{"id":28197,"date":"2024-06-17T05:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T03:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=28197"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:28:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:28:25","slug":"travel-afghanistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-afghanistan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Afghanistan travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-44665\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Wanna travel to <\/strong>Afghanistan <strong>with Against the Compass?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Afghanistan on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-8935b6dc849dc0340d55490d3404507e\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>August 18th to September 1st, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/afghanistan-wakhan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first time I traveled in Afghanistan was in June 2021, just when the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Withdrawal_of_United_States_troops_from_Afghanistan_(2020%E2%80%932021)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Army had begun to withdraw<\/a><\/strong> from the country, and shortly before the Taliban took it over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the new change of government, I decided to go back to see what it was like to travel in Afghanistan under new Taliban rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From a traveling perspective, a lot has changed in this country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After visiting Afghanistan 5 times, traveling all across the country, during the 4 seasons, from Kandahar to the Wakhan Corridor, here&#8217;s the most updated and complete travel guide to Afghanistan, containing everything you need to know relating to safety, visas, permits, budget, top experiences, cultural facts, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Check:<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/photos-beauty-afghanistan\/\">50 Photos that will show you the beauty of Afghanistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-740x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-740x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-740x1024.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44740\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Afghanistan travel blog you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Can you travel there?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Visa<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Travel insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Safety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Travel permits<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">Dealing with Taliban<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">Female Travel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\">Getting in<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#9\">Independent Travel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#11\">Best time to visit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#12\">Top 5 Experiences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#13\">Money and budget<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#14\">Getting around<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#15\">Culture<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#16\">Food<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#17\">Books<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#18\">Internet<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#19\">More Information<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Afghanistan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=afghanistan_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is one of the very few that covers travel in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=afghanistan_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">Can you travel to Afghanistan now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, today, anyone can go to Afghanistan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/afghanistan\/\"><strong>Afghanistan<\/strong><\/a> has always been open for tourism, and visas have always been issued at the respective embassies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the Taliban came into power, only 2 or 3 embassies could issue you a tourist visa but today, the number of embassies increased significantly &#8211; more on that on the <a href=\"#3\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#3\"><strong>visa section<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, either because they want to whitewash their image, or because they need foreign currency, the new Taliban Government is welcoming foreign tourists, the only barrier being the ethical issues that such a trip may trigger on certain travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/can-you-travel-to-Afghanistan--1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/can-you-travel-to-Afghanistan--1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/can-you-travel-to-Afghanistan--1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Can you travel to Afghanistan?\" class=\"wp-image-44667\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Somewhere in the Panjshir Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Introduction: What\u2019s going on in Afghanistan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 40 years of conflict have turned Afghanistan into an actual war-torn country, starting in 1979, when tribal people rebelled against the Communist party, starting a war between the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soviet%E2%80%93Afghan_War\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Soviet Union and the Mujahideen<\/strong><\/a>, which lasted until 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Soviets were defeated but then, Mujahideen warlords began to fight each other over power, impoverishing the country even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fed up with all that warlordism and disappointed that Islamic law had not been enforced after the communists were kicked out, a former Mujahid founded a movement named Taliban in the <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-kandahar\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27911\"><strong>city of Kandahar<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That man was Mullah Omar, the historical leader of the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Taliban quickly took over the whole Kandahar province and, by 1996, they controlled 90% of Afghanistan\u2019s territory, including Kabul, ruling until 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, the American Invasion came, initiating a war that ended with their withdrawal in 2021, an event that Taliban used to take over the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan under Taliban rule is the situation you will witness if you travel today in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-in-Afghanistan1-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-in-Afghanistan1-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-in-Afghanistan1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Taliban in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44689\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some Talib boys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83e\udeaa How to get a visa for Taliban Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the Taliban took over in 2021, you could get an Afghanistan visa at pretty much any embassy around the world but things have changed now, since there\u2019s only a handful of embassies and consulates that can issue you with a valid visa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The easiest embassies where to get an Afghan visa are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/dubai-itinerary\/\"><strong>Dubai<\/strong><\/a> (United Arab Emirates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Islamabad (<a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/pakistan\/\"><strong>Pakistan<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peshawar (Pakistan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doha (Qatar)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, travel reports suggest that the following embassies are also issuing tourist visas for Afghanistan but I don&#8217;t have any personal experience with it &#8211; <em>reports are welcome in the comments section<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Istanbul (Turkey)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tehran (<a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\"><strong>Iran<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abu