The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer frontier established in 1893, serves as the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It cuts through ethnic Pashtun heartlands and rugged, mountainous terrain, and has been a source of contention for its entire existence. For you, crossing this border means engaging with a complex reality where formal state lines and deep-seated tribal connections coexist.
You will find two major, officially recognized border crossings for international travel. The most famous is the Torkham crossing, which connects Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province with Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province via the historic Khyber Pass. The second is the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing, linking Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Several smaller, local crossings also exist but are generally not open to foreign nationals.
The Torkham crossing is the busier and more developed of the two, handling a massive volume of trade and foot traffic daily. The process can be chaotic and time-consuming, with long queues for both pedestrians and vehicles. You must have a valid visa for your destination country; visas are not issued at the border. The high altitude of the Khyber Pass can also be a factor, with cold weather possible for much of the year.
This entire border region is subject to a volatile security situation. Crossings can be closed without warning due to political disputes or security incidents. You must consult current travel advisories before planning your journey. The culture of the Pashtun people on both sides of the border is a defining feature of the region, and understanding local customs is an important part of your travel.