GUIDEBOOK FOR TRAVELING TO AFGHANISTAN AS A TOURIST

Updated 2024

       We highly recommend that you travel to Afghanistan through a registered tour company. They will guide you on how to be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices. If you are touring Afghanistan on your own, please read our country-specific travel advice and guide book before traveling and get free advice from our operators and tour guides when you arrive. Your safety, health, and security are always our top priority.

Thank you!

 

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

  • Religion: Afghanistan is a Muslim country governed by Islamic/Sharia Law. Therefore, it has different laws and customs in regards to religion, marriage and sexual relationships. When traveling through Afghanistan please act conservatively and take care not to offend local religious beliefs. You should never try to convert Afghan Muslim people to other faiths. Remember you can’t hug or kiss your wife in public. If you are a man, never touch, stare at, or talk to an Afghan woman in public.
  • Dress: Visitors should dress conservatively in Afghanistan. Women must wear a headscarf at all times and all tourists have to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Wearing local clothes is not mandatory, but it is considered a sign of respect for the local culture. Our guides will be happy to take you to local stores to buy clothing.
  • Food and Drink: It is illegal to import and use alcohol and pork products. Drink only bottled water. Do not leave your drinks unattended and never accept an opened bottle of drink from strangers. During Ramadan (the Holy month in Islam) Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offense, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. We will help you to do that in private.
  • Photography: Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing women and other local people without their agreement. Our guides can help you with this.
  • Currency: Cash money is used in Afghanistan. The local currency is Afghani but US Dollars and Euro are also available. Western Union and ATM are active but availability cannot be relied upon. You must bring new, blue 100 dollar bills US or new 100 Euro banknotes with you to pay the balance owing on your tour.  If you want to use US Dollars for personal shopping while in Afghanistan, you should be aware that  the exchange rate for old white 5, 10, 20, 50 dollar  banknotes  is much lower. Our guides will take you to a currency exchange outlet.
  • Vaccination: Not a requirement for entry to Afghanistan but the advice is to check this before leaving your country. It is advisable to make sure you are up to date with Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid vaccinations.
  • Driving: Driving in Afghanistan can be a challenge. Driving on the other side of the road and dealing with unfamiliar traffic laws can make for a stressful situation. You may have to deal with poor roads, inadequate lighting and bad driving. Bring your international driving license if you wish to drive and hire a vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation should be in a private room in a secure hotel or guest house.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Passport: You need a passport that is valid for longer than your intended stay with extra blank pages in it. You need an individual passport for your child.
  • Visas: You need to have an entry visa before you are permitted to enter Afghanistan. You will not be able to get a visa at the point of entry of the country. You have to apply to the Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan in your country or in these countries – Dubai, Abu Dubai, Pakistan. We will send you a letter of invitation from our company to help with your visa application, and a copy of the LGA license will be attached. Please print it out and keep it with you along with your passport, two passport photos and the visa fee when applying. It is not possible to apply online and you must apply in person to receive a visa.
  • Passport photos: Please have two passport photos with you, you will need them at the time of arrival at the airport.
  • Registration: You need to be registered with the Afghan-Tourism Department when you arrive. We will take you to the department to do that. If you are staying with friends or in self-catering accommodation, you will need to register yourself immediately.

 

PRACTICAL ADVICE

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance from companies such as Global Rescue or Global Underwriters Travel Insurance or Campbell Irvine Direct.
  • Keep in touch with us. If you change your contact details, be sure to inform us, so we can contact you in case of an emergency or any change with your itinerary. You will receive our reconfirmation letter before you travel.
  • While you are in Afghanistan, please make sure you carry your passport, visa, permission letter and other travel documents with you at all times.
  • Cooperate with your tour guide and emergency services if you are involved in a serious incident.
  • Stay away from military sites, security installations and some public buildings as advised by your guide.
  • Consider emailing copies of key documents to yourself so that they can be accessed from any computer.
  • Make sure you have the local time.
  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Avoid walking alone and traveling at night, particularly between towns and cities.
  • Please never cross in front of the person praying as it ruins the prayer. Sides and behind the person praying is OK.
  • You will see beggars in the cities. Please do not offer anything to them otherwise you will see lots of them trying to mob you. If you want to help the local people, please consult your guide to find the best way. Our company is doing some charity activities and you can contact us to help local people in need.
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings in public places such as crowded streets, bazaars, and around street children and beggars.
  • Avoid demonstrations and protests and don’t do any interviews with people, Media or on YouTube channels about politics.
  • Maybe at some checkpoints or in other places people talk to you about Islam. This is normal and it is a simple short talk. It is best to listen with patience and respect.

 

The tourism industry in Afghanistan is new, therefore traveling to Afghanistan can be a bit challenging at times.  As a matter of fact, its differences are its attractions. Enjoy it.

Best Regards,

Let’s Go Afghanistan Team

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