Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. Afghanistan is a country with a rich history and culture, and it has a lot to offer to tourists who are interested in exploring its beauty.
Despite the ongoing conflict and security concerns, Afghanistan has some remarkable tourist attractions. The country is home to several ancient historical sites, including the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Other notable attractions include the Minaret of Jam, the ancient city of Balkh, and the stunning Band-e-Amir National Park.
Afghanistan is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Hindu Kush mountain range, which offers some of the most scenic trekking routes in the world. The Wakhan Corridor is another popular destination for tourists, offering breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountains and the Hindu Kush.
In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, Afghanistan is also known for its traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving and pottery. Tourists can visit local markets and workshops to witness the skilled artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs.
Overall, Afghanistan is a country with a lot to offer to tourists who are willing to explore its beauty and culture. While security concerns may deter some travelers, those who are willing to take the risk will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Risks of traveling to Afghanistan
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan isn’t a safe destination for travelers. You should know that many governments advise their citizens not to travel to the country as it is considered practically a war zone. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Both petty and violent crimes are normal here. Do not travel to Afghanistan unless it is of dire necessity.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
About 79% of roads in Afghanistan are just dirt. Public transportation in Afghanistan generally works by loads of people, animals, and produce just being packed into small spaces on the roofs of buses and trucks.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
As you would expect, petty theft and pickpocketing are widespread in Afghanistan. If you do leave your accommodation and have to walk the streets, make sure you don’t flash your valuables. Dangling cameras, flashing money or credit cards or expensive jewelry is strongly recommended against.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan is highly susceptible to common natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, snow avalanches, landslides, and droughts. This happens to Afghanistan because of its geographical location and decades of environmental degradation.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Violent crime happens in Afghanistan during all times of day, so do not think that daylight makes you safe. You can expect muggings, burglaries, and carjacking since this country is shaken by war and in extremely bad condition. The risk increases after dark, so avoid going anywhere after nightfall.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to and carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Taliban rebels are causing fear throughout the country while the Afghanistan government is still trying to fight them. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams should be the least of your concerns when in Afghanistan. They do exist, though, so be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. They are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that they leave their accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Remain hidden from view.
How Safe Is Afghanistan Really?
You are strongly advised against visiting Afghanistan as it can be extremely dangerous.
Afghanistan is technically a war zone and as such should be avoided at all costs.
There is an overall sense of lawlessness as the Government has little control over large parts of the country.
Terrorism is still hugely widespread and represents a horrific issue with Taliban rebels causing fear throughout the country and the Government trying to fight them.
Afghanistan is not safe for travel, and Westerners as well as other tourists can easily be targeted and become victims of hostile acts, sometimes even in a random terrorist attack.
However, there are areas that are now considered to be safe but are still not recommended as tourist destinations.
At all costs avoid areas of Wuristan, Kabul, and the Khyber Pass.
This is where the remaining fighters of the former Taliban regime and the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, as well as drug lords, gangs, bandits and tribal warriors, are active.
This also applies to other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force military operations.
Be wary of the landmines and other unexploded devices that are widespread throughout the country and remain a problem to this day.
Do not stray from the beaten paths and stick to the worn paths and do not touch anything that looks remotely suspicious.
This has been a serious problem in Afghanistan for years, as some statistics say that around 600-700 people end up injured or killed every year in accidents due to landmines and unexploded devices.
Things to Consider
- Visas – All countries need a visa in order to enter Afghanistan. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your applying for a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency – Afghan Afghani is the official currency in Afghanistan. There are some ATMs in the country but you should carry cash with you wherever you go.
- Weather – Afghanistan has clearly defined seasons: weather during summer is hot and winters can be extremely cold. Summer temperatures can go as high as 49 °C. Midwinter temperatures can go as low as -9 °C in the Hindu Kush.
- Airports – Hamid Karzai International Airport is the busiest airport in Afghanistan. It is located 5 km from the city center of Kabul in Afghanistan.
- Travel Insurance – Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Afghanistan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are some frequently asked questions about visiting Afghanistan.
Is Afghanistan safe for tourists now?
No, Afghanistan is not safe for tourists. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August of 2021, no one expected the level-headed responses the insurgent group would deliver to international media outlets.
Although culturally and religiously conservative, it seems that the Taliban is, in its way, attempting to improve the life of its people.
Whether or not they are achieving their proposed goals is up for debate. Whatever the case, one thing remains certain: Afghanistan is not safe for tourists.
Which part of Afghanistan is safe?
Relatively speaking, Mazar-i Sharif & Balkh are considered two of the safest areas of Afghanistan. Still, even these areas experience above-average violence and civil unrest.
In general, no part of Afghanistan can be considered safe. Some consider the capital city of Kabul to be safe, but this is only a relative assessment. The truth is that Afghanistan is unsafe for tourists.
Unless you are a diplomat, native Afghan, or seasoned journalist, you will likely experience hostility when visiting Afghanistan. You want to strongly consider if putting yourself or your family in danger is worth visiting this region.
Will the Taliban allow tourists?
Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, stated in a press release that Afghanistan is open for tourism. However, this comment needs context.
While anyone may have the right to visit Afghanistan, that doesn’t mean anyone should. Although the Taliban has not explicitly stated this, it is implied that tourists visiting Afghanistan must comply with every aspect of Taliban rule.
Because Afghanistan practices strict cultural practices and observes religious law, tourism in the country is realistically open to relatively few people.
Tourists that can travel freely to Afghanistan include devout Muslim males, and that’s about it. Americans and women should not consider traveling to Afghanistan.
Do the Taliban allow tattoos?
No, the Taliban does not allow tattoos. The Taliban doesn’t allow many things that are culturally acceptable in the West. Body piercings, consumption of alcohol, and flashy dress are all considered violations of Islamic law and are subject to punishment.
Punishments can range from jail time to death, so definitely do your research before traveling to Afghanistan. If you or someone you are traveling with have these adornments, it might be wise to remove them or cover them if you are seriously considering traveling to the area.
Are there any nice parts of Afghanistan?
There are many nice parts of Afghanistan, the capital of Kabul and the historic city of Jalalabad are two of the most beautiful cities in the middle east. However, that doesn’t mean tourists should visit them.
Afghanistan’s turbulent socio-political status makes it unsafe for 99% (maybe more) of tourists. Even within the “nice” parts of Afghanistan, extremist violence is commonplace. Abductions, assaults, and murders are not uncommon.
Is it a good idea to visit Afghanistan?
It is not a good idea to visit Afghanistan. Sure, the country is home to sublime mountain ranges and some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world, but it is also home to socially permissible intolerance and rampant terrorism.
Decades of conflict have created a volatile and unpredictable environment in Afghanistan. Violence of all kinds abounds in Afghanistan.
Several extremist groups have made Afghanistan unsafe for travel. Of course, Afghans are not inherently violent people. When peace is restored to the country, it will be safe to visit.
