Khaama: The index scored Afghanistan at 23.10 out of 100. Sweden led with 96.05 points, followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen and Syria placed near the bottom alongside Afghanistan. The low ranking shows the practical barriers Afghan citizens encounter when seeking to move across borders. Click here to read
8am: Several tourists visiting Nuristan say that the Taliban collect money from them at the province’s entry gates, but this revenue is not being spent on improving tourism infrastructure and services. According to these tourists, if visitors are charged fees, basic facilities and services must be provided in return, including rest areas, health services, sanitation
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