Afghanistan : Safety by CityAfghanistan is a landlocked country squeezed in between Near East and Indonesia.
It is located right at the heart of Asia, sharing its borders by Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north.
There is a very short border it also shares with China to the far northeast, but it’s almost impossible to reach it.
Afghanistan has unfortunately had a tumultuous recent history and during the past 30 years, it has been the site of major wars: from the Soviet invasion in 1979, through the warlordism of the Taliban to their removal in 2001 and the American and NATO invasion that ensued.
The country has been in complete chaos in the past decades and traveling there is not recommended, to put it lightly.
Apart from all of this, Afghanistan can’t really boast its economical status: it is considered poor in comparison to other nations of the world and is currently going through a rebuilding process.
Warnings & Dangers in Afghanistan
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan isn't a safe destination for travelers. You should know that many governments advise their citizens not to travel to the country as it is considered practically a war zone. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Both petty and violent crimes are normal here. Do not travel to Afghanistan unless it is of dire necessity.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
About 79% of roads in Afghanistan are just dirt. Public transportation in Afghanistan generally works by loads of people, animals, and produce just being packed into small spaces on the roofs of buses and trucks.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
As you would expect, petty theft and pickpocketing are widespread in Afghanistan. If you do leave your accommodation and have to walk the streets, make sure you don't flash your valuables. Dangling cameras, flashing money or credit cards or expensive jewelry is strongly recommended against.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan is highly susceptible to common natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, snow avalanches, landslides, and droughts. This happens to Afghanistan because of its geographical location and decades of environmental degradation.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Violent crime happens in Afghanistan during all times of day, so do not think that daylight makes you safe. You can expect muggings, burglaries, and carjacking since this country is shaken by war and in extremely bad condition. The risk increases after dark, so avoid going anywhere after nightfall.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to and carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Taliban rebels are causing fear throughout the country while the Afghanistan government is still trying to fight them. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams should be the least of your concerns when in Afghanistan. They do exist, though, so be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Afghanistan is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. They are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that they leave their accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Remain hidden from view.
So... How Safe Is Afghanistan Really?
You are strongly advised against visiting Afghanistan as it can be extremely dangerous.
Afghanistan is technically a war zone and as such should be avoided at all costs.
There is an overall sense of lawlessness as the Government has little control over large parts of the country.
Terrorism is still hugely widespread and represents a horrific issue with Taliban rebels causing fear throughout the country and the Government trying to fight them.
Afghanistan is not safe for travel, and westerners as well as other tourists can easily be targeted and become victims of hostile acts, sometimes even in a random terrorist attack.
However, there are areas that are now considered to be safe but are still not recommended as tourist destinations.
At all costs avoid areas of Wuristan, Kabul, and the Khyber Pass.
This is where the remaining fighters of the former Taliban regime and the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, as well as drug lords, gangs, bandits and tribal warriors, are active.
This also applies to other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force military operations.
Be wary of the landmines and other unexploded devices that are widespread throughout the country and remain a problem to this day.
Do not stray from the beaten paths and stick to the worn paths and do not touch anything that looks remotely suspicious.
This has been a serious problem in Afghanistan for years, as some statistics say that around 600-700 people end up injured or killed every year in accidents due to landmines and unexploded devices.
How Does Afghanistan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 14 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
| Kazakhstan | 72 |
| Germany | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
All countries need a visa in order to enter Afghanistan. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your applying for a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Afghan afghani is the official currency in Afghanistan. There are some ATMs in the country but you should carry cash with you wherever you go.
Weather
Afghanistan has clearly defined seasons: weather during summer is hot and winters can be extremely cold. Summer temperatures can go as high as 49 °C. Midwinter temperatures can go as low as -9 °C in the Hindu Kush.
Airports
Hamid Karzai International Airport is the busiest airport in Afghanistan. It is located 5 km from the city center of Kabul in Afghanistan.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Afghanistan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Afghanistan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 5 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 33 | 32 | 29 | 23 | 16 | 9 |
| Low °C | -6 | -4 | 2 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 1 | -3 |
| High °F | 41 | 45 | 57 | 70 | 79 | 88 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 61 | 48 |
| Low °F | 21 | 25 | 36 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 64 | 63 | 55 | 45 | 34 | 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.