UK
Rugged Beauty & Resilient Culture
Afghanistan is a land of dramatic mountains, ancient cities, and deep-rooted traditions. While its landscapes and hospitality are unforgettable, travel here requires extreme caution due to ongoing security concerns.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Kabul typically involve one or two stops, taking 12–16 hours. Other cities like Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif are accessible via domestic flights.
Airlines
Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai offer connections via Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai. Afghan carriers operate domestically.
Cheap flights to Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Rugged Beauty & Resilient Culture
Landmark
Travel Season
- Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov): Mild and ideal for sightseeing
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot in lowlands, pleasant in mountains
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow in the north, cold across the country
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN)
- Cash is essential — international cards are not accepted
- Bring US Dollars to exchange locally
- ATMs are unreliable; exchange bureaus are common in cities
Connectivity
- SIM cards (Afghan Wireless, Roshan, MTN) available in major cities
- Internet is limited outside urban areas
- VPN recommended for unrestricted access
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Shared taxis and minibuses for intercity travel
- Private drivers recommended for safety and flexibility
- Roads can be rough; 4x4 vehicles are useful in remote areas
Time Zone
- Afghanistan Time (AFT) – GMT+4:30
Etiquette & Culture
- Dress conservatively, especially in rural areas
- Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques
- Avoid political discussions and photography of people without permission
- Pashto and Dari are spoken; English is rare outside cities
Top Destinations
- Kabul: Museums, gardens, and bazaars
- Bamyan: Lakes, caves, and mountain views
- Herat: Persian architecture and cultural heritage
- Mazar-i-Sharif: Religious sites and vibrant markets
- Panjshir Valley: Hiking and scenic drives
- Wakhan Corridor: Remote trekking and natural beauty
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Kabuli Pulao, Mantu (dumplings), Bolani (stuffed flatbread), Kebab, Afghan naan
- Tap water is not safe — stick to bottled
- Alcohol is prohibited under current laws
personal_bag What to Pack
- Modest clothing (long sleeves and trousers)
- Women: Headscarf and loose-fitting attire
- Power adapter (Type C/F plugs)
- Sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and personal medication
Best Time to Visit
- April–May and September–October: Ideal for weather and landscapes
- June–August: Best for mountain trekking
- November–March: Cold but fewer crowds
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- UK FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to security risks
- Emergency services are limited
- No UK embassy presence — consular support is extremely restricted
- Travel insurance may be invalidated if travelling against official advice
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; check latest health guidance
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Kabul
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Kabul. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Kabul.