and other roads throughout the country is often restricted or completely curtailed because of security concerns. The country faces a difficult period in the near term, and American citizens could be targeted or placed at risk by unpredictable local events. In addition, there is also a real danger from the presence of millions of unexploded land mines and other ordnance. Terrorists continue to use roadside or vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. Private Americans should not come to Afghanistan unless they have made arrangements in advance to address security concerns.

Attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests have continued since June 2006. The number of attacks in the south and southwestern areas of the country continues to increase as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity. There were more than 130 suicide bomber and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) attacks throughout the country in 2006. Kabul was particularly hard hit by militant attacks, such as several detonations of a remote-controlled IED and VBIED on Jalalabad Road, a suicide bomber attack upon a U.S. military convoy near Massoud Circle and the U.S. Embassy compound, a body-borne IED detonation against an ISAF convoy traveling to Kabul International Airport, and a magnetic bomb explosion in the vicinity of the Intercontinental Hotel in western Kabul. These incidents resulted in many deaths and injuries of U.S. and coalition personnel and local civilians.
Incidents have occurred with higher frequency on the Kabul-Jalalabad Road (commonly called Jalalabad Road) since June 2006. Because of an increase in information over the past several months about potential attacks on this road, its use is highly restricted for Embassy employees and, if the security situation warrants, sometimes is curtailed completely.
Since mid-2006 foreigners throughout the country continued to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminality. A Pakistani construction contractor in Zabul province was kidnapped and a Colombian NGO employee in Wardak province disappeared; neither has been found. Two German journalists were kidnapped and killed while traveling between Baghlan and Bamiyan provinces. An Italian journalist was abducted from a public bus traveling between Lashkar Gah and Kandahar and held by gunmen for three weeks. Two Pakistani journalists were kidnapped in Helmand province and held for six days. Two French citizens traveling in a taxi on the main highway between Kandahar and Kabul were victims of an attempted abduction.
Riots and incidents of civil disturbance also have occurred several times since the beginning of 2006, and the risk remains that such episodes may happen at any time with no warning. American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Carjackings, robberies, and violent crime remain a problem. In December, several armed men dressed as Afghan National Police officers set up illegal checkpoints within the district of Surobi, in eastern Kabul on Jalalabad Road. The perpetrators robbed several drivers and shot and killed a truck driver. American citizens involved in property disputes -- a common legal problem -- have reported that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. Americans who find themselves in such situations cannot assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy will be able to assist them.
Official Americans assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul are not permitted to have family members reside in Afghanistan. In addition, unofficial travel to Afghanistan by U.S. Government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the Department of State. From time to time depending on current security conditions, the U.S. Embassy places areas frequented by foreigners off limits to its personnel. Potential target areas include key national or international government establishments, international organizations and other locations with expatriate personnel, and public areas popular with the expatriate community. Private U.S. citizens are strongly urged to heed these restrictions as well and may obtain the latest information by calling the U.S. Embassy in Kabul or consulting the embassy website below. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings, assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devises or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents.

A little research into your chosen destination can turn up a lot of useful advice. Some, such as government issued travel advice can be over cautious, but there are often organizations specializing in safety information for the UN for example. There will be NGO's (Non Governmental Organizations) operating in most of these places.
• British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Provides travel advice
• Afghanistan NGO Security Office exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGO’s and to increase aid access to all people in need in Afghanistan.

Anyone considering a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should consider some professional training, . Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2-5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats etc. will have taken these courses.

A large portion of the Afghan population is unemployed, and many among the unemployed have moved to urban areas. Basic services are rudimentary or non-existent. These factors may directly contribute to crime and lawlessness. Diplomats and international relief workers have reported incidents of robberies and household burglaries as well as kidnappings and assault.

Afghanistan is littered with landmines- never walk off the beaten path. If locals avoid a particular area, so should you. Take a guide and don’t walk alone in unknown areas. When travelling by road, stay on the road when answering the call of nature. As well as mines, there is a risk from unexploded ordnance (UXOs), including bomblets dropped by US forces in the 2001-2002 air campaign. A visit to the Landmine Museum run by OMAR (Organisation for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation) in Kabul is highly recommended.
Remember, landmines are laid to be invisible.
In Afghanistan, rocks are marked with red paint to signify dangerous areas or known minefields. The rocks are repainted white when the area is cleared. However, not all areas are marked. Landmines and UXOs can be found in the following places:
Unused footpaths and tracks, verges of roads, around culverts and bridge abutments, alongside walls (particularly damaged buildings, around wells and water access points, in irrigation channels, around (abandoned) military posts and destroyed vehicles.
Land mines remain bad news in the country, so plan to stick to well-worn paths, and avoid red-painted rocks. According to a 2007 report by al-Jazeera news, approximately 60 people are killed each month in Afghanistan due to landmines. In the past, the numbers were much greater.
DO NOT touch or move interesting/unknown objects, leave well-worn paths or tracks, or walk in unknown areas without a local guide.
DO seek information on local mine problems and take a local guide, retrace you steps out of a suspect area when possible, and stay alert to telltale signs for landmines and UXOs. Trust your judgment and don’t follow others blindly.
If you see a landmine or UXO: stop, stay calm and think. Shout a warning to others near you, and turn around and retrace your steps slowly and exactly. Once on safe ground, mark the danger area with a line of rocks and inform the nearest NGO demining office or authorities immediately.
Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or UXO (Unexploded Ordnance). In some cases, these may remain dangerous for decades after the conflict ends — for example, China had some deaths in the 21st century from left over World War II munitions. After a few years heavily populated or heavily touristed areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may remain dangerous.
Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. Anti-personnel mines generally are not designed to kill. Maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing since resources are needed to evacuate. Anti-tank mines will not normally be triggered if you stand on one. They are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. One other point, if you step on an anti-personnel mine, it explodes immediately. No click or any other warning like you see in the movies.
The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are often warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of heavily farmed area, an abandoned house in a busy district etc. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines/UXO has been found, the affected area should be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence are another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people.
Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common.
When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved road when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, STOP. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod (even a pen might work), you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take a couple of days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive.

