English 
NederlandsMove directly to: Practical information / Local culture
Practical information about Afghanistan
The country has seen political and social shifts, which requires us to operate in a way that respects the local norms and values while ensuring that our guests have a worthwhile and welcoming experience. Below are answers to the questions most frequently asked by our guests, based on the Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture’s recommendations for international tourists. These will help you prepare to have a wonderful tour in Afghanistan
Updated: September 2024
Your trip
We carefully select our tour destinations and activities based on current security situations and official travel advice. We also collaborate with local partners who understand the local conditions and can offer assistance if needed. The areas we visit in Afghanistan are those where we feel confident about bringing travellers. If the situation in any location changes, we will adjust our plans immediately. Our goal is to provide everyone with an unforgettable tour, but we ask our travellers to remain flexible throughout the trip, as ensuring everyone’s safety is our top priority. We will send you detailed safety guidelines in the lead up to your booked tour, and we are always available to answer any questions or doubts!
The best time to visit Afghanistan is between March and May, and between September to November. The temperature is most pleasant during autumn and spring. Afghanistan has diverse climate zones, but generally it is hot in the summer months and very cold in the winter months. In general, its cities have a milder climate than in the rest of the country. Our Grand Afghanistan Tour runs annually in September.
Yes. Everyone should get travel and health insurance before traveling. Whether or not Afghanistan is covered will vary by insurance. At CultureRoad we recommend IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has several insurance options to suit your personal needs. Book with them through the referral link above and receive a 5% discount!
Yes. You must apply for a visa for Afghanistan yourself at your nearest embassy. Make sure budget enough time, because it takes at least one working week to obtain. You will need an LOI to apply for the visa, which we will send you upon booking a tour with us. Please remember that your passport must be valid for at least six months before entering each country.
Afghanistan uses the time zone UTC +4:30. Afghanistan does not engage in daylight savings time changes.
The local currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Please bring US Dollar notes, which your guides will help you exchange for AFN. Make sure to bring enough cash for your trip, as ATMs are not available and there is no other means of obtaining cash in Afghanistan. Additionally, it is important that you bring clean and crisp notes, as any old, dirty, torn, folded, faded, stamped or inked notes will not be accepted.
The amount you’ll spend mainly depends on your personal spending needs and habits, but as a guideline, we advise to budget for approximately €20 to €30 per day for your basic needs. Soda is generally under €1, while meal usually costs around €5. However, if you want to buy souvenirs, you might want to bring some extra cash. Traditional hats can cost up to €45, handmade ceramics usually cost between €20 to €30, burqas cost about €15, and a nice carpet can be bought in every price range. It is also recommended you bring an additional 500 USD as an emergency fund. Tipping local guides and drivers is always encouraged. Local wages are very modest, so a small contribution from you will often make a big difference to our local partners and their families. The amount you tip is, of course, ultimately your decision.
Most customers prefer to book their international flights themselves. It is often cheaper to do so and allows you some extra flexibility to accommodate your preferences. Of course, we are always available to advise you when you are booking your flight.
Make sure to have photocopies of your passport in case you are asked to submit one upon arrival or any time while in the country. Make sure to keep your original passport safe with you at all times.
Practical information
In Afghanistan, the electricity supply is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. Type C is the most common plug socket, the same as European plugs. It is a good idea to bring a plug adapter, particularly if you are bringing non-European plugs. Power outages are common, so be sure to charge your devices whenever electricity is available at your hotel, and consider bringing a power bank.
Internet is available at most accommodations, though the connection may be slow and unreliable. Mobile coverage is generally alright throughout Afghanistan, but is weaker outside of the capital. If you need a local SIM card, your local guide will be happy to assist you.
Carry hand sanitiser, sunscreen, water, and snacks while traveling within the country. In order to show you all of the best sites, we will be spending part of each day on the road. We recommend that those who are prone to travel sickness bring non-drowsy motion sickness tablets with them. Other things you may want to consider bringing for comfort, particularly if you are a light sleeper, include an eye mask, ear plugs and a neck pillow. The road travel can be long but the scenery and landscapes are wonderful!
Local culture
Some of the measures we take on our travels are
– We do not share details of the itinerary or hotel names with anyone. Similarly, avoid revealing your full name or nationality to strangers. While such questions may be asked simply out of curiosity, we refrain from disclosing this information as a precaution
– Avoid engaging in political conversations including topics such as women’s rights, Islam, the Taliban, and so on. If you have any questions on what exactly to avoid, please ask your guide first.