Dhabi (<a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/united-arab-emirates\/\"><strong>United Arab Emirates<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bishkek (<a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/kyrgyzstan\/\"><strong>Kyrgyzstan<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And last, some embassies in Europe have also started issuing them in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Madrid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>London<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Berlin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0f0\">The easiest is to get your visa in your home country but if there is no active embassy in the country you reside, Dubai and Islamabad are the most convenient places, for the simple reason that you find there are daily flight connections with Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa on arrival (VOA) for Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a way to get a VOA for Afghanistan and that is by crossing from Tajikistan at the Shir Khan border &#8211; this is the border that is closer to the Afghan city of Kunduz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa on arrival has a cost of 150 USD and the whole paperwork takes a few hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Kunduz, you can easily get to Mazar. This border however, is the most convenient one for those traveling to the Wakhan Corridor. In fact, this is the route we&#8217;ll take on our upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/afghanistan-wakhan\/\"><strong>Wakhan Corridor Expedition<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel requirements for the Afghanistan visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve personally got my Afghan visa in Islamabad, Dubai and Madrid and generally speaking, these are always their requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1-2 passport photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 passport copy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Pakistan visa copy (if you apply in Islamabad)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>80-130 US dollars, depending on the urgency. Americans can pay up to 210 USD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letter of Invitation (LOI) + Company license of your sponsor &#8211; Optional<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0f0\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-know-before-trip-to-pakistan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6543\"><strong>How to travel to Pakistan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-requirements-Afghanistan-1024x926.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-requirements-Afghanistan-1024x926.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-requirements-Afghanistan-1024x926.jpg\" alt=\"Travel requirements Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44671\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is the passport photo I used for my Afghan visa, as you can see in the visa image below. I knew they\u2019d like it, and they certainly loved it. When the respective authority saw the photo, he said: Nice, I like it \ud83d\ude42<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My personal experience applying for the Afghanistan visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Islamabad: <\/strong>Showed up without an appointment. A visa costs 80 USD, but you can also pay an additional 50 USD to get your visa in less than 24 hours. In my case, I went to the embassy at 3:30pm and got it the next day around 2pm. If I had applied early in the morning, I could have got it on the same day in the afternoon. No LOI was needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Madrid: <\/strong>Showed up without an appointment. Paid \u20ac200 and got my visa in 1 hour. The non-urgent service takes 1 week and costs \u20ac120. You may mail them your docs as well. No LOI was needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dubai: <\/strong>Showed up without an appointment. Paid 130 USD and got my visa in 3 hours. Travel reports suggest that sometimes, they do ask for the LOI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other embassies and consulates have similar rules, but visa fees may vary. Your reports on this matter are welcome in the comments section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is the visa valid for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa is single entry and it\u2019s valid for 30 days within a 90-day period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which nationalities can go to Afghanistan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All nationalities are eligible to apply for an Afghan visa at any of the previously shared embassies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Americans travel to Afghanistan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, US citizens can also travel to Afghanistan without any sort of restriction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a Letter of Invitation for your Afghan visa application?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon applying for your Afghan visa, they might ask who will be your sponsor in Afghanistan, but you can say that you don\u2019t need one, that you are traveling alone, and it should be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This rule applies in Islamabad and sometimes in Dubai as well, but in Dubai, some travel reports suggest that this hasn&#8217;t always been the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, in Afghanistan, rules aren&#8217;t written and more often than not, they depend on the respective authority&#8217;s mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/visa-for-Afghanistan1-1024x720.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/visa-for-Afghanistan1-1024x720.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/visa-for-Afghanistan1-1024x720.jpg\" alt=\"Visa for Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44673\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My visa for traveling in Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel Insurance for Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Most travel insurance companies don\u2019t cover for travel in Afghanistan, except for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=afghanistan_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend it because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only travel insurance company that covers Afghanistan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have different plans for all budgets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers senior citizens too<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get <strong>an exclusive 5% discount<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=afghanistan_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\u26a0\ufe0f Is it safe to travel in Afghanistan with the Taliban?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From a security perspective, Afghanistan has improved a lot but it&#8217;s a relative safety. Kindly allow me to go point by point.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting Afghanistan before the Taliban took over in 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to summer 2021, any trip to Afghanistan was potentially dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The country was ruled by a &#8220;democratic\u2019&#8221; Government, but they were in an ongoing war with the Taliban, who controlled a significant part of Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traveling in the Government-controlled areas was relatively OK but suicide bombings occurred every other day and violent crime in cities like Kabul were kind of a big deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Taliban-controlled areas were physically possible to visit but the chance of getting kidnapped was extremely high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, visiting Afghanistan was possible but you had to travel with an extra degree of caution and accept a certain amount of risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0f0\"><strong>Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-pakistan-safe\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9614\"><strong>Is Pakistan safe?