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What is the capital of Afghanistan?
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul.
Photo: Weaveravel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Afghanistan
Afghanistan is in Southern Asia, Asia, with Kabul as its capital. Use this guide for trip planning — best time, budget ranges, cities and practical tips.
This Afghanistan travel guide covers the best time to visit, top cities, sample routes, budget ranges and how to travel to Afghanistan — including visa requirements.
Most first-time trips to Afghanistan work in 7–10 days: fly into Kabul, then move only as far as your energy allows. A practical first loop is Kabul → Jalālābād → Kunduz → Mazār-e Sharīf → Herāt → Kandahār. Mid-range travellers typically budget $25–80 per person per day on the ground (flights extra). Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions. This route, cost band and city shortlist are Global Itinerary’s own planning layer — not a copy of another guidebook.
Capital
Kabul
Population
37.2M
Currency
؋ · Afghan afghani (AFN)
Languages
Dari, Pashto, Turkmen
Timezone
Asia/Kabul · UTC+04:30
Calling code
+93
History
Afghanistan has a rich history shaped by its position in Asia and the cultures of Southern Asia, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Afghanistan is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Best time to visit
Good months to visitJJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
Border crossings may get closed on short notice. Regulations on entry and exit may change without notice.
Visas
All visitors need to apply for a visa in advance. Since March 2026, the easiest way for tourists from almost any country to obtain a visa is to apply online through the new eVisa system. These visas require entry at Kabul International airport, are valid for a 30-day visit within a 90-day validity period, and are single entry. Israel is the only country whose citizens may not obtain any kind of visa, though a small number of other nationalities or people residing in those count…
Money & costs
Money
The Afghani (AFN) is the currency of Afghanistan, denoted by the symbol "Afs" or "؋" (ISO code: AFN). The current version of the afghani was introduced in 2002, with 1 afghani equal to 1,000 of the previous afghanis.
Getting around
To visit different places and objects in the country you need to buy permits. These are both for your security (checked at police checkpoints, need to register them in local tourist bureaus) and to support the country. In Kabul these permits are issued by Afghan Tour (Abdullhaq crossroad, {{phone|+93 20 210 6837]) and cost 1000 Afs (2025) for each area you want. Getting these permits can take considerable time, and the officers demand you to have a "translator" (kind of guide which helps you with language and getting around). You may want to find a local travel agency or a guide to help you wi…
Language
The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari (an Afghan dialect of Persian), which serves as the country's lingua franca, and Pashto, spoken by the largest and most influential ethnic group, the Pashtuns. According to the CIA World Factbook, 78% of Afghans speak Dari, and 50% speak Pashto. Many Afghans are bilingual in those two languages.
Staying safe
Afghanistan is a volatile and dangerous country. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Banditry is somewhat of an ancient tradition in many parts of the country, including in the northern areas. Foreigners may be targets for kidnapping.
Health
Afghanistan has more than its share of health issues, and it is pretty much essential to consult a travel doctor ahead of your trip about vaccinations and health risks. Travellers' diarrhea will afflict most visitors at least occasionally, and other food-related illnesses are moderately common. Respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis are common, and malaria is a risk in many parts of the country. Meningitis, hepatitis, cholera and rabies are major health issues, especially in the countryside with lacking health infrastructure.
Staying connected
Fixed line service is available in major cities (digital in Kabul) and mobile phones in most cities. SIM cards are available and international calls to Europe/US typically cost less than USD0.5/minute. Outside of major cities your options are limited to a satellite phone.
Local etiquette
Despite all that they have been through since 1979, Afghans in general are welcoming and hospitable to foreign visitors. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Afghan culture, and it is very likely that you'll be treated as a celebrity by the locals.
Practical guidance for Afghanistan is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Getting around & staying connected
Cheapest ways to travel in Afghanistan
Ride apps & transport
- 1Grab
Southeast Asia's super-app: cars, motorbike taxis and food, all with fixed upfront fares.
- 2Uber
App-based cars with upfront fares — usually the cheapest metered ride in big cities.
- 3inDrive
Name your own fare and let nearby drivers accept or counter — great for tight budgets.
Ride-hailing coverage varies here — check whether these apps are live in your city before relying on them.
Cheapest SIM for foreigners
Local prepaid SIM
Buy a tourist SIM from an official operator kiosk at the airport (bring your passport) — usually the cheapest data.
eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) lets you get online the moment you land — handy if you don't want to queue for a SIM.
Prices and app coverage change often — figures are indicative for 2026, so confirm the current tourist plan in the app or at the airport kiosk.
Plan your trip
A route through Afghanistan
A suggested loop connecting Afghanistan's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities in Afghanistan
In pictures
Afghanistan gallery
Photos: Weaveravel, Yves Picq http://veton.picq.fr, Peretz Partensky from San Francisco, USA, Karla Marshall, Bryan Battaglia (U.S. Armed Forces) — via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Travel cost for Afghanistan
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Afghanistan
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Afghanistan's mid-range daily budget ($25–80 per person on the ground). Flights are a separate estimate and vary by origin.
Good to know
Afghanistan travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Afghanistan?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions.
Is Afghanistan worth visiting?
Yes — travellers visit Afghanistan for its landscapes, cities and culture. Start with Kabul, then explore the top regions on this Afghanistan travel guide for a realistic itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to Afghanistan?
Visa rules for Afghanistan depend on your passport — use the visa checker on this site for a nationality-specific answer. Use our Afghanistan visa checker for rules by nationality before you book flights.
How much does a trip to Afghanistan cost?
Budget roughly $25–80 per person per day for mid-range travel in Afghanistan, not including long-haul flights. Costs vary by season and how much you move between cities.
Is Afghanistan safe for tourists?
Check current travel advice for Afghanistan before you go.
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