Afghanistan SKETCH SCORE: 28/100Afghanistan moved +15 this weekAfghanistan’s safety score rose to 28/100 today, but US, UK, and Canadian governments still maintain level 4/4 do-not-travel advisories alongside active global polio and measles notices.Afghanistan SKETCH SCORE: 28/100Afghanistan moved +15 this weekAfghanistan’s safety score rose to 28/100 today, but US, UK, and Canadian governments still maintain level 4/4 do-not-travel advisories alongside active global polio and measles notices.
Afghanistan

Nope.

Afghanistan’s safety score rose to 28/100 today, but US, UK, and Canadian governments still maintain level 4/4 do-not-travel advisories alongside active global polio and measles notices.

Verified Jul 12, 2026Confidence high▲ +15 this week
28Sketch Score
90-day trend

Governments, one trip

What they're telling their own citizens about Afghanistan

The real score

The breakdown

0advisoryConsensus
15Political Stability
11Police Trust
48Health
92Crime
2LGBTQ+

See it from your perspective

28

Nope.

The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.

Don't do this

Laws that jail tourists

Public dress code for women

It is illegal for women to show their faces in public. Women are required to wear a niqab or burqa in public spaces.

Homosexual activity

Any homosexual activity is punishable by harsh penalties, including death, under Afghan law.

Drug and alcohol prohibition

The Taliban enforces zero tolerance for recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Possession or trafficking results in arrest and long imprisonment.

Staying healthy

What to watch out for, health-wise

Active notices

  • • Global Polio
  • • Global Measles

Vaccines

Recommended:

From people who've been there

Local know-how

Staying safe

  • Afghanistan is a volatile and dangerous country.
  • The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-KP) is an anti-Taliban and Islamic extremist militant group that has an active presence in the country.
  • Landmines and other UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) remain a problem across the country, so plan to stick to well-worn paths, avoid red and white painted rocks, and do not touch or move any suspicious-looking item.
  • Insects and snakes are also something to be careful of, and the mountainous country has many vicious tiny creatures such as scorpions, spiders, centipedes, and bees.
  • In some areas, altitude sickness is a significant risk.
  • Earthquakes are common. Summers are hot and winters cold. Traveling around the country becomes difficult in winter as snow blocks roads; avalanches are a risk factor.

Staying healthy

  • Afghanistan has more than its share of health issues, and it is pretty much essential to consult a travel doctor ahead of your trip about vaccinations and health risks.
  • Afghanistan is one of the dustiest countries in the world, and you should be prepared to be covered in it and breathing it for most of your stay, even in the major cities.
  • Flies are notoriously heinous here, likely due to poor sanitation. Winter brings some relief, but they come back full-strength when spring arrives.
  • Food should be approached with a discerning eye, as hygiene standards can often be lacking.
  • Do not approach any animals, especially dogs and cats and preferably take a rabies shot before going to the country, it's one of the most rabies-affected countries in the world and finding m…
  • Bring any prescription medicine you may need from your home country, and don't count on being able to find it locally.

Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.

Right now

In the news the last few days

Real talk

What travelers actually say

Travelers acknowledge that the safety landscape in Afghanistan shifted drastically following the Taliban takeover. While the Wakhan Corridor was previously considered safe for solo trekking and interaction with local populations, the current political climate has rendered the region unpredictable. Returning travelers express skepticism regarding safety levels and cite the systemic subjugation of women as a significant deterrent to visiting. Official government advisories currently maintain a do not travel status for the country, which complicates insurance coverage and re-entry logistics for foreign nationals. Prior military service may further complicate travel options, and the lack of reliable security infrastructure makes independent or even organized travel a high-stakes gamble.

Post Taliban takeover I would not likely go back, although I know tourists are returning. Not quite sure I trust the levels of safety, and the subjugation of women would be too hard to stomach.

— r/travel

At that point the Walhan Corridor had seen none of the previous decades of fighting, and was actually quite safe.

— r/travel

Australia's safety rating (Smart traveller) rates both as "Do not travel" so I am wondering what my options are as far as re-entry to Australia, and insurance while over there.

— r/travel

Pack this, know this

The little things that trip people up

🔌

Plug & voltage

C / F · 220V

🚗

Driving side

right

🚨

Emergency

police: 119 / ambulance: 112 / fire: 119

Show the receipts (12 sources)
Printable pre-trip checklist for Afghanistan →