Amu: Afghanistan’s passport remains the least powerful in the world, according to the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, underscoring the country’s continued diplomatic isolation and limited mobility for its citizens. The ranking, released four months into 2026, shows that Afghanistan’s passport holders can travel to only 23 destinations without a visa or by
DW: In the race for clicks, likes and followers, some travel content creators are being criticized for promoting Afghanistan while ignoring the harsh reality of Taliban rule. Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: Khubaib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, announced on Tuesday that over Eid al-Fitr holidays approximately 2.3 million domestic and foreign tourists visited the country’s recreational areas and natural attractions. Ghufran said this level of tourist presence shows a significant increase compared to previous years and indicates growth and strengthening of
Ariana: Moldova’s government has included Afghan airlines in its updated list of carriers banned or restricted from operating in the country, effective 19 February 2026, in line with EU aviation safety rules. Click here to read more (external link).
Bradt Guides: To the first-time visitor, Afghanistan feels at once familiar and utterly alien. It is a place many people think they know, thanks to the nightly news, social media or the headlines of the last four decades. Names like Kabul, the Hindu Kush, the Khyber Pass, Kandahar, Bagram, the Taliban, the mujahideen – these
Khaama: Ariana Airlines has purchased two aircraft engines from Turkey and Serbia worth $4.7 million, aiming to strengthen operations and install them on Boeing 737 and Airbus 310. The acquisition signals an effort by Ariana to stabilise operations and maintain regular services amid broader economic and regulatory challenges. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: Continuing the resumption of international flights between Kabul and various countries, Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates has announced that it will begin direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul starting December 18, 2025. According to the airline, flights will operate on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with return flights scheduled for the
8am: Women and girls in the country say that foreign women tourists, by portraying a distorted and unrealistic picture of Afghanistan, ignore the gender apartheid and, in effect, help reinforce the Taliban’s crimes. These women said that the Taliban allow images, voices, and even public dances of foreign women tourists to be freely broadcast, while
The Diplomat: What might feel like an adventurous trip to an underexplored country can turn out to be an unintentional investment in the oppression of the Afghan people. A growing number of social media influencers are visiting Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and showcasing the country as a hidden travel gem. Their videos highlight scenic mountains, busy markets,
NBC News: They are seen exploring the country’s landlocked, mountainous terrain and its tribal culture in videos posted online, contesting perceptions that the country is unsafe and hostile to women. While thrilling for the influencers and their followers, critics accuse these carefully edited travelogues of whitewashing the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, particularly for