Most people travelling to Afghanistan in 2026 are aid and NGO workers, journalists, researchers or members of the diaspora visiting family. Before anything else, read your government's travel advice. The United States, for example, rates Afghanistan at Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing terrorism, the risk of wrongful detention and the absence of consular services (). If you do travel, mobile data is useful but not something to rely on for safety. co:sim's Afghanistan eSIM connects to Roshan (4G), one of the country's main operators.
In September 2025, the authorities cut fibre-optic internet in several provinces, and from 29 September to 1 October 2025 the country experienced a nationwide communications blackout of around two days before services were restored (RFE/RL). Shutdowns like this affect every network and every SIM card, including eSIMs. Build your plans around the possibility that data could disappear with little warning.
The Afghanistan eSIM runs on Roshan (4G). At the time of writing (October 2026):
Plan type
Options
From
Daily plans
500MB, 1GB, 2GB or 10GB of high-speed data per day
$3.99 per day
Fixed data
1GB / 7 days
$4.99
Fixed data
3GB / 5GB / 10GB / 20GB for 30 days
$12.99 / $19.99 / $33.99 / $62.99
Validity starts at first connection, you have 90 days to install, and some plans can be topped up. Afghanistan is not included in co:sim's regional plans. Check the plan page for current prices.
Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kandahar and Jalalabad have 4G coverage in urban areas, although speeds vary and congestion is common. On the roads between cities and in mountainous provinces, coverage becomes patchy or disappears. Power cuts can also affect local towers.
Do not rely on mobile data alone. Organisations operating in Afghanistan typically use satellite phones or satellite messengers for security communications. Follow your organisation's security protocols.
Save everything offline: contacts, addresses, maps, flight details, insurance and embassy or organisation emergency numbers.
Agree on check-in routines with family or colleagues, including what happens if you cannot be reached.
Keep a power bank charged, as electricity can be unreliable.
Be careful with what is on your phone. Devices can be inspected at checkpoints, so think about which apps and content you carry.
For messaging, email and occasional maps, 1GB to 3GB a week is usually enough. Choose more if you need video calls.
In Afghanistan, an eSIM is a practical way to stay in touch when networks are running, but it cannot replace proper security planning. Check official advice, prepare offline, and carry a backup way to communicate.
co:sim Team
