Afghanistan, ranked the world’s most dangerous country by the Global Peace Index, has launched its first-ever e-visa system as visitor numbers continue to rise despite decades of conflict and near-total international isolation. The Taliban administration, recognised by only one country as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, announced the online visa portal to streamline entry for international tourists.

Previously, travellers had to apply in person at a handful of remaining embassies and consulates, most reliably in Dubai and the Gulf states. However, that process has become extremely difficult because of the current conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, forcing the fast-tracking of the digital system.

Close to 9,000 international tourists visited in 2024, according to the Afghan government, with more than 7,000 arriving in the first six months of 2025 alone. Officials believe the full-year 2025 total surpassed the previous year’s figure. The FCDO currently advises against travelling to Afghanistan, warning of an extremely high threat of terrorism, a risk of detention of British nationals, and a volatile security situation.

The move comes as the country remains mired in instability. With a GPI score of 3.448, Afghanistan tops the Institute for Economics and Peace’s annual ranking of 163 nations, based on factors including ongoing conflict, terrorism risk, political instability, violent crime and militarisation.

Warfare has defined the country since the late 1970s: a communist revolution in 1978 triggered Soviet intervention in 1979, the Soviets withdrew in 1989, rival Mujahideen factions then fought each other and the Taliban seized power in 1996. The US-led invasion ousted them in 2001 and the Taliban returned in 2021, capturing Kabul and overthrowing the Western-backed government.

The first mainstream guidebook to Afghanistan in 20 years has also just been published. The new Bradt Guide was written by James Willcox, founder of specialist operator Untamed Borders, who has been organising trips to the country since 2008.

Mr Willcox launched the first international group ski trips in 2011, co-founded the Marathon of Afghanistan – the country’s only mixed-gender sporting event, which ran for six years – and pioneered trekking in the Wakhan Corridor, the first kayaking expedition and the first snowboard film.

He served as associate producer of the award-winning ski documentary Champions of the Golden Valley, now available on Olympics.com. Mr Willcox said the old visa process had been one of the biggest hurdles.

He said: “While visiting Afghanistan still throws up lots of challenges, the old laborious visa system is now not one of them and that is a welcome change. With tourism to the country continuing to grow, the streamlining of the visa process is likely to encourage more people to consider a trip to Afghanistan. We have seen this happen in other challenging countries, such as Somalia and Libya, after the introduction of e-visas in those nations.”

The reference to extreme travel is not new. In August 2021, as the Taliban swept back to power and Kabul fell, 21-year-old Birmingham student Miles Routledge flew into Afghanistan for a holiday because he enjoyed “dark” and “extreme” tourism.

He was eventually evacuated to Dubai by British forces after posting social-media updates from the chaos at Kabul airport. Despite the risks, Mr Willcox’s company reports growing demand.

Full details of upcoming group trips are listed on the Untamed Borders website, while private itineraries and e-visa assistance are available by emailing info@untamedborders.com.

The Taliban’s limited diplomatic footprint has left most travellers with few options until now. The new 30-day single-entry e-visa, applied for entirely online through the government’s E-Afghans portal, removes that barrier at a time when visitor numbers are already climbing.

Whether the digital system can overcome Afghanistan’s deeper security and reputational challenges remains to be seen – but officials clearly hope the easier entry will turn curiosity into bookings.