Afghanistan has been going through different conflicts non-stop since 1979, when tribal people rebelled against the Communist party, starting a war between the Soviet Union and the Mujahideen.
The Soviets were defeated but then, Mujahideen warlords began to fight each other over power.
Disappointed that Islamic law had not been installed after the Soviets were kicked out, a former Mujahid named Mullah Omar founded a movement named Taliban and, by 1996, they controlled 90% of Afghanistan’s territory, including Kabul, ruling until 2001.
Then, the American Invasion came, withdrawing nearly 20 years later, when the Taliban took over again.
Afghanistan, however, is more than conflict; this former Silk Road country is a melting point of cultures and civilizations, visible in the extreme ethnic diversity and jaw-dropping shrines, besides being home to some of the kindest people on earth.
need to know for traveling in Afghanistan
Quick facts
Capital: Kabul
Population: 38.3 million (37th)
Languages: Pashto, Dari
Area: 652,867km² (40th largest country)
Visa
You can get your visa in less than 24 hours at the embassies of Dubai, Islamabad, Peshawar and Doha.
Also at the embassies of Madrid, London or Berlin, among others, depending on your residence.
More info in our visa guide
Getting in
There are daily flights from both Dubai and Islamabad. Check Kam Air and Fly Dubai.
You can also get in from the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, as well as Iran and Uzbekistan.
Best time to visit
In Winter, Afghanistan is covered in snow, it’s a beautiful time to visit.
Spring and autumn are the best times to travel anywhere.
Summer is the best for visiting in Bamyan and the Wakhan Corridor.
Permits
Independent travelers will need different permits to travel around the country.
More information here
Is Afghanistan safe during Taliban rule?
Before the Taliban took over in 2021, the country was in a civil war and the risk of being kidnapped was extremely high.
Now that the Taliban are ruling, the war is over and security has improved a lot.
However, remember that security is relative, and that Islamic State Khorasan has carried out several attacks, including on a group of tourists in May 2024, where 3 Spanish citizens died.
Here you can read our analysis on safety and conclusions on the attack.
Top experiences in Afghanistan
Crazy Kabul
As sophisticated as Iran and as wild as Pakistan.
The Blue Mosque
Perhaps, the most jaw-dropping sight in all of Central Asia.
The mountains of Bamyan
Some of the most mesmerizing Silk Road landscapes.
Taliban Kandahar
The heartland of the Pashtun is where the Taliban movement was founded.
tips for Afghanistan
Accommodation
There aren’t many hotels used to accommodate foreign visitors but you can always find a few in Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar, Bamyan, and Herat.
Independent travel
Traveling around Afghanistan independently is allowed but you must arrange necessary permits and be prepared to deal with the many Taliban checkpoints, who will certainly make you waste a lot of time.
Transportation
Most likely, you’ll be traveling in a private car but independent travelers should know that public transportation is cheap and that you can go to most towns and cities.