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Can-I-go-to-Afghanistan-as-a-tourist-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Can-I-go-to-Afghanistan-as-a-tourist-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Can-I-go-to-Afghanistan-as-a-tourist-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Can I go to Afghanistan as a tourist\" class=\"wp-image-44675\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Afghanistan used to be dangerous, yes, but it all depended on where you go. Some areas were peaceful, especially rural areas controlled by the Government. These people are nomads living somewhere in Bamyan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the humanitarian and economic crisis, the war is finally over in Afghanistan and the new rulers are trying to build a peaceful and legitimate Government &#8211; or pretending to at least &#8211; aiming at being recognized by the entire international community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taliban are not carrying out terrorist attacks any longer, kidnappings are a thing from the past, and violent crime seems to have disappeared from Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Is this thanks to the Taliban?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, that\u2019s what they want you to believe but not really, it\u2019s just that they are the ones in charge now, they aren\u2019t fighting anymore and just wish to be a normal country, while attracting foreign investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the Taliban, the country is much safer than in 2021, one can really feel it because all the provinces are fully open and also because the Afghans you will meet along the way will keep repeating all the time, that <strong>Afghanistan is finally safer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is a potential danger: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Islamic_State_%E2%80%93_Khorasan_Province\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Islamic State Khorasan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning: Islamic State Khorasan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might find it hard to believe that the Islamic State is still alive and that they have become the number 1 enemy of the Taliban, claiming that Taliban are too soft and mere puppets of the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This branch of IS in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\"><strong>Central Asia<\/strong><\/a> is called <strong>IS Khorasan<\/strong> and the Taliban are currently in a violent counterinsurgency struggle against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IS Khorasan has carried out several terrorist attacks under Taliban rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, on May 17th, 2024, the Islamic State <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2024\/5\/17\/gunmen-kill-four-including-three-foreign-tourists-in-central-afghanistan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attacked a group of tourists in the town of Bamyan<\/a><\/strong>, where 3 Spanish citizens died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the attack was against our group, we aren&#8217;t trying to hide it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our conclusions on the attack in Bamyan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While it&#8217;s true that safety in Afghanistan has improved a lot, remember that one must always assume a certain amount of risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The attack was against our group but all those affected or involved keep believing that it was a random attack, since Afghanistan has been receiving thousands of tourists for the last years, plus the attack happened in an area where you always see travelers. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While it&#8217;s true that we won&#8217;t be traveling to Afghanistan any time soon, travelers keep going there, since many also know that it was an isolated case. As a traveler, what would I do? Personally, I would wait for a few months to see how the situation evolves but what I truly believe is that these sorts of attacks shouldn&#8217;t be a barrier to your willingness and excitement for traveling in Afghanistan. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Independent-travel-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Independent-travel-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Independent-travel-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Independent travel Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44677\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before the Taliban over, the Minaret of Jam was within a no-go zone, and the reason was that it belonged to a region taken by the Taliban. Today, it\u2019s completely accessible, even for independent travelers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Permits for traveling in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For traveling around Afghanistan, you will need special permission from the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are traveling on an organized tour, you don\u2019t need to worry about anything because your local fixer will take care of that but independent travelers will have to get it for themselves which, in our experience, isn\u2019t an easy thing to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need to know about your permit for traveling around Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your travel permit must mention all the provinces you will visit in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it should only mention those provinces you are planning to stay in, not those you are just passing through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you want to visit Bamyan from Kabul, you will inevitably pass through Wardak province, but you don\u2019t necessarily need a permit for that, because you\u2019ll just be driving through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will have to pay 1000 AFN for each province you visit, which is around 12 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This permit is absolutely needed, and many Taliban will ask for it at checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>They will usually make you pay 1000 AFN per province you visit but sometimes, depending on the traveler, they don&#8217;t charge it. From what I heard, they usually don&#8217;t charge anything to female travelers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/permit-for-traveling-in-Afghanistan-775x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/permit-for-traveling-in-Afghanistan-775x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/permit-for-traveling-in-Afghanistan-775x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Permit for traveling in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44679\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is what the permit looks like<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get your travel permit for Afghanistan, a step-by-step guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong>Warning: <\/strong>The following steps look pretty straightforward but, in our experience, rules keep changing and everyone seemed to give us different information. Getting inside the different offices and ministries was also pretty challenging, since the Taliban guarding the gates don\u2019t speak a single word of English, and they never seemed to understand the purpose of our visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/why-did-we-go-to-afghanistan-927x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/why-did-we-go-to-afghanistan-927x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/why-did-we-go-to-afghanistan-927x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Why did we go to Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44681\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Here we were at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first place they told us to go to get our permits, but they weren\u2019t issuing them there anymore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1 &#8211; Go to the Ministry of Culture &amp; Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Location is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/pPSarfn6ZiBGP68M6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, you\u2019ll need to get 2 signatures from 2 different authorities, which will take around 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get your 2 signatures, they will give you an address and a phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In our case, each of the 2 authorities gave us completely different addresses, phone numbers and contact persons but only one of them picked up the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2 &#8211; Go to the Tourism Directory, aka Afghan Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Location is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/z3sgfM5zJRaKB4GX6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This building was difficult to find, since there wasn\u2019t any sign but only concrete walls around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get in the building, you\u2019ll be interviewed by a person, who will probably ask why you aren\u2019t traveling with a guide or a