Mazar-i-Sharif

Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the Afghanistan destination page at Yoogo.

The Afghan Afghani (AFN) is the official currency. Cash is essential for most transactions, as card payments are rarely accepted outside a small number of hotels in Kabul. US dollars are widely accepted in major cities, but you will need Afghani for local transport, markets, and everyday purchases. ATMs exist in Kabul but are unreliable, so carry sufficient cash.

Afghanistan is currently rated at the highest risk level by the US, UK, Canadian, and Australian governments due to active terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and the risk of wrongful detention. Multiple terrorist groups are present throughout the country, and consular assistance is effectively unavailable. Travellers should consult their government's latest advisory before making any plans.

Domestic travel is primarily by road, with shared minibuses and taxis connecting major cities. Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air operate limited domestic flights between Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kandahar. Road conditions outside cities are often poor, and many mountain passes are impassable in winter. Hiring a local driver or guide familiar with current conditions is strongly advised.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for travelling. Summers are extremely hot in the lowlands, while winters bring heavy snowfall and close many mountain passes. The Bamiyan valley and Band-e Amir lakes are best visited between April and October before temperatures drop sharply.

Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto are the two official languages. Dari is the most widely spoken lingua franca across the country, particularly in Kabul and the north, while Pashto predominates in the south and east. English is rarely spoken outside a small number of hotels and NGO offices in Kabul. Learning basic greetings such as 'Salaam' (hello) and 'Tashakur' (thank you) is appreciated by locals.

The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, polio, rabies, and ensuring routine immunisations (MMR, tetanus, influenza) are up to date before travel. Tap water is unsafe throughout the country; drink only bottled or purified water. Medical facilities are severely limited outside Kabul, and even there standards are well below Western norms. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.

Tipping is not a customary practice in Afghanistan, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for attentive service is a welcome gesture. For guides and drivers, a tip reflecting the quality and duration of service is considered appropriate.