Afghanistan : Safety by CityAfghanistan is a landlocked country in South-Central Asia at the crossroads of civilizations.
Throughout history, Afghanistan has been a melting pot of cultures, blending ancient Buddhist heritage, Islamic traditions, and diverse ethnic communities.
In the 6th century BCE, it was part of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great.
Alexander the Great arrived around 330 BCE, introducing Hellenistic influences.
The 7th-century Islamic conquests transformed it into a center for Islamic culture.
In 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani established the Durrani Empire, laying the foundation for modern Afghanistan.
The late 20th century brought prolonged conflict: the Soviet invasion in 1979, the Taliban’s rise in the mid-1990s, and the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.
By August 2021, the Taliban had regained control, marking a new chapter in Afghanistan’s complex narrative.
While the Taliban is openly inviting tourists to visit, that’s a decision that comes with a lot of risks.
It ranks as one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
Even looking at tourism numbers doesn’t offer comfort.
In 2023, about 7,000 people visited.
That’s a far cry from other Middle East countries that count tourists by the millions.
Those who do make the daring trip will have access to the Bamiyan Valley, once home to the monumental Buddhas; the Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing intricate Islamic architecture; and Band-e Amir National Park, with stunning blue lakes set against arid cliffs.
That is – if they survive the trip.
Warnings & Dangers in Afghanistan
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
There's a high risk in Afghanistan, earning a Do Not Travel warning from most governments worldwide. The risks are constant, real, and terrifying.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Traveling within Afghanistan poses significant risks due to ongoing security concerns and poor infrastructure. Road travel is highly dangerous. Public transportation is unreliable and often unsafe. Only consider options like a taxi if a family member or a local person that you trust arranges it for you. The risk is high, no matter how you look at it.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
This is another high risk, but getting pickpocketed would be the least of your concerns with all the other safety problems. Keep in mind that this country is filled with poverty, and desperate people won't hesitate to seize a moment of opportunity to take your stuff.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan faces several natural disaster risks, with earthquakes being the most serious, especially in the northeastern and central regions. Landslides and flash floods are also common, particularly during spring when snow melts or after heavy rain. Droughts hit regularly too, especially in the west and south, impacting crops and water access. Infrastructure is weak, so even moderate events can cause major disruptions.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan's security situation makes violent crimes, including muggings, a significant concern for travelers. This is definitely another high risk. Armed robberies and assaults can occur at any time, even during daylight. The prevalence of weapons and lawlessness, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates these risks.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
This is a high risk. Some of the most feared terrorist groups in the world are located here. Afghanistan faces a persistent and high threat of terrorism. Terrorist organizations frequently target foreign nationals, aid workers, and public places, including markets, hotels, and places of worship.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Traveling in Afghanistan comes with a host of scams, especially online. Fake visa services and fraudulent travel agencies are rampant, often targeting those desperate to leave. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are common hunting grounds for these scammers. They'll promise quick visas or safe passage for hefty fees, only to disappear once paid.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Traveling to Afghanistan as a woman is extremely dangerous and ill-advised. The Taliban enforces strict regulations requiring women to be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) for journeys over 45 miles, and violations can lead to detention or harassment. The risk of sexual assault is significant, and cultural norms may limit access to justice for victims. Additionally, strict dress codes mandate full-body coverings in public, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Given these factors, female travelers face substantial threats to their safety and freedom.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Drinking tap water in Afghanistan is a high risk due to contamination concerns. Even in urban areas, water sources can carry bacteria and parasites, leading to illnesses like cholera and hepatitis. It's best to stick to bottled water with sealed lids and avoid ice cubes and raw foods.
Safest Places to Visit in Afghanistan
Afghanistan isn’t exactly an easy destination, and most governments still advise against going at all.
If you’re serious about going, you’ll need to go through a licensed tour operator.
Not only is it the only way to get a visa (you need an official invitation), but it’s also the safest option.
These tours usually cover logistics, security planning, and cultural sites, and some offer fixers or local guides throughout.
A good operator will know how to navigate checkpoints, avoid high-risk zones, and help you stay within the constantly shifting safety margins.
Here’s a look at an example summary from one of the Afghanistan tour guides.
