working in afghanistan public web version final 04 11 11.docx

March 31, 2011 References and Resources for Working in Afghanistan Notes for Potential RFP Bidders Office of Public Affairs US Embassy - Kabul

Working in Afghanistan is very rewarding, but also challenging. There are unique logistical considerations in Afghanistan that must be taken into account. Personal security is of prime importance and adds a layer of complication to almost everything we do. Following are points to focus on as you initiate your work in Afghanistan.

- Visa: Start early in obtaining an Afghan visa. Two months would offer good lead time. You may approach the Afghan Embassy or a Consulate near you directly, or make use of a commercial visa service. Afghan Embassy or Consulate offices may require a letter of support from the Afghan host institution and/or your own institution. Start early in obtaining a letter from the Afghan institution that indicates their desire to cooperate with you and the nature of the project. From your own institution you should obtain a letter that states the nature of the project and notes that the university is responsible for you and covers all costs.

-Security: Grantees are responsible for making their own security arrangements in Afghanistan as the US Embassy does not have the resources to provide you with protective security services. Although optional, it is recommended that you seek services of a private security firm to assist you.

Below you will find a series of links to information relating to the security situation here in Afghanistan. One of the sites is to the Overseas Security Advisor Council (OSAC). A variety of reports and other Afghanistan related information is posted on this OSAC site. Grantees should always be mindful of the fact that Afghanistan is an active war zone and is rated “Critical” by the State Department for terrorism.

OSAC, Afghanistan Homepage:

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/CountryHome.aspx?CatalogLocationId=351

Afghanistan Travel Warning:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5369.html

Afghanistan Consular Information Sheet:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1056.html

Afghanistan Background Notes:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5380.htm

Embassy Kabul Web Page:

http://kabul.usembassy.gov/

- In-country Travel: Grantees are responsible for making their own travel arrangements in Afghanistan. The US Embassy does not have the facilities to make airline or hotel reservations, or to schedule drivers. It is important early on to establish a relationship with an agent in Kabul who can assist you in these matters. For example –

- Confirm a reputable driver to pick you up at the airport. Do not take public taxis. Some hotels provide airport pick-up service. Note that drivers cannot come into the terminal to meet you. They must wait in a parking lot at some distance. Be sure you have clear instructions from your driver as to where to meet. Get the cell phone of the driver so you can contact him if necessary.

- You will need the services of a driver for appointments in Kabul and in other cities. The US Embassy cannot provide transportation.

- Local cell phone. Consider having your agent or another trusted local contact procure a local SIM card (and inexpensive phone, if necessary) for you so that you will have a local number. Coordination with local partners and Embassy employees is very difficult without a local cell.

- Confirm an agent to make hotel reservations, or follow-up as necessary on reservations you may make yourself. Identify a hotel or guest house with adequate security measures. This same agent can procure internal airline tickets for you, and make reservations for a hotel in another city. Some Afghan hotels and airlines have online booking service if you want to do this yourself. Make arrangements beforehand regarding method of payment. Credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are rare and temperamental.

- You will need the services of a translator. In some cases the travel agent or driver is also a translator. Consider whether you need to have your translator accompany you on trips – if so, include such expenses in the budget. You can also ask your host institution if they can recommend a translator you can hire in that city instead. Please note that there are two languages spoken in Afghanistan – Dari and Pashto. Dari is spoken in Kabul and throughout much of the north and west of the country and in some areas of the east. Pashto is spoken through the south, southwest and in some areas of the east and the dialect varies greatly from province to province. Please work with your local contacts to confirm the language for which you will need a translator and assure your translator will be an effective communicator for you with regards to dialect and fluency.