How to Visit Afghanistan: A Complete Guide

Afghanistan is a country of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and a deep cultural heritage. Whether you are a traveller seeking adventure, history, or a unique cultural experience, Afghanistan offers an unparalleled journey. However, more than most other countries, travelling in Afghanistan requires careful planning and awareness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to visit Afghanistan, from getting a visa to safety considerations and must-see destinations.

Is Afghanistan Safe to Visit?

One of the first questions potential visitors ask is about safety. Afghanistan is safer than it has been in around 50 years. It is not the safest place you will ever go, but many of the problems that plagued Afghanistan in the past, including petty theft, street crime, drug use, and corruption are uncommon now. Attacks against the government, foreigners and minority groups are still possible, but they are also significantly reduced.

If you search out other traveller’s stories of visiting Afghanistan, you’ll hear over and over again that travellers felt generally safe in Afghanistan. However, whenever you travel it’s essential to take basic safety precautions.

Safety Tips for Travelling in Afghanistan:

• Keep a Low Profile: Avoid drawing attention to yourself, and dress modestly in accordance with local customs.

• Don’t Share: Don’t share your location or itinerary in real time, on social media or with people you don’t fully trust.

• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important contacts, including your embassy (if available) and local emergency services.

• Hire a Local Guide: Travelling with a trusted local guide can significantly enhance your safety and help navigate cultural sensitivities.

• Check you background: If you have current or past connections to missionaries, military or aviation industries you may want to reconsider your travel plans.

For more details on travel safety, and special considerations for American/Western tourists check out our post on Can I visit Afghanistan as a tourist in 2025?

For the most complete safety guidelines and our Travel Preparation Checklist check out our Afghan Compass PDF guide.

Is Afghanistan Worth Visiting?

Despite its challenges, Afghanistan remains a culturally and historically significant place. From the majestic Hindu Kush mountains to ancient Silk Road cities, the country offers a travel experience like few others.

Reasons to Visit Afghanistan:

• Breathtaking Landscapes: The sparkling blue Band-e Amir Lakes, the remote Wakhan Corridor, and the alpine mountains and rivers of Nuristan are just some of the stunning natural sights.

• Ancient History: Explore ancient sites like Bamiyan's Buddhist history, Herat's Citadel, and the remains of Balkh – one of the oldest cities in the world.

• Islamic Architecture: From the stunningly intricate artistry of the Mausoleums of Kandahar, to the Friday Mosque of Herat, to the ancient Qala-e-Bhost and Ghazni's minarets, Afghanistan boasts some incredible Islamic architecture and history.

• Authentic Experiences: Afghanistan remains untouched by mass tourism, allowing visitors to experience its traditions, hospitality, and daily life without the trappings of a commercial tourism industry.

Getting a visa for Afghanistan requires planning, as the number of embassies are limited and visa policies can vary.

Visa Application Process:

1. Apply at an Afghan Embassy: Most travellers must obtain a visa before arrival, as visa-on-arrival is generally not available.

2. Provide Necessary Documents: You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months, with 2 blank pages, 2-4 passport-sized photos, possibly an invitation letter, and proof of residence.

3. Wait for Processing: Processing times vary from half an hour at some embassies to 2 weeks at others..

For a more detailed guide, read our post on How to Get a Visa to visit Afghanistan or download our Afghan Compass ebook for the step by step guide and checklist.

How to Get a Visa to Visit Afghanistan?

Travellers can come to Afghanistan by air or overland.

How to travel to Afghanistan?

FLYING IN TO AFGHANISTAN

Regular flights arrive and depart from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The cheapest flights are usually booked at least a few weeks in advance through KamAir, or AirArabia. Other airlines that fly in Afghanistan include Ariana Afghan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Emirates, Pakistan International and Air India.

CROSSING LAND BORDERS TO AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan has border crossing with Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Afghanistan also shares borders with China and Turkmenistan, however these borders either have no official crossing point or are not open to foreigners.

If you're crossing with your own vehicle, you'll need a Road Pass, which you can get when you apply for a Visa. Our blog on How to Get a Visa to Visit Afghanistan covers Road Passes in more detail.

Afghanistan is home to many incredible destinations, each offering a unique perspective on the country’s history, culture, and landscapes.

Afghanistan Travel Destinations:

• Kabul: The capital city is a mix of ancient history and modern resilience. Visit the National Museum, Babur’s Gardens, or Chicken Street for local handicrafts.