– On days with long journeys, we ensure a timely start to avoid being stranded after dark in case of a car breakdown.
– We recommend avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or watches—please leave them at home.
– Always pay attention to and follow the guidance of your local guide. With extensive experience in Afghanistan, they can sense when something is not right. They notice far more than we do, so it’s essential to listen to them at all times.
– Do not share or post photos online during your trip, wait until you have left Afghanistan.
– We recommend everyone register with their local embassy. In case of any issues during the trip, it will be much easier to get assistance through the embassy on site.
Afghanistan is a conservative and predominantly Islamic country where Islam is widely practised. Be mindful of this and show respect for the local customs as you travel through Afghanistan. While Afghans are generally welcoming and understanding that some traditions may be unfamiliar to foreigners, it is important to remember that we are guests and must always show respect for the local ways.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
– Do not drink alcohol, it is illegal.
– Always take off your shoes when entering a mosque or house, holding the soles of your shoes together.
– Never show the sole of your shoe while you’re sitting down.
– Do not pass in front of or take photos of someone who is praying.
– Men should not approach, shake hands with, or take photos of women.
– Women on tour should also avoid shaking hands with men.
– Limit public displays of affection.
– Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan, so we strongly advise against any public displays or expressions of it for your own safety and for that of the group.
– Wear conservative clothes.
– Refrain from engaging in political and religious topics. Take this as an opportunity to listen and learn about a culture different to yours. You can respectfully share your opinion with friends and family once you are back home.
Alcohol, narcotics, pornography or anything that could be politically sensitive is prohibited in the country.
Please do not wear or bring expensive jewellery to the country. If you wish to buy souvenirs in Afghanistan, do so from authorised stores and handicraft shops. Buying or exporting historical antiquities without a receipt and from an unauthorised dealer is considered illegal – always ask your travel guide for advice first.
Yes. Always travel through the country with a local tour guide. This includes traveling to tourist attractions, villages, local markets, and so on. Even when leaving the hotel, always check with your guide first. They will advise on whether you can proceed by yourself or whether it is best for them to accompany you.
Women are equally encouraged to join our tours as men. As Afghanistan is a conservative country, there are certain guidelines to keep in mind for the safety and comfort of female visitors. Women must dress conservatively and wear a headscarf. Women should avoid hand-shakes with the local men and vice versa, as it is against local cultural and religious norms.
Men must also dress conservatively when visiting Afghanistan. Men should also avoid starting a conversation or initiating contact with local women, as it is against local cultural and religious norms.
Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
– Do not take photos of women, particularly if you are a man.
– Do not take photos of people praying.
– Do not take pictures of military personnel, military installations, police officers or government buildings.
– Do not share or post photos online during your trip, wait until you have left Afghanistan.
No. Drones are prohibited in Afghanistan.
Afghan cuisine is a rich cuisine with influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and India. It is hearty, mildly spiced, and centred around staples like rice, naan, and meat, especially lamb and chicken. Popular dishes include Kabuli Pulao, kebabs, and mantu, to name just a few. Meals are often communal. All food is halal, meaning no pork. Afghan cuisine is meat-heavy and not easy for vegetarians, however there will be some vegetarian options and your guide will certainly help you. Cutlery is not always available in Afghanistan, so expect to use naan or your right hand (for religious reasons) to eat. Tea is a key part of Afghan hospitality. Alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan, do not bring or consume any for the duration of your trip.
Afghanistan is a conservative and predominantly Islamic country. We therefore recommend dressing conservatively – wearing loose fitting and modest clothing. Favour neutral clothing over bright coloured clothing, and do not bring any military-style garments.
For women:
– Loose-fitting long pants or skirts which cover the ankles.
– Long-sleeved shirts.
– As a woman, you will need to wear a headscarf. Make sure to bring one with you.
– We will also make sure you get a set of local clothes, such as an abaya, to wear on the tour.
– Comfortable closed shoes and slippers for indoor spaces.
For men:
– Long trousers.
– Long-sleeved shirts.
– We will also make sure you get a set of local clothes, such as a shalwar kameez, to wear on the tour.
– Comfortable closed shoes and slippers for indoor spaces.
On tour we will make sure that everybody gets local clothes upon arrival.
Afghanistan is a developing country with a very turbulent recent history. Healthcare is very limited. The local hygiene standard naturally differs from that of the Western World. Make sure you have enough hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
We always recommend staying informed about the latest health risks in the region you plan to visit. For the most up-to-date information about your destination, check with your government