translator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this conversation, it\u2019s important to wear local clothes, be extremely polite and pretend that you know your way around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We said we had good friends in Bamyan and Herat, that they would be our translators, which seemed to satisfy him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019ll also ask for the provinces you plan to visit and after the interview, you\u2019ll speak to the highest authority from this department, the person responsible for signing your travel permit and giving the final OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffc2c2\"><strong>Afghanistan travel tip: <\/strong>Remember that on Friday, the offices are closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to register at the regional office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get your general travel permit, you will also have to register at the regional <strong>Information &amp; Culture Department<\/strong> of every province you visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you visit Kandahar, the first thing you should do before sightseeing is just showing up at the respective office to get the local permit, which you will get only if you show them the general travel permit you got in Kabul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This local permit will allow you to visit freely all the sites within the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where are these offices located?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Herat <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/FQkhshzvXp43A12Y8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kandahar <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/io2eBxPpEBo6d1W57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bamyan <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/HJcZdjavjmyZwmJ8A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mazar <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/GsDvtucvwRAt3VSQ8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Friendly-Talib.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Friendly-Talib.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Friendly-Talib.jpg\" alt=\"Friendly Talib\" class=\"wp-image-44683\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taliban checking our permit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">How to deal with the Taliban when you\u2019re in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Taliban are everywhere and, as an independent traveler, you will have to interact with them at checkpoints or when trying to get your permits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what you need to know about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taliban are generally kind with foreigners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, most Taliban I spoke with were particularly nice and helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are mostly Pashtun, a group of people living across <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/pakistan\/\"><strong>Pakistan<\/strong><\/a> and Afghanistan, known for being the most hospitable people on Earth, ruled by a code of conduct that dictates that guests should be protected with their own life if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I personally believe that, on most occasions, their kindness is genuine but you also need to remember that Taliban wish to be recognized as a legit Government and that their extreme kindness could be part of that strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Selfie-with-Taliban-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Selfie-with-Taliban-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Selfie-with-Taliban-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Selfie with Taliban\" class=\"wp-image-44685\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Selfie with a bunch of Taliban at a checkpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taking photos with Talib boys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taliban are usually very keen to be photographed or to be in selfies, and they seem to enjoy it a lot, so don\u2019t be shy and just ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-Afghanistan-1024x775.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-Afghanistan-1024x775.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Taliban-Afghanistan-1024x775.jpg\" alt=\"Taliban Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44691\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With 2 Taliban, somewhere in Ghor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remember that you don\u2019t need to like them, but at least pretend that you do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look, I have no particular sympathy for the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, we all know that their aim is imposing and forcing all Afghans to follow their fundamentalist Orthodox ideas of Islam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you want to travel around the country independently, you will need to play along with their game and if you are not willing to do that, perhaps you should travel in Afghanistan with a local guide, so your interactions with them will be minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am at a stage where I don\u2019t really care to be judged by other travelers &#8211; or people reading this blog &#8211; so know that in Kabul, I did buy a Taliban flag, which I showed and waved at checkpoints when I found it convenient, just to make our journey a smooth one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the general opinion on Taliban?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that Afghanistan is the most conservative <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-world-countries\/\"><strong>country in the world<\/strong><\/a> (along with <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/yemen-travel\/\"><strong>Yemen<\/strong><\/a> and way more than <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/saudi-arabia\/\" data-type=\"country\" data-id=\"39959\"><strong>Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a>) and whether we like it or not, many Afghans &#8211; and that includes many women too &#8211; haven\u2019t seen their lives changed with the new Taliban rule and that reason is that they were already following those rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the reason why Taliban are supported by a massive part of the total population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, there\u2019s another significant segment of Afghans who, while they don\u2019t necessarily agree with the Taliban agenda, accept them because they have brought stability and safety across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, remember that not everyone supports them, especially Hazara people &#8211; a Shia minority &#8211; and that there are many Afghans who, while still conservative, are not happy with their extremist ideas, like banning women from higher education, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udc83 How to travel to Afghanistan as a women<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the situation like for female travelers in Afghanistan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are traveling with a man, it should be fine but solo female travelers will certainly have a different experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My friend and fellow traveler <strong>Emma Witters<\/strong> has traveled solo extensively across Afghanistan, including in provinces such as Helmand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can reach her at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Emmawitters_\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">@emmawitters_<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"HELMAND: ONCE THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN AFGHANISTAN\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eaGFGBE37_M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\ud83d\udeeb How to get to Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Afghanistan by air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every day, more and more airlines have resumed their operations in Kabul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kamair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Kam Air<\/a><\/strong> is the national airline that can take you to Kabul. They have daily flights from Dubai and Islamabad, and also occasional flights from Tashkent, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Doha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, you can also fly with Emirates, Fly Dubai and Turkish Airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just check flight schedules