You’ll start in Kabul to get a sense of daily life now.
That includes visiting sacred spaces like the Sakhi Shrine and wandering bird-filled markets that have stood for centuries.
From there, it’s off to Bamiyan, where the giant Buddhas once stood guard over the valley, and the turquoise lakes of Band-e-Amir still steal the show.
In Kandahar, you’ll explore a city that’s seen everything from Alexander the Great to the Taliban.
Then it’s on to Mazar-i-Sharif, where the stunning Blue Mosque—rarely seen by outsiders—still shimmers with color and reverence.
You’ll even venture into the lesser-known ancient city of Balkh, one of the oldest in the region.
The journey cuts through the Hindu Kush via the high-altitude Salang Tunnel, a relic of Soviet ambition, before wrapping back in Kabul.
Places to Avoid in Afghanistan
It is advised to avoid Afghanistan as a whole.
Even places like Kabul are not believed to be safe for visitors.
On top of the inherent risks of terrorism and violent crime, there are cultural issues that would remove most of the rights you enjoy.
For example, disparaging the country or preaching a non-Muslim religion can get you arrested or sentenced to death.
A non-married couple who has intercourse can be publicly flogged (hit with a whip or a stick repeatedly).
Women can be arrested for traveling without a male escort.
Even same-sex relationships can lead to detainment and the death penalty.
Avoid Afghanistan, not just because of the crime and terrorism risks, but because of all the basic human rights you’ll lose while you’re there.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Afghanistan
- Afghanistan’s emergency services are limited and may not be reliable. In some areas, you can reach the police by dialing 119, but response times can be slow or nonexistent. Healthcare is poor here, and medical evacuations aren’t generally possible.
- There is no centralized system for emergency alerts in Afghanistan. You can sign up for programs like the STEP alert system from the U.S. State Department, but there’s likely no chance someone can help you if you get stuck.
- Mobile network coverage varies significantly across Afghanistan. Major cities like Kabul may have better connectivity, but rural areas often lack reliable service. Consider carrying a satellite phone for emergencies, especially if traveling outside urban centers.
- Before traveling, ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines. The CDC recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, and measles. A polio vaccination may be required when departing Afghanistan if your stay exceeds four weeks. Consult a travel health professional well in advance of your trip.
- Afghanistan has strict dress codes, especially for women. Women should wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Men should also dress modestly, avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts. Adhering to local customs is crucial for personal safety and cultural sensitivity.
- Photography of military installations, government buildings, and personnel is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention. Additionally, some areas have banned photography and filming at public gatherings. Always seek permission before photographing locals, especially women, to avoid cultural insensitivity or legal issues.
- Alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan. Possession or consumption can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or corporal punishment such as flogging. Foreigners are not exempt from these laws, so it’s advisable to avoid alcohol entirely during your stay.
- Afghanistan remains heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in rural and formerly contested areas. Stick to well-trodden paths, avoid unmarked areas, and heed local warnings. Get a knowledgeable local guide to help you get around.
- The Taliban imposes strict regulations on women, including requirements to be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) when traveling. Women also cannot visit any parks, public bathrooms, or Bend-e-Amir National Park.
- Road travel is extremely hazardous due to the presence of Taliban-controlled checkpoints, the risk of kidnapping, and poor road conditions. The Taliban frequently set up roadblocks to monitor and control movement. Borders can be closed with no notice.
So... How Safe Is Afghanistan Really?
Traveling to Afghanistan for tourism is not safe in any way.
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all list Afghanistan as a “Do Not Travel” warning list.
That’s the highest of the four tiers of travel warnings.
All of these countries agree that the risk of terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, wrongful detention, and civil unrest make it too risky.
The Australian government goes as far as to say that those who do travel against the advisory face “a very high risk of a terrorist attack or kidnapping.”
The U.S. State Department clearly states, “U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason.”
Most countries don’t have embassies in Afghanistan, either.
If you are detained, you’ll be on your own.
At the same time, several Afghan tourism guides claim that the industry is growing.
“There’s a flow of tourists coming into the country since the fall of the republic,” Khyber Khan, founder of the Afghan tour company Unchartered Afghanistan, said.
“We have so many things to offer – culture, people, landscape.”
