What to know before you go to Afghanistan? Read our list of travel Afghanistan FAQs to stay updated.
Considering a trip to Afghanistan?
While it’s not your typical holiday destination, Afghanistan has captivated adventurous travellers with its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
Below, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions visitors have when planning a journey to this extraordinary country.
Well, we have a whole blog post on this. Safety is understandably a top concern for travellers.
Afghanistan’s security situation can be unpredictable, so staying informed and taking precautions is essential.
Some areas may be off-limits due to security risks, while others can be safer, especially when visited with a reputable tour operator. If you do decide to visit, travel with experienced guides who can navigate the region and monitor current security conditions.
Tip: Check the latest travel advisories, and consider joining a group tour for a more secure experience.
Yes, all foreign visitors require a visa to enter Afghanistan. Most travellers apply for a tourist visa, which generally allows a 30-day stay. You’ll need to apply at an Afghan embassy or consulate before you travel, as visas on arrival are not available.
Required Documents for the Visa:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of itinerary or accommodation
- Visa fee (varies by nationality)
Applying early is advised, as processing times can vary.
Afghanistan has a diverse climate, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re going and what you’d like to do.
Generally...
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for exploring cultural sites and cities.
- Summer (June to August): Temperatures can soar, but it’s good for higher-altitude areas.
- Autumn (September to November): Mild weather, with vibrant landscapes.
- Winter (December to February): Cold, especially in mountainous regions, but suitable for exploring cities.
Tip: Plan according to the regions you’ll visit, as the climate can vary greatly within the country.
Afghanistan’s currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN).
While cash is king, especially in markets and smaller towns, US dollars are also widely accepted in major cities. However, you’ll need Afghani for daily expenses, local transportation, and smaller purchases.
ATMs are available in major cities like Kabul, but they’re not always reliable, so it’s best to bring cash with you.
Quick Tip: Bring crisp, clean US dollar bills for exchange. Torn or marked notes may not be accepted.
You can find money exchange shops in most big cities in Afghanistan.
Travelling within Afghanistan can be challenging, as public transport is limited and road conditions vary. Most tourists rely on private vehicles arranged through tour operators or local guides.
Domestic flights are available between some major cities, but options can be limited, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Popular Transport Options:
- Private Vehicle with Driver: Common for tourists; ensures safety and flexibility.
- Domestic Flights: Available between cities like Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Herat.
- Local Taxis: Available in cities but may require haggling. Use with caution.
- Shared Taxis: Many people opt to take shared taxis, particularly for long distances. They may be more comfortable than big buses, but probably a little more expensive.
- Local buses: The cheapest of the options for travelling in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is a conservative country with a dress code that’s important to follow, particularly in rural areas.
Both men and women should dress modestly, covering arms and legs, and women are expected to wear a headscarf.
Guidelines for Tourists:
- Women: Long, loose-fitting clothing with a headscarf.
- Men: Long trousers and shirts with sleeves. No shorts.
Women must be fully covered from head to toe. Face coverings are not mandatory but hair should be covered with a headscarf (hijab). Your arms and legs should be covered down to your ankles and wrists.
Ideally, if you don’t want to stick out, you should get some traditional Afghani clothes. These are lightweight pieces that cover your legs and arms fully. They usually come in soft browns, blues, and grey colours.
You may see some Afghanis wearing jeans and other Western attire.
Often, this is those Afghanis who live abroad and have come back to Afghanistan for a holiday.
Locals generally wear the local attire.
Respecting local customs with appropriate dress shows respect for Afghan culture, as well as staying within the law, and will help you feel more at ease.
Yes, preparing for potential health risks is wise. Make sure you’re up to date with standard vaccinations and consult a travel health clinic for advice on additional vaccinations, such as for typhoid or hepatitis.
Tap water is generally unsafe for drinking, so stick to bottled water or use a water purifier.
You may also want to prepare for some high-altitude areas.
Essential Items for Health and Safety:
- Comprehensive travel insurance (including medical evacuation)
- First-aid kit and basic medications
- Water purification tablets or a portable purifier
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
The two official languages in Afghanistan are Dari and Pashto.
Dari (Afghan Persian) is widely spoken in major cities, while Pashto is more common in the south and east.
English is not widely spoken outside major cities or tourist areas, so learning a few basic Dari or Pashto phrases can be helpful.
Useful Phrases in Dari:
- Hello: Salaam
- Thank you: Tashakur
- Yes: Bale
- No: Na
Afghan cuisine is rich in flavour, with an emphasis on rice dishes, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and spices.
Some popular dishes include Kabuli Pulao (a savoury rice dish with meat, carrots, and raisins), mantu (dumplings filled with meat), and freshly baked naan.
Quick Tip: In rural areas, meals often focus on simple, hearty dishes. Be prepared to experience different flavours and cooking styles, particularly if you’re staying in family guesthouses or remote areas.
It isn’t impossible to be vegetarian in Afghanistan. Certainly in bigger cities there will be a lot of variety on offer. However, in smaller more rural areas, meat and rice are staples and it will be hard to find anything else.
Plus, it is certainly not guaranteed that rice won’t be cooked together with meat. It is common to ask for just a plate of rice and somehow find a meat bone in there. Cross-contamination is an issue in most restaurants as they will not understand the issue of using the same chopping board to chop meat and veg or the same gloves to pick up these items.
In some places, this simply cannot be helped.
While you can take photos in many areas, it’s crucial to be sensitive about what you photograph.
Avoid taking photos of military personnel, police, or checkpoints, as this can lead to misunderstandings.
Additionally, always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women, as some Afghans may prefer not to be photographed.
Photo Tips:
- Be cautious around government buildings or security sites.
- Avoid intrusive photography in religious areas.
- Respect people’s privacy and cultural sensitivity.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and guesthouses in major cities, though it can be slow or intermittent. Local SIM cards can be purchased for mobile data, but coverage may be limited in rural areas. Roshan and Etisalat are two popular mobile providers, and SIM cards are affordable with reasonable data packages.
Tip: Bring an unlocked phone, as you’ll need it to use a local SIM card for internet access.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for Afghanistan.
It should cover not only health and accidents but also emergency evacuation, given the limited medical facilities in many areas.
Make sure your policy includes coverage for all regions you plan to visit, as some insurance providers exclude Afghanistan or specific areas.
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