on their website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Afghanistan by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan shares a border with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pakistan<\/strong>: The Khyber Pass at Torkham is finally open but this is the most chaotic border I have ever crossed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">Iran<\/a><\/strong>: It\u2019s fully operational. From the Iranian city of Mashhad, you can get into Herat. Many travelers have used this border in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turkmenistan<\/strong>: The border is open as long as you have valid visas but this is truly unexplored territory. I contacted a Turkmen fixer who told me that Turkmen visas are often denied if your idea is to enter or exit Afghanistan from Turkmenistan, but there\u2019s a chance to get in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\"><strong>Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/a>: You can get into Afghanistan from the city of Termez. Mazar-i-Sharif is the closest big city. Here you have the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventuresoflilnicki.com\/uzbekistan-afghanistan-border-crossing-hairatan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">border crossing report<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>China<\/strong>: Very deep into the Wakhan Corridor, at 4,923m above sea level, the Wakhir pass connects Afghanistan with China. The border is closed for foreigners and in any case, it&#8217;s just too remote to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-tajikistan\/\"><strong>Tajikistan<\/strong><\/a>: There are a few border crossings. Ishkashim used to be the most popular one but that one is closed now. Shir Khan, near Kunduz, is the one that is now open to foreign adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-from-Pakistan-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-from-Pakistan-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/travel-to-Afghanistan-from-Pakistan-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Afghanistan from Pakistan\" class=\"wp-image-44695\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is the legendary Khyber Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\ud83d\udc68 Independent travel in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Is independent travel allowed in Afghanistan?<\/em><em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is, as long as you have a valid travel permit. Check the <em><a href=\"#5\"><strong>permit section<\/strong><\/a><\/em> of this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Is backpacking in Afghanistan difficult?<\/em><em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, it depends on your previous backpacking experience and where you want to go within Afghanistan but, to be honest, I didn\u2019t find it more difficult than <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/pakistan-travel-guide-backpacking\/\"><strong>backpacking in Pakistan<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are planning to visit Mazar, Herat, Kabul or Bamyan, it shouldn\u2019t be very difficult. There is plenty of local transportation or you can easily take a domestic flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My recommendation would be however, to save the name and location of your hotel because for security purposes, some hotels in Afghanistan have no signs, so they can be difficult to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting rural areas, Kandahar province or traveling beyond Bamyan in Ghor province is a different story. Nobody speaks English, hotels are scarce (if any) and there\u2019s little public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We did travel from Kabul to Herat through the Hindu Kush by public transportation. It was difficult but worth the adventure. Check the travel report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Check my article about <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-without-censorship\/\"><strong>Why you should travel the World without censorship<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">\u26c5 Best time to visit Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With different geographical areas, Afghanistan can be a year-round destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traveling in Afghanistan season by season:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Afghanistan in winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In winter, many parts of Afghanistan are covered in snow, with temperatures reaching -20\u00baC in places like Bamyan or the Wakhan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my opinion, this is the prettiest season to visit Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, remember that winter doesn&#8217;t come with its own issues, and that roads and certain things may be blocked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We did run one expedition during the heart of winter in Afghanistan, and it was great. Check our upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/afghanistan\/\"><strong>Afghan expeditions here<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Afghanistan in spring &amp; autumn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From a tourism perspective, spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Afghanistan, when the weather is pleasant across the whole country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, it can be too early\/late for trekking in the Wakhan Corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In late spring or early autumn, it might already be too hot for Mazar or Kandahar. In fact, I visited them in May and the temperature was already at nearly 40\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Afghanistan in summer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In summer, cities like Herat, Mazar and Kandahar are hell ovens, with temperatures averaging over 40\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kabul is hot too but, because of the high altitude, it can be bearable for some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer, nonetheless, is the best season for trekking along the Wakhan Corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/best-time-to-visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/best-time-to-visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/best-time-to-visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"best time to visit Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44699\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Spring is a great season to visit Bamyan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">\ud83d\uded6 Top 5 experiences in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the best things to do in Afghanistan are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Strolling the streets of Old Kabul<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The old city of Kabul is one of those places where there is always something to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s chaotic, lively, bustling and its different bazaars are composed of labyrinthic lanes which are perfect for random rambling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bird market is perhaps the most acclaimed spot among travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-travel-to-Kabul-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-travel-to-Kabul-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-travel-to-Kabul-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"how to travel to Kabul\" class=\"wp-image-44701\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kah Faroshi, the bird market of Kabul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Trekking in Bamyan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Few places in Afghanistan feel as peaceful as Bamyan, a mountainous, remote region in central Afghanistan, home to a large ancient Buddhist heritage and some of the most epic, unspoiled mountains in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like nature, it doesn&#8217;t get better than Bamyan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/trekking-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/trekking-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/trekking-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"trekking in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44703\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A shepherd we bumped into during a trek in Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Learning about the Taliban legacy in Kandahar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kandahar is the former Taliban capital, where the Taliban movement started and also Mullah Omar&#8217;s home city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also