What are the Afghanistan Tour Guides Like?
We are very proud of the team we have curated in Afghanistan. They have an exceptional and comprehensive cultural and historical overview of the country that can be communicated with high levels of English.
They testify to the Afghani hospitality well documented and are trusted partners and friends.
How do you get an Afghanistan Visa?
As with all our tours, YPT offers full visa support and two options to obtain your Afghanistan visa.
Option one via Pakistan: As part of our scheduled tours, we obtain our visa at the Afghanistan embassy in Peshawar, Pakistan. This is the easiest and cheapest option, yielding the best results. At present, November 2024, we have a 100% approval rating. Note: We provide all documents to obtain your e-visa to Pakistan.
Option two, flying via Dubai: If you are starting your tour flying via Dubai, we provide you with all supporting documents and proof of tour, which may include a letter of invitation where necessary.
In both cases, you will need a valid passport of at least six months, a photocopy of your passport identity page, an empty full page for a visa sticker, an Afghan visa (obtained at each embassy) and a 2x2cm passport photo.
Is Afghanistan Safe for Tourists?
Despite its volatile past and recent Taliban takeover, there is an emphasis on improving tourism and security. It is considered one of the safest times to visit.
As with all our tours, safety is our most important consideration, and we work closely with our trusted partners. Our itineraries are subject to change when required, and we hold the right to cancel if the tour is considered high-risk.
Is it ethical to travel to Afghanistan?
Whilst visiting may seem like supporting the Taliban, Afghanistan is also home to some of the friendliest, most hospitable people we have met. All our tours seek to give back to these communities and people and help provide a means of living in challenging times.
For our women’s tours, YPT donates $200 per person to support continuing education.
For other initiatives, please get in touch with YPT.
Are there ATMs in Afghanistan?
There are no ATMs in Afghanistan for foreigners to withdraw money; if you travel, you must bring USD and more significant notes, such as $100 bills, as they are exchanged for a higher rate. Other currencies, such as EURO, are sometimes accepted but are much more challenging and unreliable.
Ensure your notes are past 2009, clean, crisp, and undamaged, and any imperfections will not be accepted.
Can you drink in Afghanistan?
No, since the Taliban takeover in 2021, any consumption and possession is highly prohibited. Do not bring any; if you are caught, you risk punishment by law enforcement and being removed from your tour by YPT.
Can I take photos?
You can bring a DSLR, but you may need a camera permit first. Please let YPT know your model and make, and we can let you know accordingly. Drones are illegal.
If you wish to photograph people, please ensure you seek permission first; do not take photos of people praying, the Taliban, or security checkpoints, and if you are male, it is forbidden to take pictures of women.
Will I meet the Taliban?
Yes, you will see the Taliban throughout your tour on many occasions, including their accompaniment in Mazar-i-Sharif.
If you behave and dress accordingly, you will not encounter any issues with them.
What should I Wear?
It is essential to remember Afghanistan is a conservative Islamic country. Therefore, you must dress carefully.
Men must dress appropriately with long trousers, covered shoulders, and suitable shoes. You will also have the opportunity in Peshawar to get custom-made local clothing, an excellent way to show respect for culture and blend in.
Women MUST always wear a headscarf and long-sleeved abayas. Clothing should not show the body’s shape. Your YPT guide will assist you in obtaining the appropriate clothing before entering Afghanistan in Pakistan.
Do not bring any military clothing, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the itinerary includes short walks.
Can you get Insurance for Afghanistan?
Yes, you can! For this trip we suggest IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385
Are they options for Vegetarians?
While it may come as a surprise, there are a variety of options for vegetarians in Afghanistan. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate accordingly.
What are the toilets like in Afghanistan?
You can find both western (mainly in hotels) and squat toilets in Afghanistan. Hygiene standards for toilet breaks on the road might not always meet desired expectations, so bring wet wipes/baby wipes, and keep hand some sanitizer readily available.
What is the accommodation like?
We cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make us choices of where to stay.
The accommodation will be based on sharing a twin room. If you wish for a single supplement, it is an additional cost listed on the tour itinerary.
How to get an Afghanistan Visa?
YPT provides full visa support for both your e-visa for Pakistan and your visa to Afghanistan, which is collected in Peshawar (located within Pakistan). The Pakistan visa fee depends on your nationality and the Afghanistan visa fee is $100 for all Note – This is the current price for an Afghanistan visa, but it is subject change. Please get in touch if you have questions about your eligibility for an Afghanistan visa.
Are Afghanistan Tours Safeunder the Taliban?
Little with the current situation. Whilst we always suggest checking the guidance of your own government advisory sites, such as the UKFCO. In our own opinion though traveling to Afghanistan is now safer due to the stability the new Taliban regime has brought to the country. Things though can and do change and at as such we will keep you constantly updated should the security situation in country change at all. To read if it is ethical to travel to Afghanistan under the Taliban, click here
