Afghanistan: High profile visit to cause travel restrictions in Kabul Jan. 28

Event

Restrictions of movement and police cordons are expected in the vicinity of Kabul International Airport (Hamid Karzai International Airport, KBL), Airport Road, and Massoud Square on Sunday, January 28 due to a high profile visit. Local sources have reported that Indonesian flags have been positioned along Airport Road and posters of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Indonesia President Joko Widodo adorn Massoud Square. Such decorations would typically suggest the arrival of President Widodo on a state visit.

Traffic congestion is expected throughout the day.

Advice

Individuals present in Kabul are advised to anticipate travel disruptions, avoid the area, and to adhere to all official directives. 

Due to major security concerns more generally, individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.