It’s worth noting that “growth in tourism” in Afghanistan means about 7,000 visitors a year.
Compare that to Iran, which sees 6 million annually.
While some extreme travelers will ignore the warnings and visit there anyway, it’s not recommended for anyone.
How Does Afghanistan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 14 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
To visit Afghanistan, travelers need a valid passport and must obtain a visa in advance—no visas are issued on arrival. Most applicants must apply through an Afghan embassy or consulate, and many are required to submit a letter of invitation from a local sponsor or licensed tour operator.
Currency
Afghanistan’s official currency is the afghani (AFN). You’ll want to exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices, especially in bigger cities like Kabul or Herat. U.S. dollars—mainly $50s and $100s—are usually accepted for exchange. Cash is the norm almost everywhere, though some hotels and restaurants might take cards.
Weather
Afghanistan’s weather swings hard. Summers get brutally hot, especially in the south, while winters in the mountains can be seriously cold with heavy snow. Most of the rain shows up in late winter and early spring. Outside of that, it’s mostly dry, with big temperature drops once the sun goes down.
Airports
Afghanistan has a few major commercial airports, but Hamid Karzai International in Kabul is the main one for international travel. There are also airports in cities like Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kandahar that handle domestic flights and occasional regional routes. Flights can be limited.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't mandatory for Afghanistan, but it's a smart move given the country's security concerns and limited healthcare facilities. Standard policies often exclude high-risk areas, so look for specialized coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation, war and terrorism incidents, and possibly political evacuation. Keep in mind that some insurance companies won't offer policies to places on the Do Not Travel list.
Afghanistan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 10 | 4 |
| Low °C | -5 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 6 | -1 | -3 |
| High °F | 37 | 43 | 54 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 81 | 72 | 63 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 23 | 28 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 66 | 61 | 55 | 43 | 30 | 27 |
Afghanistan - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kabul | 25 |
| Kandahar | 35 |
Spot On
I traveled to Afghanistan as an independent reporter back in 2014. It was dangerous then and it is dangerous now. I never advise anyone to travel there, especially women. I don’t know why anyone would travel there to begin with unless it was for military or reporter reasons and even then, it is not safe.
Then why did u give it 5 stars
He gave it 5 stars because the article was true., not the situation.
Pickpockets, bullets, terrorists oh my!
I went there on business to meet with Researchers from the Kabul University of Medicine, needless to say I got pickpocketed twice, and nearly shot; should clarify that I am a woman. Don’t know how a man would fare.
A man would probably have been shot
Good Grief
Why do people say “needless to say” and then say the thing? One of my pet peeves. Furthermore, it doesn’t even apply here. How would we know that happened?
Extremely Dangerous
This guide, along with the advice of the FCO is absolutely correct. There is zero reason to travel to Afghanistan, it’s extremely dangerous and you’d be lucky to not have an extremely unpleasant time at best. I know this from my time there as a soldier, so stay away! There are much nicer countries to visit.
I went to kabul last year. The women were so much fun. plenty of cheap heroin and hash. was a great time. The afghan women are pretty hot under the covers
no wonder you’re anonymous 😟
Good one!
No Hero
Hate it when vets name drop the fact that they’re a vet. I bet you never left the FOB. Hell, you probably weren’t even on a FOB. You were probably at KAF or Bagram.
You went as a soldier ?
what did you expect? 😂
Not much worse
It’s a terrible shame that Afghanistan is in such a state. I took a few vacations there in the early 70s and you wouldn’t believe what a nice country it was back then. But, since the Soviets invaded in 1979 it has been a warzone ever since. This advisory is spot on, traveling to Afghanistan today is VERY RISKY. Don’t do it.
Confirmation
Yeah, you’re definitely right. I’m an Afghan teenager. I feel so sad when men and women’s of 50s, 60s, 70s and before that tell how they used to live back then. For the present, it’s not even safe for the residents of its own.
Great Place, Wonderful Beer, Even Better Women
Went on holiday here in April, lovely weather, nice people and great bars/clubs. Looking to book again for later this year.
Thanks to razmina and all the girls at Slutistans gentleman club within the heart of Kabul, had a great time.
wtf r u on
no such place had better “girls”. You are dumb and stop thinking they’re objects
Holes for money
Dont treat women like objects what are you on
The Dude Abides
Or treat objects like women.