the heartland of the Pashtun, a world apart from the rest of Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kandahar-Afghanistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kandahar-Afghanistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kandahar-Afghanistan.jpg\" alt=\"Kandahar, Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44705\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Sra Jama, or Red Mosque<\/strong>, popularly known for being Mullah Omar\u2019s favorite mosque, and the place where he used to invite characters to pray, like Osama Bin Laden. The mosque recently underwent a massive restoration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Visiting the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most imposingly beautiful mosques I have ever seen, dating from the 15th century, a reason by itself to travel all the way to Mazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Visit-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44707\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif during prayer time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Getting off the beaten track in rural Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan\u2019s countryside offers some of the most unspoiled and authentic areas in the world, regions that have received very little exposure from the outside world, and are home to mesmerizing, lush valleys dotted with adobe-made villages and curious locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/rural-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/rural-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/rural-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Rural Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44709\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A village, somewhere in Ghor province<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\ud83d\udcb0 Budget, money, and costs in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Afghanistan, their currency is called the <strong>Afghani <\/strong><strong>(AFN)<\/strong> and approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>$1 = 70 AFN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong>Afghani or Afghan? <\/strong><br>Some people commit the funny mistake (including myself in the past) of referring to the people of Afghanistan as Afghani. It&#8217;s wrong. Afghani is their currency and the people are Afghans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exchanging money in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I always change money at one of the many stalls in Shahr-e Naw, in Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They accept both Euros and USD. They even accept Pakistani rupees, in case you have any left from your <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-know-before-trip-to-pakistan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6543\"><strong>trip to Pakistan<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ATMs in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, ATMs in Afghanistan do accept international credit and debit cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just look for Afghan International Bank. There are quite a few of them in Kabul, especially in Shahr-e Naw area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paying by card in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be able to withdraw money from an ATM but you can\u2019t pay by card anywhere in Afghanistan, so do have cash for your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost to travel to Afghanistan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyday life in Afghanistan is cheap but domestic flights and accommodation add up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s an overview of the most typical costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much do food and drinks cost in Afghanistan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breakfast in a local restaurant (usually consisting of eggs, bread and tea) &#8211; 100 AFS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local meal in a restaurant (usually palaw rice, kebab, etc) &#8211; 200-300 AFS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meal in a mid-range restaurant &#8211; 400-600 AFS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does transportation cost in Afghanistan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-way domestic flight &#8211; 60-120 USD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taxi within cities &#8211; 50 AFN for short taxi rides. Up to 200-250 AFN for longer ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Half-day taxi in Kabul &#8211; Once, I hired a driver in Kabul for the morning to take me to a bunch of different places I had in mind. He charged me 20 USD for that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taxi from the airport to city center &#8211; 500 AFN in Kabul, 300-400 AFN in Herat or Mazar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One-way taxi to Bamyan &#8211; 75 USD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Round-trip taxi ride to Panjshir &#8211; 50 USD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local bus within the city &#8211; 5 AFN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does accommodation cost in Afghanistan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good, decent accommodation can get pricey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect to pay anything between 30 USD and 50 USD for a room, a relatively basic one but clean and with security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can definitely find cheaper hotels but there won&#8217;t be any kind of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/How-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-Afghanistan-684x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/How-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-Afghanistan-684x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/How-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-Afghanistan-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"How much does it cost to travel in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44711\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Blue Mosque of Mazar is a first-league piece of architecture but it\u2019s free of charge, like most places in Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">\ud83d\udefa Getting around in Afghanistan: transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel around Afghanistan by public transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan has a good network of buses, minibuses and local shared taxis connecting towns and cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experienced budget backpackers won\u2019t find it difficult to move around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/jam-minaret\/\"><strong>Overlanding from Kabul to Herat via Minaret of Jam by local transportation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/public-transportation-in-Afghanistan-1024x750.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/public-transportation-in-Afghanistan-1024x750.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/public-transportation-in-Afghanistan-1024x750.jpg\" alt=\"public transportation in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44713\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These are the type of minivans you can travel with in Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel around Afghanistan by plane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a domestic flight is also a good option for traveling around Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can book your tickets online on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kamair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Kam Air<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s another local airline named <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flyariana.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ariana<\/a><\/strong>. That&#8217;s the one I use for flying from Kandahar to Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that airlines in Afghanistan aren&#8217;t very reliable. They get delayed all the time, especially Ariana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that all domestic flights go through Kabul, and that there\u2019s no direct flight from Herat to Mazar, for example, or from Herat to Kandahar, but you need to go through Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, all flights cost $60-$120 and, if you are already in Afghanistan, I strongly recommend booking it through a physical Kam Air office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It happened to me once that after booking a flight with Kam Air online, the booking never went through, even though they did charge it from my card. Eventually, I had to go to an actual office to sort it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong>Airport security <\/strong><br>The level of security in all Afghanistan airports is absolutely insane, consisting of several security layers with body searches and bag scans. