Afghanistan, long marred by decades of conflict, is witnessing an unexpected and slow revival in tourism since the return of Taliban rule, according to the latest report by the Associated Press. The current rulers, whose government has not yet been recognized by the international community, are actively encouraging foreign visitation, touting the revenue and cultural exchange potential for a nation in deep economic and social flux (apnews.com).
For Thai readers, the story offers a gripping lens into how economic desperation, societal transformation, and international isolation can upend even the most unlikely sectors—like tourism—in conflict-ridden nations. As Thailand’s own tourism industry serves as the economic backbone and a major conduit for cultural dialogue, the Afghan situation is a case study in how travel and tourism can become both a form of soft diplomacy and a crucible for ethical debate.
Recent statistics from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Tourism highlight a measured increase in foreign travel: nearly 9,000 foreign tourists entered Afghanistan in 2024, and some 3,000 more arrived in the first three months of 2025 alone. These figures remain minute compared to regional neighbors, but are notable against the backdrop of decades of conflict that previously rendered the country all but closed to visitors (apnews.com). This “trickle rather than a flood” is facilitated by streamlined visa processes and regular flights from international hubs like Dubai and Istanbul.
Tourists—traveling by plane, motorbike, camper van, and even bicycle—are lured by Afghanistan’s majestic mountains, storied cities, and layers of over 5,000 years of history. Official Afghan sources point out that tourism dollars permeate all strata of society and deliver more tangible benefits than foreign investment in other sectors—a perspective echoed by the country’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, who believes the sector could yet emerge as a pillar of the national economy.
Yet the backdrop is complex and perilous. Major Western governments continue to issue strong advisories against travel, citing ongoing risks of extremist violence. A recent attack in Bamiyan—famous for its ancient Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001—left six foreigners, including three Spanish tourists, dead, illustrating the persistent threat posed by Islamic State affiliates. Such events underscore the dynamic tension between increased security, which the Taliban espouses, and ongoing pockets of violence (apnews.com).
For officials in the Taliban government, welcoming foreign tourists aligns with efforts to both jumpstart the faltering economy and recast the nation’s image. In interviews, tourism leaders stress the Afghan people’s traditional hospitality and “wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them,” seeking to portray a society resilient and rich in tradition after years of hardship.
However, the ethical quandary surrounding tourism under Taliban rule is acute. Critics—both internationally and among some travelers themselves—question if pleasure travel to a government that enforces systemic discrimination against women is defensible. Under Taliban policies, women and girls are barred from secondary and higher education, professional opportunities remain minimal, and restrictions on dress and public space are draconian. Beauty salons are outlawed, women are mostly prohibited from entering parks and gyms, and face covering is often mandated, though less stringently enforced for foreigners (apnews.com).
Many foreign visitors admit to wrestling with these questions before arrival. For example, a French-Peruvian and British couple, who included Afghanistan on their overland journey from the UK to Japan, described debating for a year whether their presence would legitimize the regime. Ultimately, they contended that traveling put “money in the hands of the people, not the government,” a rationale heard among some ethically-minded tourists.
Government officials maintain that both male and female tourists are welcome—provided they “respect our laws and traditions.” In practice, most restrictions applied to Afghan women are relaxed for foreign women: a headscarf is typically required, but face coverings and access to certain spaces are rarely policed for non-Afghans.
The Afghan government argues that promoting tourism has a dual benefit—enhancing economic resilience while fostering bridges across borders. “It is a great way to promote interaction between the people of different countries. It helps build international relations and is also beneficial for trade,” the Deputy Minister said, highlighting the potential for mutual understanding and exchange.
These overtures, however, stand in stark contrast to the lived experiences of Afghanistan’s own women and girls, for whom rights and opportunities have been severely curtailed since 2021 (UN Women report). The government’s emphasis on male-oriented workforce development is evident in their creation of training institutes for jobs in hospitality and tourism, which are currently open only to men.
Thailand, with its decades of experience balancing tourist influxes and social transformation, might reflect on the Afghan approach with a complex mix of empathy and unease. The vital question: Can tourism genuinely foster grassroots economic benefits without inadvertently endorsing repressive governance? For Thai tourism leaders, Afghanistan’s makeshift revival is a reminder of the power of narrative and the importance of safeguarding human rights alongside economic gain.
Historically, Afghanistan was an iconic stop on the 1960s and 1970s “Hippie Trail” that brought Western backpackers across Asia, including Thailand, on overland journeys of discovery. The country’s sudden closure to tourists in the years following Soviet invasion, civil war, and Western-led interventions made it a symbol of lost potential for cross-cultural exchange. The renewed trickle of adventurous visitors—however modest—suggests a yearning for connection that persists even in the face of daunting obstacles.
Looking ahead, experts warn that sustainable tourism in Afghanistan will require systemic reforms, especially in the area of women’s rights and security. The European Council on Foreign Relations notes that economic engagement in Afghanistan is sharply constrained by humanitarian concerns, and tourism alone cannot replace structural investment or the restoration of fundamental rights (ECFR analysis). Should the Taliban government undertake credible reforms—especially relating to the role of women—it might open the door to greater recognition and broader economic flows, benefiting the entire country.
For Thai travelers considering a visit, the current situation calls for both caution and ethical reflection. While some see travel as a lifeline of support for ordinary Afghans, others point to the dangers and risks associated with venturing to an unstable and unrecognized state. Official advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international embassies, and travel organizations should be closely followed (Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
In practical terms, those determined to visit Afghanistan are encouraged to:
- Thoroughly research current safety conditions and official travel warnings.
- Book tours with reputable, security-aware operators.
- Respect local customs and dress codes, especially for female travelers.
- Engage with local people to understand the real complexities beyond headlines.
- Support local businesses and craftspeople, whenever possible.
- Remain aware of the ethical implications tied to their expenditure and presence.
For those who prefer to support Afghanistan from afar, reputable NGOs working on humanitarian efforts and women’s empowerment continue to need international assistance.
As Afghanistan attempts to chart a new path post-conflict, its tentative experiment with tourism raises as many questions as it answers—about economics, ethics, and the possibilities of global connection in a fractured world. For Thailand, where the memory of the hippie trail survives alongside decades of tourism-driven growth, Afghanistan’s evolving story reminds us that travel, at its best, connects us to the human experience—even in the most unlikely places.
Sources: