A Tale Of Two Nations: Unraveling The Intriguing Link Between Australia And Afghanistan Through Tourism

Despite the Australian government's advisory against travel to Afghanistan, tourist numbers in the country rose by 120% year-on-year in 2023, reaching nearly 5,200. Travellers to Afghanistan must register with officials on arrival in each province, comply with a strict dress code, and submit to searches at checkpoints. The Taliban government has welcomed foreign tourism, but it has not been officially recognised by any country due to its heavy restrictions on women. The Australian government is committed to supporting the Afghan people, including through humanitarian programs and advocacy on important issues such as human rights.

The Australian Embassy in Kabul closed in 2021, and there are currently no formal diplomatic relations between Australia and Afghanistan

The closure of the Australian Embassy in Kabul was due to security concerns following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that the "increasingly uncertain security environment" made it unsafe for embassy staff to remain in the country. This decision was supported by retired Australian Special Forces soldier Mark Wales, who said that closing the embassy was a logical move as Kabul remained an insecure area with frequent attacks.

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Australia remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and has provided significant humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan over the years. Since 2001, Australia has contributed over $1.6 billion in development and humanitarian aid, including support for education, health, and the prevention of violence against women. Australia has also offered migration programs for Afghan nationals, providing 31,500 places under its Humanitarian and Migration Programs.

In addition to its humanitarian efforts, Australia has engaged with the Taliban regime through multilateral and group meetings to reinforce expectations and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions, commitments, and international obligations. Australia's engagement does not confer legitimacy on the Taliban, and the country will continue to be judged by its actions.

While the closure of the Australian Embassy in Kabul has limited Australia's ability to provide consular assistance to its citizens in Afghanistan, the IMA in Doha continues to manage Australia's interests and engagement with Afghanistan.

The Australian Government established an Interim Mission on Afghanistan (IMA) in Doha, Qatar, to manage national interests and influence the Taliban

The Australian Embassy in Kabul was closed on 28 May 2021, following the Taliban's declaration of an 'interim government' in Afghanistan. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan after a military advance through provinces in 2021, and the fall of Kabul on 15 August 2021.

In response, the Australian Government established an Interim Mission on Afghanistan (IMA), based in Doha, Qatar. The IMA manages Australia's interests in Afghanistan and works with international partners, many of whom have also established missions in Qatar.

The IMA is led by Australia's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Mr Glenn Miles, a senior career officer at DFAT with extensive experience in the Middle East and Pacific. The IMA does not offer passport or consular services. Australians in Afghanistan in need of consular assistance should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

The IMA's key objectives are:

• Safe passage from Afghanistan for Australian citizens and those eligible to travel to Australia.
• Reinforcing regional stability, including through humanitarian support.
• Influencing the Taliban to respect human rights, particularly for women, girls and minorities, and to observe humanitarian principles.
• Encouraging the formation of an inclusive political process in Afghanistan.
• Deterring any transnational terrorism resurgence and maintaining counter-terrorist financing efforts.

The Australian Government does not extend or withhold formal recognition of new regimes. It will continue to judge the Taliban by its actions and hold the regime accountable for its commitments and international obligations.

The IMA does not offer passport or consular services. Australians in Afghanistan seeking consular assistance should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra

The Interim Mission to Afghanistan (IMA) was established following the closure of the Australian Embassy in Kabul on 28 May 2021. The IMA currently manages Australia's interests in Afghanistan from Doha, Qatar.

Passport and Consular Services

If you are in Australia and seeking consular assistance on behalf of family members or friends in Afghanistan, you can call 1300 555 135.

Tourism in Afghanistan

Tourism in Afghanistan is rare due to decades of conflict and the current volatile security situation. The country is under Taliban control, and several other armed Islamist groups are active. There is a very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Foreign nationals, including Australians, face a serious threat of kidnapping or detention.

Despite the risks, there has been a recent increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Afghanistan. In 2023, tourist numbers rose by 120% year on year, reaching nearly 5,200. Tourists must register with officials on arrival in each province, comply with a strict dress code, and submit to searches at checkpoints.

The Taliban government has welcomed foreign tourism, although it has not been officially recognised by any country due to its heavy restrictions on women. The Taliban has imposed strict rules on women's dress, movement, and participation in public life, which have been condemned by the Australian Government and the international community.