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before your departure time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/roads-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/roads-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/roads-in-Afghanistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"roads in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44715\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These are the sort of roads you will find in the mountain regions of Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15\">Facts about the country, the Afghans and their culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Something interesting to mention is that when the Taliban took over, the country officially changed its name from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the <strong>Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also removed any sign of the official flag &#8211; the one with black, green, and red stripes and replaced it with the Talib-friendly white flag, today visible everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Travel-in-Taliban-Afghanistan-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Travel-in-Taliban-Afghanistan-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"44717\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Travel-in-Taliban-Afghanistan-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Travel in Taliban Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44717\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A local selling Taliban flags in Kabul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Islamic-Emirate-of-Afghanistan-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Islamic-Emirate-of-Afghanistan-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"44719\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Islamic-Emirate-of-Afghanistan-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44719\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Taliban wearing the brand-new batch of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Afghanistan is multi-ethnic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan is composed of several ethnicities, including Pashtuns (42%), Tajik (27%) and Hazara (9%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hazara are the Shia minority who have Mongolian features, Bamyan being their heartland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a significant population of Uzbeks in Mazer-i-Sharif and around, who mostly came <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10140\"><strong>from Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/a> escaping the terror from former dictator Islam Karimov. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dari is the main language, but Pashto is official too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dari is a variation from Farsi, the language spoken in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghans and Iranians can understand each other without a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dari is the language used by the administration and it\u2019s spoken by nearly 80% of the population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pashto is an official language too but it\u2019s usually spoken only by the Pashtuns, who are the dominant ethnicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/people-in-Afghanistan-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/people-in-Afghanistan-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/people-in-Afghanistan-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"people in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44722\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Hazara man and the local shared taxi driver that took us from Kabul to Bamyan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Language barrier can be a problem sometimes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When traveling in rural Afghanistan across the Hindu Kush, I found communicating with people to be extremely difficult, not only because of the language barrier but even sign language didn\u2019t work, probably because they have had so little Western exposure, that their way of communication is just completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-blog-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-blog-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-blog-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Afghanistan travel blog\" class=\"wp-image-44724\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful Band-e Amir National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan is the most patriarchal country in the world, with or without the Taliban but, since the latter returned to power, women have lost even more freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not mandatory for women to wear the burqa, they can wear a hijab and they can walk alone in the streets but the Taliban have banned them from accessing higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I actually discussed this particular topic with a Taliban sympathizer and he said that according to Prophet Mohammed, schools must be segregated by gender so there\u2019s no actual room for women now but the new Government is doing their best to figure it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What I found truly unreal is that he was actually believing all that shit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/women-in-Afghanistan-1024x697.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/women-in-Afghanistan-1024x697.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/women-in-Afghanistan-1024x697.jpg\" alt=\"women in Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44726\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A woman wearing burqa in Herat, Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16\">\ud83c\udf72 Afghan cuisine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located at the heart of <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/trekking-central-asia\/\"><strong>Central Asia<\/strong><\/a>, Afghan food is a mixture of flavors from <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\"><strong>Iran<\/strong><\/a>, Afghanistan, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/uzbekistan\/\"><strong>Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/tajikistan\/\"><strong>Tajikistan<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s heavily meat-based to the extent that it can be a struggle for vegetarians venturing into more rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-cuisine-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-cuisine-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-cuisine-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Afghan cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-44728\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is chainaki, a traditional lamb dish cooked in a clay pot, and only found in Kabul, the most famous place being in Bacha Broot, one of the oldest restaurants in Kabul.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Their national dish is <em>Kabuli palaw, <\/em>consisting of rice fried in meat fat typically topped with carrots and raisins and essentially, the same as <em>plov<\/em> in Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan also has their own dumplings named <em>mantu<\/em>, typically filled with mutton and covered with yogurt and yellow lentils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ashak is the only vegetarian dish in Afghan cuisine, consisting of dumplings filled with leeks and other vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-food-1024x865.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-food-1024x865.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghan-food-1024x865.jpg\" alt=\"Afghan food\" class=\"wp-image-44730\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is ashak, the most popular vegetarian dish in Afghanistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there any alcohol in Afghanistan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan is a dry country, as it was before the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17\">\ud83d\udcda Best books for traveling in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kite runner &#8211; Khaled Hosseini<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">An American bestseller in 2003, Kite runner narrates the story of two Afghan kids in Kabul, a rich boy and the son of his parent&#8217;s servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">The book also gives endless insights of what life in Kabul and Afghanistan is like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Kite-Runner-Khaled-Hosseini\/dp\/1526604744?