Australasia to Afghanistan 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI^✨

Yes, connectivity has stabilized significantly with Flydubai and Air Arabia increasing frequencies from the UAE as of late 2025. While direct flights from Europe remain suspended, these carriers now offer reliable daily connections via Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). This increase in competition has slightly lowered fares, which previously hovered around €1,200 for economy, down to approximately €900-1,000 for round-trip tickets booked in advance. Turkish Airlines has also been evaluating security protocols for a potential return, though as of December 2025, connections via Istanbul still often require an interline transfer to Kam Air or Ariana Afghan Airlines.

Yes, select Afghan consulates are issuing tourist visas, but the process remains inconsistent across Europe. As of late 2025, travelers report the highest success rates applying through Afghan missions in Dubai, Islamabad, or Peshawar rather than in European capitals like Paris or Berlin, where consular services are often limited or suspended. The visa fee typically ranges from €80-150 depending on urgency and nationality. You must have a “Letter of Invitation” from a registered tour operator in Afghanistan to secure approval. Do not attempt to fly without a valid visa in your passport, as airlines will deny boarding at your European departure point.

The Afghani (AFN) has remained relatively stable in late 2025, trading at approximately 75-80 AFN to €1. However, official rates often differ from the “bazaar rate” found at money changers in Kabul’s Sarai Shahzada market. Because international banking sanctions prevent European cards from working, you must bring your entire travel budget in cash—crisp, new €50 or €100 notes are preferred. Exchange only what you need for a few days at a time, as converting leftover Afghanis back to Euros can be difficult and result in a poor rate.

Yes, enforcement of guardianship (Mahram) rules has become stricter in 2025 for travel between provinces. While foreign women were previously afforded some leniency, recent directives require female travelers to be accompanied by a male guardian for long-distance road trips. Solo female travel is now effectively impossible without a hired local guide acting as a chaperone. Additionally, access to certain national parks, like Band-e-Amir, remains restricted for women as of the most recent Ministry of Vice and Virtue announcements.

Access to the Wakhan Corridor varies by month, but permits are currently being issued as of late 2025. However, the land border crossing from Tajikistan (Ishkashim) often closes unpredictably due to security concerns or diplomatic spats. Most travelers now access the region via a domestic Kam Air flight from Kabul to Fayzabad, followed by a long drive. You need a specific Wakhan permit separate from your general tourist visa, which costs roughly €50 and takes 1-2 days to process in Kabul or Fayzabad.

No, the banking system is completely disconnected from international networks due to sanctions. European credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and debit cards will not work anywhere—not in hotels, airlines, or ATMs. You must bring 100% of your budget in cash, plus a contingency fund for emergencies. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted for exchange, but bills must be crisp, post-2013 design, and free of any tears or ink marks, or money changers will reject them.

Yes, a tourist visa only grants entry to the country; moving between provinces requires a separate travel permit from the Ministry of Information and Culture in Kabul. You must visit the Ministry upon arrival, present your passport, and list the provinces you intend to visit (e.g., Bamyan, Herat, Balkh). The permit is usually free or carries a nominal administrative fee, but the process takes a few hours. You will need multiple photocopies of this permit to hand over at Taliban checkpoints along the highways.

No, never drink tap water in Afghanistan, even in high-end hotels. Waterborne diseases including cholera and typhoid are risks. Stick strictly to sealed bottled water, and check the seal before opening to ensure it hasn’t been refilled. For brushing your teeth, use bottled water as well. Avoid ice in drinks and raw salads that may have been washed in tap water. Carrying water purification tablets or a LifeStraw bottle is a smart backup if you plan to travel to remote areas like the Wakhan Corridor.

The most reliable route is flying a major carrier (Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways) to Dubai (DXB), and then booking a separate ticket on Flydubai or Kam Air to Kabul (KBL). This “split-ticket” strategy is often cheaper and safer than trying to book a single itinerary. Allow at least 6-8 hours for the connection in Dubai, as you may need to collect bags and re-check them. Avoid connections through countries with unstable borders; the UAE corridor is currently the most consistent gateway for Western travelers.

We focus on optimizing the “hub leg” of your journey. While flights into Kabul have fixed high prices due to limited competition, the flight from Europe to Dubai or Istanbul fluctuates wildly. Our AI monitors price drops on major carriers like Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines to these hubs, often finding fares for €300-400 instead of €800. You then book the final connection to Kabul separately. Our free newsletter alerts you to these hub deals, helping you build a total trip cost that is 30-40% lower than a standard through-ticket.