Then is probably a terrorist Lure
Amazing hash artists
I follow some Afghani hash makers on YouTube and Afghanistan. Their climate is amazing for traditional methods. They allow the buds to dry in the vine during their dry winters before harvest and sieve. Unbelievable. You can’t smoke like that where I am and it’s 100% legal here, sold in stores. I heard also the local legend of babaa Qo, who hid his village from attack in a giant cloud of hash smoke. This is why I want to visit Afghanistan, to meet the hash makers and learn the craft, before attempting to recreate it in the American southwest. Bring a little of that ancient culture this way.
We Welcome You!
Here in are country we are in a state of war, yes this is very true my friends. However we do not intend to scare off anybody especially tourists from seeing are country, as we have no reason to do so. Infact we love anybody who comes here for vacation purposes it gives reason to show a more positive side for are country, tourists are different because they are considered outsiders and we would NEVER treat them unfair or even think to harm a hair on there head, if anything they bring are country more wealth and better name in the long run and we appreciated this gesture forever. The sole fact remains that even if one individual came here over a vast choice of other countries/cities for vacation we would honour and respect that. We are very aware of the stories people have heard that make this country sound very scary, and lots of them are true but only the real difference is the kind of people who visit are documenting for news feed and filling everyone’s head on camera with only the negatives and how viscous people have become here. I have lived here all my life as a normal everyday citizen I have a wife and two daughters, we live just outside Kabul in the greater suburban district and we are like most people with normal lives. There has been too many blown proportions on the subject, terrorism does not strike on a simple vacationer it is too easy and they would have no reason to do so. It would not give them pleasure to create negative thoughts for everyone else nor would that make any sense on are part. Anything the media has said is not a lie but when was the last time any media had anything good to say as well? If anybody needs a guide to get around, infact there are various ones located around the civilian sector in are part of the city provided and licensed within the civil rights countries act approved by the nations government officials. Im but just a simple man who only offers my personal experiences to world travellers alike who only seeks a vacation somewhere that offers rare site seeing and enjoyment off the map at a different rare venue then over all other places that offer the same kind of treatment but are always in the same expectations of venue. The key is don’t attract attention, as this is the golden rule that apply’s to ANY country you visit.
Oi
Yes great women there oi
I’m coming there soon, can we meet?
Tourists are always appreciated .we accpt tht it is a warzone but it is not due to Afghans .Everyone knows who made situition ths much worse in beloved Afghanistan
We
Thank you for the insight!
Shazia?
I want to visit Afghanistan next year on a charity walk. Any advice?
this is a stupid country with so much terrorism
@Anonymous you are a child.
Terrorist advertisement
Great place
Smashing time got wasted lads lads lads
I have never gone there BT I wish I can go and work in Afghanistan
Dangerous
My dad went there because he’s in the military and he wasn’t even allowed off the base because it’s so dangerous.
I was there (AFGHANISTAN)People are like animals they look at you as a dog looks for piece of meat ‘it’s completely dirty ‘streets are full of garbage ‘every one smells like stool ‘women are covered from top to bottom ‘women don’t shower for months ‘their clothes smells very bad.
its very dangerous i got bombed when i went there and my arms fell off but i enjoyed the bombing 🙂 i deffo recommend it if u want a bombed
WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU RONTOMAOTO
Don't worry that much. There is also places that are safe for travellars .like: bamyan, kabul, kandahar,herat and ... come and we will have a great hospitality for you!!
There were no problem for me as a tourist there. I went to capital kabul .there were some amazing attractions!!!we had great time!!!👍
Is this a good place to visit?
SAFE IN THE 1970'S
In the 70’s I went there but I was sad and devastate when It became so dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAD SAD SAD
So dangerous
Man, I hate being in this country. These attacks on Afghanistan are high. So plz don’t visit this country. There are other countries to visit including Macedonia. I could spend 1-2 days on this.
Fantastic Country
Please search for the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and that will change your perception of Afghanistan for good. This small nation can’t simultaneously fight the terrorism that has been brought upon them along with the fake news, deliberately showered onto it by others.
