Taliban Waives Visa Requirements for Iranian Truck Drivers Entering Afghanistan
Taliban authorities announced Friday that Iranian transit truck drivers no longer need visas or road passes to enter Afghanistan, by order of leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
The policy aims to reduce transport fares, lower goods prices and create daily jobs for more than 1,000 people. It is set to take effect starting Saturday, according to Afghanistan International, while Ariana News reported Sunday as the start date.
Mohammad Yusuf Saidi, spokesperson for the Herat governor, announced the measure. Herat Governor Islam Jar visited the Islam Qala border crossing on Friday to oversee implementation. Discussions were held there with officials including a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as from public works, customs and transport ministries.
The move comes amid strong trade ties between Afghanistan and Iran, despite regional tensions. Afghanistan International reported the Herat governor's office made the announcement, highlighting expectations of economic benefits from eased border procedures at Islam Qala.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Where reports agree
- Taliban policy waiving visa and road pass requirement for Iranian transit vehicles entering via Islam Qala
- Ordered by Taliban leader (Hibatullah Akhundzada)
- Herat governor visited Islam Qala border on Friday to oversee implementation
- Discussions held with relevant officials (Foreign Affairs, public works, customs, transport)
- Expected outcomes: lower transport fares, reduced goods prices, daily jobs for over 1000 people
Where reports differ
- Start date: Saturday (Afghanistan International) vs Sunday (Ariana News)
- Specific announcer: Governor's office (Afghanistan International) vs spokesperson Mohammad Yusuf Saidi (Ariana News)
- Minor spelling variation: Islam-Jar vs Islam Jar
More in Economy
Russia Holds Expert-Level Talks with Taliban on Recruiting Afghan Migrant Workers
Dollar Rises to Multi-Month Highs as Middle East Conflict Spurs Safe-Haven Demand
International Railway Organization Suspends Afghanistan's Voting Rights Over Unpaid Fees
'Afghanistan Expo Tashkent' Opens in Uzbekistan with Afghan Business Delegation
ReliableRussia Holds Expert-Level Talks with Taliban on Recruiting Afghan Migrant Workers
Russia is holding expert-level talks with the Taliban to recruit Afghan migrant workers to address labor shortages, though no agreement has been finalized. Opposition leader Sergei Mironov opposes the plan, favoring workers from Central Asian countries.
ReliableDollar Rises to Multi-Month Highs as Middle East Conflict Spurs Safe-Haven Demand
The U.S. dollar climbed to multi-month highs on Thursday, March 27, 2026, as escalating Middle East conflict fueled safe-haven demand amid oil supply risks and energy market uncertainty. Analysts cite risk aversion, rising oil prices, and Federal Reserve policy caution as key drivers.
ReliableInternational Railway Organization Suspends Afghanistan's Voting Rights Over Unpaid Fees
The International Organization for Railway Transport has suspended Afghanistan's voting rights due to unpaid fees from 2022 onward, effective March 24 with implementation from January 1, 2026. Afghanistan retains observer status but faces potential membership termination if debts persist for two more years.
Reliable'Afghanistan Expo Tashkent' Opens in Uzbekistan with Afghan Business Delegation
The first "Afghanistan Expo Tashkent" opened in Uzbekistan, featuring Afghan products and a delegation of about 120 businessmen led by Mohammad Karim Hashemi. Bilateral trade reached 1.68 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 50 percent from the prior year.