• Bamiyan: Famous for the destroyed Buddha statues, Bamiyan province also boasts the stunning Band-e Amir Lakes, Afghanistan’s first national park.

• Herat: A city with Persian influence, known for its beautifully restored Citadel and stunning Friday Mosque.

• Mazar-i-Sharif: Ancient Balkh is just a short drive from Mazar. Also famous for its Blue Mosque.

• Nuristan: A stunning series of valleys, each with their own unique language and customs.

• Wakhan Corridor: A remote and breathtaking region ideal for trekking and experiencing traditional Wakhi and Kyrgyz nomadic cultures.

Take a visual journey through Afghanistan in our Photo Gallery.

Places to Visit in Afghanistan

Sunrise from Wazir Akbar Khan Hill in Kabul.

Best Time to Visit Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a diverse climate, so the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go.

• Spring (March–May): Ideal for visiting major cities and cultural sites, as temperatures are pleasant. Still cold to cool in Bamiyan, Nuristan and the Wakhan.

• Summer (June–August): Best for trekking in the mountains, especially in Bamiyan and the Wakhan Corridor. Quite hot in most of the main cities,

• Autumn (September–November): Possibly our favourite time to visit, pleasant temperatures almost everywhere.

• Winter (December–February): Cold to extremely cold in most parts, some hotels close for the winter months and occasional road closures might require flexibility but still possible and a beautiful time to visit if you like snow-covered landscapes.

How to Travel in Afghanistan?

Getting around Afghanistan can be challenging due to infrastructure limitations, but with a bot of patience and flexibility it can absolutely be done.

Transportation Options:

• Domestic Flights: The fastest way to travel between major cities like Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif.

• Private Drivers: Hiring a local driver familiar with the roads and security risks is a good option if you can afford it.

• Public transport: Shared taxis, minibuses, and larger buses are available for travel between cities. Prices are cheap but safety and comfort levels vary.

• Self-driving: Afghanistan doesn’t have much in the way of private car hire, but if you are overlanding through central Asia or are ready to buy a motorbike or car in Afghanistan it’s absolutely possible to drive yourself. You’ll need more than your average amount of patience, flexibility and attention to drive in Afghanistan.

For a breakdown of costs, read our post on Travel Expenses in Afghanistan.

The view flying into Kabul

Are There Hotels in Afghanistan?

Yes, there are hotels in major cities, though options are limited compared to other destinations. Hotels and Guesthouses are available all over Afghanistan, but what each hotel offers varies tremendously. In cities like Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif you’ll find everything from a spot on the floor in a restaurant to budget guesthouses to higher-end hotels. In rural areas, hotels can be just a room with a carpet on the floor.

Due to US sanctions against the Taliban and it's members many international financial institutions are reluctant to deal with Afghan businesses at all. That’s why it’s so difficult to book something in Afghanistan online. Because the tourism industry in Afghanistan is relatively under-developed it’s usually not necessary to book, but if you really want to you most budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Afghanistan have a WhatsApp number, and they often have some social media account as well.

All our city guides include detailed accomodation options, including prices, inclusions, contact information, and locations.

What to Pack for Afghanistan?

Packing for Afghanistan requires a little extra planning due to its limited services, varying climate and cultural norms.

Packing Essentials:

• Modest Clothing: For men and women. Tight or short clothing is not appropriate. We recommend dressing like a local in perahan tunban for men and an abaya and a headscarf for women.

• Comfortable Slip on Footwear: Afghans take their shoes off a lot. In restaurants, mosques and even government offices.

• Personal Safety: Personal medicinal needs, emergency contacts, and extra copies of travel documents.

• Cash: Many places do not accept credit cards, so carrying cash (preferably USD or Afghan Afghani) is essential.

Check our post on Packing Essentials for Afghanistan for more suggestions or get our Afghan Compass ebook for all you need to know to prepare for your Afghan adventure.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Afghanistan

Visiting Afghanistan is not for the faint-hearted, but for those willing to step out of their comfort zone, it offers an extraordinary experience. From breathtaking landscapes to diverse cultural heritage, Afghanistan is a place unlike any other.

For more insights and up-to-date information for travellers interested in visiting Afghanistan check out our interactive PDF travel guides.

For more free resources on travelling in Afghanistan check out our Afghanistan Travel Blog:

• Can I visit Afghanistan as a tourist in 2025?

• How to get a Visa to Visit Afghanistan?

• How to Visit Afghanistan in 2025?

• Afghanistan Travel Expenses

• Afghanistan Travel Tips

• Afghanistan Packing Essentials