Frequently Asked Questions

Recent travelers and specialist operators generally report calm, hospitable conditions on the ground in areas open to tourism. Check current advisories and travel with an experienced operator who monitors conditions closely.

Visas are generally arranged in advance through an Afghan embassy or consulate, and requirements vary by nationality. Specialist tour operators typically assist with the paperwork and any required permits. See our Plan a Visit page for more.

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the mildest weather across most of the country. Winters are harsh and can make mountain regions like Bamiyan or the Wakhan Corridor inaccessible.

The Afghan afghani (AFN) is the local currency. Card payments and ATMs are unreliable outside major cities, so carrying cash — often US dollars to exchange locally — is standard practice.

Modest dress is expected of all visitors. Requirements for women are more extensive under current Taliban governance and can vary by region — research specific, current rules closely before traveling, ideally through your tour operator.

Independent travel is possible, but comes with logistical constraints. Most visitors travel with a specialist operator who arranges permits, local guides, transport, and accommodation for the regions currently open to tourism — and for the best experience, a specialist operator is recommended.

International connections to Kabul are increasing. The Middle East is currently the most common and widely available routing, with regional hubs offering the bulk of the flights. Most tour operators will arrange the specific routing as part of a booked trip, since carriers and availability change frequently. See our Plan a Visit page for more.

Dari and Pashto are the official languages. English is limited outside major hotels and tour operators, so a local guide or translator is strongly recommended for any independent communication.

Mobile coverage and 3G/4G data exist in most cities but can be unreliable or restricted in rural and mountainous regions. A local SIM card is usually easy to arrange on arrival in Kabul.

Photographing sites, landscapes, and public places is fine, and widely done. The care is with people: always ask before photographing anyone, particularly women, and avoid security personnel, checkpoints, and government buildings. Your guide can advise on local sensitivities specific to each region.

Follow the usual travel health guidance issued in your own country, and use your own judgement on what you need. Bring any prescription medication with you, as availability can be inconsistent.

In Kabul, most visitors base themselves in Shahr-e-Naw — it's where the hotels are concentrated, along with the restaurants. Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif also have a range of hotels from basic to comfortable. Outside the major cities, accommodation is simpler — guesthouses or arranged homestays are common, especially in remote regions like the Wakhan Corridor.

Shahr-e-Naw is the centre of gravity for visitors — hotels, restaurants, and rug dealers are all concentrated there, and it's where most people base themselves. For shopping more broadly, Wazir Akbar Khan covers the higher end, and Mandawi is the big traditional bazaar for everything else. See Plan a Visit for the breakdown.