Clothing & Dress Code
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What is the dress code in Afghanistan?
Modest dress is required for all visitors. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab), long-sleeved tops, and long trousers or a skirt reaching the ankles. Tight or form-fitting clothing is not appropriate. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts in public spaces. Both genders should avoid shorts outside of hotel rooms. Dressing respectfully is not only culturally expected — it also helps you blend in and be welcomed by local communities.
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Do women need to cover their hair in Afghanistan?
Yes. Women are required to wear a headscarf (hijab) in public in Afghanistan. A loose-fitting scarf that covers the hair and neck is standard and sufficient for tourists. You do not need to wear a full niqab or burqa. Pack at least 2–3 lightweight scarves in neutral colours. Cotton or linen scarves are breathable and versatile across all seasons. Go Kabul provides guidance on exactly what to wear before you travel.
Prohibited Items
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Can I bring alcohol into Afghanistan?
No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Afghanistan and cannot be imported by visitors. Do not attempt to bring alcohol in your luggage — it will be confiscated at customs and may result in legal consequences. Alcohol is not available for purchase anywhere in the country. Plan accordingly and enjoy Afghanistan's excellent tea culture, fresh juices, and non-alcoholic beverages.
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Can I bring pork products into Afghanistan?
No. Pork and pork-derived products are prohibited in Afghanistan in accordance with Islamic law. Do not pack pork-containing foods, snacks, or supplements (such as gelatine-based capsules). Afghanistan has a rich and varied food culture — lamb, chicken, bread, rice, lentils, and fresh vegetables are plentiful and excellent. You will not go hungry.
Cameras & Electronics
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What camera equipment can I bring to Afghanistan?
DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and lenses of all sizes are permitted and welcome. Afghanistan is an extraordinary photography destination — bring your best gear. Go Kabul's Photography Expedition tours are specifically designed for serious photographers. Pack lens cloths, extra batteries, multiple memory cards, and a dust-proof bag (dust is a reality in Afghan cities and landscapes). A tripod is useful for low-light and landscape work.
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Are drones allowed in Afghanistan?
No. Drones of all types — hobby, commercial, and camera drones — are prohibited by the Afghan government. Do not bring a drone. It will be confiscated at customs, and operating one without authorisation carries serious legal consequences. The landscapes of Afghanistan are still spectacularly photographable with ground-based equipment. Our photography guides know every vantage point.
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Can I bring a laptop to Afghanistan?
Yes, laptops are permitted and commonly used by travellers. Declare it at customs if asked. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, though speeds vary. If you need reliable internet for work, buy a local SIM card (Roshan or MTN) for mobile data — 4G coverage is good in Kabul and major cities. Pack your laptop in a padded, dustproof sleeve and bring a power bank for days when you are away from power sources.
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What electronics adapters do I need for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan uses Type C and Type F round-pin plugs at 220V / 50Hz — the same as most of Europe. If you are travelling from the US, UK, or Australia you will need an adapter. Bring a universal travel adapter to be safe, as outlet types can vary between older and newer buildings. A multi-port USB charging hub is practical for charging multiple devices from a single socket, especially in smaller guesthouses.
Health & Medicines
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What medicines should I bring to Afghanistan?
Bring a full personal first-aid kit including: any regular prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions), broad-spectrum antibiotics (consult your doctor), oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal tablets, antihistamines, paracetamol and ibuprofen, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes and cream, and sun and lip protection. Pharmaceutical supply in Afghanistan is unreliable outside Kabul — bring everything you might need for the full duration of your trip.
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Do I need altitude sickness medication for Afghanistan?
It depends on your itinerary. Kabul sits at 1,800m — most visitors adjust without medication. Band-e-Amir is at 2,900m, where mild symptoms are possible. The Wakhan Corridor reaches 4,000m+ and altitude sickness medication (Acetazolamide / Diamox) is strongly recommended. Consult your doctor at least 2 weeks before travel. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and heavy exertion on arrival at altitude.
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What vaccinations do I need for Afghanistan?
Consult a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Afghanistan include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), Polio booster, and Rabies (if going to rural areas). Depending on your itinerary and season, a malaria prophylactic may also be advised. Carry your vaccination certificate with you — it may be requested at the border.
Money & Logistics
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Should I bring cash or cards to Afghanistan?
Bring US Dollar cash as your primary payment method. ATMs exist in Kabul but are unreliable — do not count on them. Credit and debit cards are accepted at major hotels only. The Afghan Afghani (AFN) is the local currency; exchange USD at the airport, banks, or licensed money changers in Kabul for the best rates. Bring crisp, clean notes — torn or older-series bills may be refused. Budget roughly $50–$100 per day for personal expenses beyond your tour.
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What shoes are best for Afghanistan?
Pack two pairs of footwear: sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes for excursions (Band-e-Amir, Bamiyan, Wakhan), and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for city exploration. You will remove shoes frequently when entering mosques, guesthouses, and some homes — shoes with easy on-off closures are practical. Avoid brand-new boots that have not been broken in. Blisters are avoidable.
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How much luggage should I bring to Afghanistan?
Travel light. A 40–50 litre backpack or mid-size roller suitcase is ideal for most tours. Domestic Afghan flights and some vehicle transfers have strict weight limits. If you are doing a multi-destination tour covering Kabul, Bamiyan, Mazar, and Herat, a single manageable bag makes logistics much easier. Go Kabul provides a full packing list tailored to your specific itinerary and season after booking.
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Can I buy things I forget in Kabul?
Yes, Kabul has functioning markets and shops where you can purchase many basics: toiletries, clothing, scarves, shoes, snacks, bottled water, SIM cards, and phone accessories. Brand-name international products are limited and expensive. Prescription medicines and specialist outdoor gear are difficult to source outside Kabul. As a rule: bring everything medical and technical from home, and know that everyday items can be bought locally if needed.