Security Alert: Repatriation Assistance for U.S. Citizens – August 14, 2021

Security Alert:  Repatriation Assistance for U.S. Citizens – August 14, 2021

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan has received reports that international commercial flights are still operating from Kabul, but seats may not be available. The U.S. Embassy is exploring options for U.S. citizens who want to depart and who have not been able to find a seat on commercial flights.  This notice is to solicit information from U.S. citizens who may wish to utilize such a options.  If you have an existing flight booked, do not cancel that booking.  The Embassy cannot guarantee how many or if charter flights will be available and continues to urge all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan to take advantage of commercial flight options while they are still available as airports could experience unexpected closures with little to no warning.

To register for any option that might be identified to return to the United States, you must complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in your group.  Spouses and minor children of US citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart Please do so as soon as possible.  You must complete this form even if you’ve previously submitted your information to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.  Do not call the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight. This form is only way to communicate interest in flight options. If we are able to arrange a flight, we will contact those who have indicated interest with additional specific information and will provide general information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. U.S. Citizenship:  The U.S. Embassy will prioritize U.S. citizens for any charter flights.   U.S. citizens with a non-citizen spouse or unmarried children (under age 21) may include their family members in their repatriation assistance requests but should indicate each family member’s citizenship and whether each has a valid passport and/or a U.S. visa.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen parent of a U.S. citizen minor, please indicate whether you have appropriate travel documentation to enter the United States (i.e. valid U.S. visa). If you do not have appropriate travel documentation, please identify an individual who currently has valid travel documentation who could accompany your U.S. citizen minor.

U.S. lawful permanent residents may submit a repatriation assistance request, and their request will be considered depending on availability.

  1. Flight Costs: Repatriation flights are not free, and passengers will be required to sign a promissory loan agreement and may not be eligible to renew their U.S. passports until the loan is repaid.  The cost may be $2,000USD or more per person.
  1. Travel Documents:  All passengers should have valid travel documents required for entry into the United States (e.g. U.S. passports or visas)

Assistance: 

Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited.  Please review, “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.”