Overview
- Taliban authorities say Afghanistan hosted about 8,000 foreign tourists last year and 7,000 in the first six months of this year, with many from Western countries.
- Germany’s Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan and urges German citizens to leave the country.
- Provincial culture officials say visitors can buy tickets to view the Bamiyan Buddha remnants and that sites in Herat, including a synagogue, are accessible to tourists.
- Travel influencers are posting upbeat videos from Afghanistan, including a viral staged clip ending with “Welcome to Afghanistan,” while often overlooking curbs on women’s rights.
- An Afghan National Museum employee, speaking anonymously to dpa, alleges large parts of the pre-Islamic exhibition have been removed under Taliban oversight.