Travel Advice

The Australian Government advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping. There are no Australian officials in Afghanistan, and the ability to provide consular and passport assistance to Australians in the country is severely limited.

If you are in Afghanistan, it is recommended that you take all necessary precautions for your safety, regularly review your personal security plans, and make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so.

The Taliban regime has not been formally recognised by Australia or any other country due to its treatment of women and human rights abuses

The Taliban's treatment of women and human rights abuses are key factors in Australia's decision not to formally recognise the regime.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, the country has been plunged into an economic crisis. Economic mismanagement, the marginalisation of women, and the loss of highly qualified people following the fall of Kabul have all contributed to the current situation. Australia, along with the international community, is committed to holding the Taliban accountable for its actions and ensuring the protection of human rights, especially for women and girls.

Under Taliban rule, women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms. Girls are prohibited from attending secondary school, and women are banned from attending university and working in NGOs. They are also excluded from government and civil society, and their ability to move freely is restricted as they are not allowed to leave their homes without a male guardian. These measures have had a devastating impact on the lives of Afghan women and girls, limiting their access to education, employment, and other essential services.

In addition to the oppression of women, the Taliban regime has been characterised by widespread human rights abuses. The Taliban has a history of ruthlessly enforcing Sharia law during its previous rule from 1996 to 2001, and there are legitimate concerns that these violations will continue. The regime has also been implicated in the intimidation and violence towards journalists and media workers, as well as the disproportionate targeting of ethnic and religious minorities.

Australia's decision not to formally recognise the Taliban regime is in line with its longstanding policy of recognising states rather than governments. Australia will continue to engage with the Taliban through multilateral and group meetings to reinforce its expectations and hold the regime accountable. However, this engagement does not imply legitimacy or formal recognition.

Despite the lack of formal recognition, Australia remains committed to supporting the Afghan people during these challenging times. Since 2001, Australia has provided over $1.6 billion in development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with a focus on improving the lives of women and girls. Australia's humanitarian assistance programs aim to provide essential support, including food, shelter, health services, and education, to the Afghan people.

In conclusion, Australia's decision not to formally recognise the Taliban regime is primarily due to concerns over the treatment of women and human rights abuses perpetrated by the regime. Australia joins other countries in condemning these actions and advocating for the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. Through its humanitarian efforts, Australia seeks to support the Afghan people and alleviate the impacts of the economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.

Despite the risks, tourism in Afghanistan is increasing, with foreign tourist numbers rising 120% year-on-year in 2023

Despite the risks, tourism in Afghanistan is on the rise, with foreign tourist numbers increasing by 120% year-on-year in 2023. This growth has been fuelled by the country's rich history and culture, as well as its reputation for hospitality. Travellers are drawn to Afghanistan's ancient sites, such as the 15th-century Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Buddhas of Bamyan, and the historic city of Kabul, with its bustling bazaars and sacred sites. The country's natural beauty, including the six deep blue lakes of Band-e-Amir and the mountains of Bamyan, also attracts visitors.

However, travelling to Afghanistan comes with significant risks. The country has been plagued by decades of conflict, extreme poverty, and a lack of infrastructure. Visitors must navigate austere Taliban rule, including strict dress codes and frequent searches at checkpoints. The threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and wrongful detention is ever-present, with foreigners and aid workers frequently targeted. Consular support is limited, as most embassies evacuated following the fall of the Western-backed government in 2021.

Obtaining a visa to enter Afghanistan can be challenging. While visas were previously available at most embassies, travellers now report that only a handful of embassies issue tourist visas, including those in Dubai, Islamabad, Abu Dhabi, and Bishkek. The process can be unpredictable, with rules and requirements changing frequently. Visas typically cost between $80 and $210, depending on the traveller's country of origin and the urgency of the request.

Travellers should also be aware of the ethical implications of visiting Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The Taliban government has not been officially recognised by any country due to its severe restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. Some critics argue that tourism legitimises the Taliban's oppressive regime and contributes to their propaganda. Others believe that travel can foster cross-cultural understanding and provide economic benefits to the Afghan people.

For those who choose to visit Afghanistan, careful planning and local knowledge are essential. Joining a group tour or hiring a local guide can enhance safety and facilitate the complex process of obtaining permits and navigating checkpoints. It is crucial to stay informed about the evolving security situation and follow official travel advice.

Frequently asked questions