Road blocks are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden round a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are most commonly an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money from passers by. There are a few useful rules for dealing with road blocks. First, keep your hands in sight. That way, no one will think you may have a weapon ready. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed.
Do not photograph any military checkpoint/roadblock or facility/base. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, and communication's facilities. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items - the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack.

To avoid the danger of kidnapping it may be wise to look into hiring a professional bodyguard and a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification.
In any kidnapping/abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act reduces. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help. Specialist courses are available for drivers.

Being shot at or being in an area where there is shooting is never very pleasant. Fortunately, it is actually quite hard to get shot. Unless some one with a firearm is actually very close, your initial reaction could save your life. It is very hard even for a highly trained soldier to hit a moving target. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire and not directly away from the shooting. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This will confuse the person with the firearm, long enough to find cover.
If you choose cover behind a vehicle, behind the engine (usually near the front wheel) is the safest place. Taking cover behind trees or walls made of wood or brick is very dangerous, as most assault riffle bullets will pass through them easily. If you need to change location, move rapidly, as above.
A rule of thumb to keep in mind is the 'three-second rule' which basically states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away.

The chances of being caught up in an explosion are pretty remote. Avoiding high risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people that could be targets is an option. If you are unlucky enough to be in the area of an explosion, leave as quickly as possible. This is because an increasingly common tactic by terrorists is to trigger a small explosion, followed by a large one to catch crowds and rescuers.

Most people will have an emergency kit, which can be picked up in a hurry. There are no set rules about what to pack, but some ideas are included here.
• Simple first aid kit
• Sterile needle set (available as part of a kit from good outdoor shops). Some customs officials will cause problems if they find this sort of thing.
• Emergency dental kit with needles and anaesthetic
• Flashlight (torch)
• Matches or something to start a fire
• Disinfectant
• Medication for pain (avoid Codeine)
• Medication for diarrhea/sickness
• Water purification tablets
• Any other medication required
• Needle and cotton
• Disposable gloves

A bulletproof vest might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover. Vests that are reasonably light and comfortable will stop most pistol bullets and some shrapnel, but not anything heavier. They might stop a slashing attack with a knife, but not a thrust; for that, you need a different knife-proof vest.
Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. No form of body armour will stop a heavy round such as 50 caliber.

In some areas, travellers may be advised to carry weapons. For example, foreign contractors in Iraq often carry assault rifles.
For many travellers, this is a very bad idea. Certainly you should not consider carrying anything you cannot use proficiently; this greatly increases your risk without much benefit. Brandishing weapons unnecessarily is also a good way to get killed.
Travelling with armed guards may be a better alternative and is necessary in some situations.
If after considering the risks you still choose to travel in Afghanistan, hiring an armed escort or travelling with an experienced guide are ways to decrease the risks. You should also check with your embassy, and be clear on what they can and can't do for you in an emergency.

• Road Kabul - Mazar Sharif is safe. Night travel is to be avoided. Road Kabul to Bamiyan via the Ghorband valley is safe. However the road from Bamiyan to Kabul via Wardak province be avoided.
• Road Kabul to Kandahar beyond Ghazni is unsafe. However those who do travel should demand police escort.
• Road Kabul-Sarobi-Jalalabad-Torkham is relatively safe through sporadic attacks do take place.
• Road Mazar Sharif - Maimana is safe. Night travel be avoided.
• Road Maimana - Qala-i-Naw - Herat is relatively safe but a police escort is recommended.
• Road Doshi - Kunduz - Bandar-e- Sher Khan is safe.
• Road Kunduz - Faizabad is safe.
• Road Kandahar - Herat is unsafe and not recommended.
• Road Kandahar - Spin Boldak is unsafe.
• Road Girishk - Zaranj is unsafe.
• Road Jalalabad - Asadabad is unsafe.