In the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Afghanistan is being presented by some international travel influencers as an attractive destination, a narrative that Afghan activists and human rights observers say sanitizes the harsh realities faced by the country's population under Taliban rule.
Several influencers, including Polish traveler Izabela and British social media personality Zoe, have recently visited Afghanistan, sharing videos that highlight its landscapes and cultural sites. Zoe was seen in Kabul's bird market, while Izabela posted footage from scenic cliffs. Australian influencer Josie shared moments of interaction with local vendors and residents. These creators often mock claims that Afghanistan is too dangerous to visit, portraying their experiences as overwhelmingly positive.
Male creators and tour operators have also contributed to this curated image. Posts shared by "Afghanistan on Tour" and content from individuals like British traveler Ryan and Australian guru Chris depict them posing with rifles, visiting mosques, and interacting with military tanks, often set to upbeat music. Chris described an ancient mosque as "very special."
These portrayals, however, stand in stark contrast to the daily lives of many Afghans. While female influencers are seen with uncovered faces and loose head coverings, Afghan women are subject to strict dress codes enforced by the Taliban's morality police. Reports indicate women are increasingly afraid to leave their homes due to harassment and detention for alleged dress code violations. Orzala Nemat, an Afghan activist and scholar, stated that the surge of foreign influencers presents a "curated, sanitized version of the country that conveniently erases the brutal realities faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule."
Despite Western governments, including the UK, advising against travel to Afghanistan, the country has seen a notable increase in foreign visitors. Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal reported 9,000 foreign visitors in 2024, with 3,000 in the first three months of the year, emphasizing the perceived benefits of tourism.
Critics argue that many of these influencer trips are facilitated through tightly controlled itineraries, often with escorts from tour companies working with the Taliban. Some have even received official broadcasting licenses, allowing them to embed with government ministries. This controlled access shields visitors from the widespread poverty, oppression, and deteriorating humanitarian crisis affecting Afghans.
A significant portion of the Afghan population struggles to meet basic needs, with high unemployment and strained healthcare systems. International aid has also significantly decreased, with the UN noting Afghanistan receives less than 70% of the aid it did the previous year. The US, once a major donor, has drastically reduced its aid.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the crisis. Reports indicate that fathers are resorting to selling daughters to afford food, a practice that has become normalized in response to deepening poverty. In February, the Taliban introduced a new penal code that critics describe as creating a "caste system" that places women on par with "slaves." Under this code, husbands are permitted to inflict minor physical punishment on their wives, with legal recourse for the woman only available in cases of severe injury, which she must then prove to a judge while fully covered.
The US initially invaded Afghanistan in 2001 following the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks. American troops withdrew in 2021, leading to the Taliban's swift return to power just weeks before the 20th anniversary of the attacks.