About Afghanistan's Correctional System
Afghanistan's correctional system is managed by the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Centres. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in Afghanistan, contact US Embassy Afghanistan at +93 20 230 0436 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Afghanistan Resources & Legal Services
Key Afghanistan Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Centres | Afghanistan | +93-20-210-3832 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Afghanistan | Afghanistan | +93 20 230 0436 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 8 facilities in Afghanistan
Baghlan Provincial Prison
Facility
Closed
Provincial prison in northern Afghanistan. INL funded new construction here to address chronic overcrowding. Subject to Taliban breach in 2021 when dozens of prisoners escaped.
Herat Provincial Prison
Facility
Closed
Major provincial prison serving western Afghanistan. Subject to expansion plans under US-funded INL programmes to alleviate chronic overcrowding. As of 2021 conditions deteriorated significantly following Taliban takeover.
Kabul Welayat Prison
Facility
Closed
Historic central provincial prison of Kabul. Served as the main civilian remand and sentence facility for Kabul. Documented by Amnesty International for poor conditions including lack of water bathroom access for female inmates and children housed with mothers. Under Taliban administration since August 2021.
Facility
Closed
Maximum-security prison on the eastern outskirts of Kabul. Construction began in the 1970s under President Mohammed Daoud Khan and was completed in the 1980s. Became notorious for torture and mass executions after the 1978 Saur Revolution. An estimated 27000 political prisoners were executed here between 1978 and 1979. Capacity is 14000 but as of 2024 holds around 5000. Renovated with US assistance. Has been the country's main execution facility.
Kandahar Provincial Prison
Facility
Closed
Provincial correctional facility in southern Afghanistan's largest city. Operated under Taliban administration since August 2021. History of overcrowding and poor conditions.
Balkh Provincial Prison
Facility
Closed
Major provincial prison in northern Afghanistan. INL had plans to build a new model prison in Balkh to alleviate overcrowding. Now under Taliban control.
Facility
Closed
Afghanistan's main military prison. Built by the US during the George W. Bush administration next to Bagram Air Base. Originally a temporary facility. Held more detainees than Guantanamo Bay at its peak. Handled foreign and local combatants. Formally handed over to Afghan forces in December 2014. At its peak in 2011 held 1700 prisoners. Released thousands of inmates including Taliban and ISIS-K fighters after Taliban takeover in August 2021.
Wardak Provincial Prison
Facility
Closed
Provincial prison in Wardak Province west of Kabul. INL funded construction of a new prison here under US rule-of-law programmes prior to 2021 Taliban takeover.
Afghanistan Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in Afghanistan, contact US Embassy Afghanistan at +93 20 230 0436 immediately.
Contact US Embassy Afghanistan at +93 20 230 0436 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in Afghanistan. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Afghanistan Independent Bar Association for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Afghanistan. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each Afghanistan facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.