One of the most oppressed countries in the world is facing a growing trend of ‘Coiden Tourism’.
In 2021, the Taliban regain control of Afghanistan following a 20-year military mission to destroy Al-Qaeda and stabilize the country.
The Shardine Islamist group began to seize control of the districts a few weeks after the troops were withdrawn, quickly posing as Afghanistan’s de facto government.
Since then, Amnesty International warns human rights violations have worsened, with Afghanistan losing its social progress and becoming the only country in the world where secondary and tertiary education is allowed for women.
However, set after sexual persecution, targeted killings and Draconian laws, the influx of pilgrims agreesAfghanistan with its natural beauty, whimsical delicacies and religious symbols.
Tourism in Afghanistan
Affirming Afghanistan Travel statistics it is a challenge, as the official website of the country and the Official Government Authority says “Data will be uploaded soon” when trying to access the statistics.
However, earlier this year tourism minister Qudratullah Jamal said that about 9,000 international tourists will enter the country by 2024, and 3,000 were visited in the first three months of this year.
Reports suggest that only in August, Afghanistan welcome foreign tourists who are moving.
While these numbers may not be visible compared to tourist destinations such as Spain and Greece, they show a significant and continuous growth since the rise of the Taliban since the rise of the Taliban.
In 2021, only 691 other countries tourists you have visited the country. In 2022, that number increased to 2,300 – followed by a 120 percent spike in 2023 (7,000 foreign visitors).
Meet the travelers who did not organize the Taliban
Kieran Brown, a travel content creator and youtuber, has been to over 130 countries and visited Afghanistan for 10 days in March last year.
Attracted by many countries that are “too afraid to travel”, the 31-year-old says he was drawn to the Taliban-controlled country because of its “historical and strong views”.
Brown towards the Snow Mountain towards the Snow towards the Snow. – Kieran Brown.
Despite the travel warnings, Brown wasn’t put off by Afghanistan’s hostile reputation, and did his own research — including talking to locals — to make sure he’d feel safe.
Brown’s best photographs explored the ancient streets of Kabul, the blue mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, and connecting with the locals about their daily lives.
‘Eye Opening Experience’
“The hospitality and the food was unbelievable,” he says.
Brown did come into contact with members of the Taliban a few times during his trip, but insists that most of the encounters were ‘surprisingly calm’ and that he did not feel threatened.
Herat citadel. – Limits not included.
“It’s been [just] He wants to know what I did and checked my documents,” he adds.
“They were strict, but as long as I respected the rules and remained respectful, things went well. It was easy to see.
‘I wanted to see Afghanistan for myself’
Almost ten years of experience working in an informal setting PlacesZoe Steshens visited Afghanistan three times last year.
He says: “I didn’t worry about travel warnings. “I wanted to see Afghanistan for myself to go beyond the headlines.”
The 31-year-old, who works as an International Tour Manager, first visited the country in September 2024 to organize trips and tours in the area of female managers – now dedicated to Khore Tours.
Her favorite place to visit is Herat, the third largest city in Afghanistan, which she describes as “free” and “very refreshing”.
“My favorite memories are just enjoying snacks on the side street at the best houses, enjoying tea and honey at Omad Bee’s tent, and experimenting.
Stephens warns that contact with the Taliban is inevitable as there are many checkpoints throughout Afghanistan.
Stephens in Band-e-Amir. – Zoe Stephens.
However, he says it was “all in good fun” and that the troops were happy to have visitors.
“Sometimes you have a bad experience with the word ‘police ethics’ which can make your police officers dress up or keep you away from certain sites like public parks,” Stephens adds.
Are you visiting Afghanistan Ethanistan?
For many travelers, the country as controversial as Afghanistan is a No-Go-Go.
However, James Willcox, the owner of the border tourism company and the author of Bradt’s guide to Afghanistan, says that meaningful communication between tourists and people helping in Afghanistan can only be explained by politics or conflict.
“The people are not their governments,” he told Euronews Travel. “Visitors to Afghanistan experience a world on a human scale and see that, despite its challenges, there is humor, beauty and hospitality wherever you go.”
At its core, this type of cultural exchange reduces the stigma attached to areas that are often seen only through the “Prism of Headlines about fear and extremism,” Wilcox said.
“But this normality can also be complex and help consolidate a government that allows women to work,” it adds.
“One of our former directors, for example, fled the country after the Taliban phorever and now runs Virtual Tours in Afghanistan from his new home in Italy as he is unable to work in Afghanistan under the current law.”
The Wakhan Corridor. – Limits not included.
Some critics say the risk of tourism softens the views of the Taliban regime, particularly the ban on women’s voices in public and the ban on women outside of public postings.
Willox acknowledges the problem but insists that responsible tourism focuses on people, not politics.
“When travelers visit, they connect with people – families who run homes, local drivers, technology – and that human connection endures,” she said.
“Without seeing, the financial impact can be significant. Even a small increase in tourism can bring significant income to local communities, support guides, tourists, and professionals who depend on visitors for their livelihoods.”
Am I allowed to travel to Afghanistan?
Governments across Europe and even around the world advise against all travel to Afghanistan, due to its strong security situation and limited support from foreign nations. Traveling to a red-listed country can also invalidate your travel insurance.
The UK’s Office for Common Law and Development (FCDO) warns that Brits are at high risk of being arrested Afghanistanwhich can result in “years of imprisonment”.
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Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade announces a similar warning on its official website, due to Afghanistan’s high risk of terrorism and the “severe limitation of human rights in the country”.
The federal government of Germany, for example, does not even mention the Government of the De Facto Taliban as the Government of Afghanistan “and close the resistance to the movement of German nationals to leave the country if possible.
While the Taliban may not be actively promoting tourism, they are not stopping tourists from coming either.
