Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by the Taliban, marking a shift in relations. Following this recognition, some Russian tourist companies have started advertising one-week trips to Afghanistan for Russian citizens, with prices starting from 223,000 rubles (approximately $3,000).
According to a report by Pajhwok Afghan News, offers for trips to Afghanistan have recently appeared on Russian online platforms, with plans for a tour company surfacing back in April. The first group of tourists is scheduled to depart for Afghanistan by mid-July, according to the news channel Shot on Telegram.
It is unknown whether there are any interested tourists for these travel packages, which cost between 223,000 and 254,000 rubles. These offers emerge amid warming relations between Russia and the Taliban, who govern Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces in 2021.
Moscow has announced plans for cooperation with the Taliban in the sectors of energy, agriculture, transport, and infrastructure, stating that Russian officials are ready to assist Afghanistan in these fields. The head of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency stated that direct commercial flights between Afghanistan and Russia may soon be established.
Russian authorities have not publicly commented on the safety regarding these tourist tours to Afghanistan, raising questions about whether they pose a risk or are merely an exotic experience. It is unclear whether the Russian government will provide oversight or assistance to citizens traveling to Afghanistan.
Western governments continue to discourage all travel to Afghanistan, and official tour operators categorically state, "It's not worth it." They cite persistent threats from militant groups, lack of basic infrastructure, and absence of consular support as reasons.
Since their return to power, the Taliban have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law. They have drastically restricted women's rights, imposed public executions and corporal punishments, and closed most schools for girls. The United Nations and human rights advocacy groups have condemned the Taliban regime's practices as systematic violations of international human rights norms.
Despite international sanctions against the Taliban leadership, Moscow has committed to continue its support for Kabul. Russian officials have discussed expanding trade and investment opportunities with the Taliban government as Moscow deepens its ties with the Taliban-led administration in Kabul.
Anatoly Aronov, a businessman, has initiated the creation of a company for organizing tours to Afghanistan. He has submitted an application for the registration of the corresponding trademark to Rospatent. The tours are offered starting from 223,000 rubles, and the name "Taliban Tour" is almost a registered trademark.
The advertisement for the tours was not up for long and was blocked by the service. According to the channel Shot on Telegram, the advertisement was viewed by about 300 curious people. It remains to be seen what will happen with the current tours.
This is not the first attempt to launch such extreme tours in Russia. In 2021, tourists were offered "Talib Business Tours" locally in Krasnoyarsk through an advertisement on Avito. The company stated that it would send groups of 3 to 5 people for two weeks to show Kandahar and introduce them to Afghan culture.
Tourists are still reaching the most dangerous country. The website Turprom wrote about an American who managed to travel through Afghanistan last year. He said, "It was a dangerous trip, but it was worth it." To those wishing to follow in his footsteps, he recommends, "First of all, don't be cocky and go with a guide and security." He also advises taking care of the documents, as without the necessary permission, there is a great risk of ending up in jail. He stated, "And that's the last place any tourist would want to be."
The price of the tour packages does not include the flight to Kabul, medical insurance, visa processing for entering Afghanistan, and on-site security services, which are paid additionally.
Until recently, the Taliban was recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia. Lifting this ban would further normalize relations between the two governments, including joint efforts to strengthen regional security and combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.