Attractions of Afghanistan
There are war torn places in Afghanistan and there are a 6 thousand years culturally vibrant history with natural heritage, indigenous people and world infamous hospitality to experience in places like the Wakhan Corridor, Bamiyan, Herat and Kabul.
i love afghanistan
Yeah, definitely. As a Afghan residing in Kabul, I confirm your claims.
Everyone out there, seeing is believing!
HItchiked across the country, very safe and beautiful. Type my name + New York Times to read ths story:-)
Sport
This would be a great place to.be John rambo , with some friends, and have a real version of call of duty, get some.guns and hunt down the taliban.
Adventure or a lifetime , as long as you live
Afghanistan <3
Beautiful people, beautiful culture, beautiful land. Much love to Afghan brothers and sisters.
Not safe for travel
Unfortunately, right now, Afghanistan is not a place that should be visited (even if you could get there) because of the Taliban rule. It’s very unsafe, especially for women of any ethnicity. It’s too bad the US army withdrew from Afghanistan in the way they did, leaving the country and its people to just fend for themselves.
I understand why they did it but I don’t agree with how they did it. They could have made a much bigger effort in training the local army to defend its cities and give me weapons and so on. Why they didn’t do it, I don’t know. It would have been great to have an army that was ready to protect itself and its citizens, not one that is scared and unprepared. Now this country is a no-go and will probably remain this way for many years to come (if not for entire decades).
This country has been through so much already. So many invasions and wars and its people are going to go through this now. I’m saddened by this. I hope that some day the children of the current people living there can live in a free country, with all the good and the bad that comes with a democracy. But I fear that’s a long time away. Right now I would give it a 1 on the safety index. 14 is just too much for all the things that are happening there.
I was actually looking forward to visiting this place (to see a friend who lives there) when the pandemic would have ended but then the Taliban happened and that’s gone. I like visiting less known and less visited countries like this one and I’m not afraid of a little danger but right now, traveling there is impossible to say the least. Who knows if and when this country will ever be in a position to accept tourists?
Poor
I went to Kandahar and boy it was poor never liked Afghanistan sooooooo unsafe most dangerous country in the whole world as of 2022 this safety index is not 14 it should be 8 or 9.
no good at all
Afghanistan is underdeveloped. Shootings, muggings, pickpockets and isolated terrorist attacks make this country so dangerous. I visited kabul last yr and its in bad shape i even say a guy with an ak 47 rifle just drag someone into his car and drove away. Everyone was like nothing happened. NOT SAFE!!!!!
This place is very nice place. We has drink and cool festivities in area. Make sure visit inner-city Kabul for even nicer culture : )
STAY AWAY .NO WAY .BIG DANGER
I am currently dealing with Afghan immigrants . My Takes.
1.. Some Are Amazing People.
2..Some are Careless with their kids
3. They can be rambunctious guests.
My overall take is these people can be a detriment to society .
Do more research
Do your research. Afghanistan is the worst place in the world to go to. It is run by a heartless group of terrorists known as the Taliban. It doesn’t matter how you paint it,what religion you are,or when you’re planning on going. Many governments across the globe have put out travel warnings advising people not to go. It is basically a war zone. There is a high amount of chance you’ll be caught in gunfire and explosions. I cannot go because i am a United States Citizen. In fact it is so dangerous,boring,and uninteresting i don’t want to go. Do the right thing and be smart and avoid all travel. No vacation is worth paying the price of your life.
Guess who owns this place
The Taliban owns Iran and Afghanistan they don’t really care who enters it is most likely that you will never return home not only citizens but also tourists can be raped, framed, shot at, injured, killed, arrested for no reason, given harsh consequences for minor infractions, or maybe even killed without warning. Nothing good comes from afghanistan. Thank god i’m never going there.
Afghanistan is a hellhole
Are you kidding Afghanistan is ran by the Taliban. The Taliban will kidnap any Americans who enter and not be in trouble. Also it isn’t safe if you’re gay or lesbian. If you are prosecuted you better hope you don’t lose a body part. Iran is known for disciplining criminals by chopping off body parts. The country has been in trouble with Human rights groups many times. Stay clear of Afghanistan. Trust me this advice will save your life.