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=4a23858cfc75c2e68646b5eaa1ced59e&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Kite-Runner-Khaled-Hosseini\/dp\/1526604744?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=4a23858cfc75c2e68646b5eaa1ced59e&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/The-kite-runner-636x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/The-kite-runner-636x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/The-kite-runner-636x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The kite runner\" class=\"wp-image-44732\" style=\"width:280px;height:451px\"><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Life with the Taliban &#8211; Abdul Salam Zaeef<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">This is the mind-blowing biography of a senior former member of the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">From growing up in conservative, rural Afghanistan to the years he spent in Guantanamo, this amazing book gives priceless insights into the Taliban movement from the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Life-Taliban-Abdul-Salam-Zaeef\/dp\/1849041520?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=685bf67cb2581fd85f95421afd1642f4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Life-Taliban-Abdul-Salam-Zaeef\/dp\/1849041520?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=685bf67cb2581fd85f95421afd1642f4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/My-life-with-the-Taliban.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/My-life-with-the-Taliban.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/My-life-with-the-Taliban.jpg\" alt=\"My life with the Taliban\" class=\"wp-image-44734\" style=\"width:280px;height:416px\"><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Afghanistan Essential Guide to Customs &amp; Culture &#8211; Culture Smart!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Cultural Smart! is a series of guidebooks that focus on the country&#8217;s culture, giving loads of information about local customs, cultural etiquette and stuff like that. The one on Afghanistan is great, with deep explanations of why Afghans are so hospitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Afghanistan-Culture-Smart-Essential-Customs\/dp\/1857336798?qid=1687187509&amp;refinements=p_27%3AMoska+Najib&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=7fa2a79c1f62d2e1c9452301bf2f3fa5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Afghanistan-Culture-Smart-Essential-Customs\/dp\/1857336798?qid=1687187509&amp;refinements=p_27%3AMoska+Najib&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=7fa2a79c1f62d2e1c9452301bf2f3fa5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Culture-Smart-Afghanistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Culture-Smart-Afghanistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Culture-Smart-Afghanistan.jpg\" alt=\"Culture Smart Afghanistan\" class=\"wp-image-44736\" style=\"width:280px;height:425px\"><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Afghanistan travel guide &#8211; Lonely Planet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">The travel guide to Afghanistan from Lonely Planet is outdated (2007) but still, is a great source of information on the country. It can be difficult to find a copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Lonely-Planet-Afghanistan-Country-Travel\/dp\/1740596420?crid=20D1JZZ4ITWGI&amp;keywords=Afghanistan+travel+guide+-+Lonely+Planet&amp;qid=1687187565&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C348&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=8ffb675ac507f38e66b3d6987272529b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Lonely-Planet-Afghanistan-Country-Travel\/dp\/1740596420?crid=20D1JZZ4ITWGI&amp;keywords=Afghanistan+travel+guide+-+Lonely+Planet&amp;qid=1687187565&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C348&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=8ffb675ac507f38e66b3d6987272529b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.jpg\" alt=\"Afghanistan travel guide Lonely Planet\" class=\"wp-image-44738\" style=\"width:281px;height:437px\"><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet in Afghanistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there Wi-Fi in Afghanistan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s kind of unreliable Wi-Fi in big cities but if you need it for work, it won\u2019t be good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical card, with the added benefit that you can buy it online before or during your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it in a local store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/afghanistan-esim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Airalo<\/a><\/strong>, you can get an eSIM for a wide range of destinations, including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/afghanistan-esim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Afghanistan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting a SIM card in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To buy a SIM, you\u2019ll have to go to one of the official branches, which tend to open from 8am to 4pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many mobile companies in Afghanistan, including: Afghan Telecom, Afghan Wirless, Etisalat, MTN, Roshan, and Salaam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, each company is only good for certain provinces but everyone was telling us different things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, I bought MTN because they said it was the best one for all Afghanistan but it only worked in the big cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that there\u2019s no 4G but only 3G or not even that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a VPN for traveling in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Your connection will be much safer.&nbsp;Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong> &#8211; Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1481117\/16063?subId1=afghanistan_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Get Expressvpn<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19\">\u2757 More Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Afghanistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-kandahar\/\">Visiting Kandahar<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-afghanistan-safe\/\">Is Afghanistan safe?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/photos-beauty-afghanistan\/\">50 Photos that will show you the beauty of Afghanistan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/jam-minaret\/\">Overlanding from Kabul to Herat via Minaret of Jam by local transportation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-tajikistan\/\">Tajikistan Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\">Travel Guide to Uzbekistan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-kazakhstan\/\">Travel Guide to Kazakhstan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-know-before-trip-to-pakistan\/\">Pakistan Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-to-kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tsaatan-nomads\/\">How to visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders in Mongolia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also like our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-haiti\/\"><strong>Haiti travel guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-tips-740x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-tips-740x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Afghanistan-travel-tips-740x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Afghanistan travel tips\" class=\"wp-image-44742\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanna travel to Afghanistan with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Afghanistan on: August 18th to September 1st, 2026 The first time I traveled in Afghanistan was in June 2021, just when the US Army had begun to withdraw from the country, and shortly before the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44665,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[305,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-afghanistan","category-central-asia"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28197"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28197\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57315,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28197\/revisions\/57315"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44665"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}