Official Establishment of the Tourism Directorate

Afghanistan’s tourism initiatives began in 1958 (1337 AH), when Mr. Abdul Wahab Tarzi, a prominent Afghan diplomat, played a key role in introducing the country to the international community. However, the sector’s formal and institutional foundation was firmly established in 1963 (1342 AH), as part of the Ministry of Information and Culture, at the behest of the then-government during the reign of King Mohammad Zahir Shah.

This institution was not merely ceremonial; it was entrusted with a vital and purposeful mission: to present Afghanistan to the world as a secure, historically rich, nature-friendly, and hospitable country. From its inception, the Directorate undertook strategic initiatives to establish offices in key provinces, including Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Nangarhar. It produced maps and brochures in multiple languages, organized cultural exhibitions, streamlined visa processes, and strengthened transport infrastructure.

The Golden Era – 1960s (۱۳۴۰) to 1970s (۱۳۵۰)

Afghanistan experienced its most vibrant era of tourism in the 1960s and 70s. Thousands of visitors from Europe, North America, Japan, Iran, and Arab nations arrived. A major catalyst was the famed “Hippie Trail,” an established overland route between Europe and South Asia for Western youth, which made Afghanistan a central and indispensable stop.

Notable attractions, such as the Baba Mountains, the Minaret of Jam, the Herat Citadel, Timurid-era shrines, the Band-e-Amir lakes, and the traditional bazaars of Kabul, served as powerful symbols of the country's beauty, culture, and historical depth.

During this period:

· Landmark hotels were constructed;

· Direct international flights between Afghanistan and regional hubs were launched;

· The country became a symbol of cultural richness and natural serenity for international travelers.

Period of Decline – 1978 (۱۳۵۷) to 2001 (۱۳۸۰)

The April coup (Saur Revolution of 1978), followed by the Soviet invasion, years of armed conflict, and civil unrest, dealt a devastating blow to the tourism sector. The Tourism Directorate was rendered defunct, its offices dissolved, and key infrastructure across the country suffered extensive damage.

Afghanistan was effectively erased from global tourism maps, and what had once been a blossoming industry came to a near-complete halt.

Revival Efforts – 2002 (۱۳۸۱) to 2021 (۱۴۰۰)

Following the establishment of the Republic of Afghanistan, the tourism sector was revived under the Ministry of Information and Culture. A series of strategic initiatives were introduced to revitalize the industry:

· Reconstruction and rehabilitation of key tourist sites;

· Organization of domestic tours to foster internal tourism;

· Hosting of cultural festivals to attract both local and foreign audiences;

· Implementation of training programs to build capacity among youth.

Regions such as Bamiyan, Panjshir, Badakhshan, Herat, and Nangarhar once again began attracting domestic tourists and a limited number of international visitors.

The New Era – 2021 (۱۴۰۰) to Present

(Alhamdulillah’s) With the emergence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a new era in the nation's tourism sector commenced, defined by an emphasis on Islamic values, the utilization of domestic resources, and enhanced collaboration between public and private entities.

Key Strategic Measures:

· Formulation of a tourism law aligned with Sharia and national interests;

· Regulation of contracts and standards for tour operators and accommodation facilities;

· Establishment of comprehensive national security, ensuring safe conditions for domestic and foreign tourists alike;

· Organization of educational and cultural tours within the country;

· Adoption of digital platforms and tools to showcase the authentic image of Afghanistan to the world.

Conclusion

Tourism in Afghanistan represents not only a promising economic opportunity but also a strategic source for fostering national identity, strengthening cultural ties, and presenting the heritage of Islamic civilization to the global community.

To realize this potential, a balanced and sustainable approach is essential—one that protects cultural heritage, upholds Islamic principles, and drives long-term development. By leveraging the nation’s natural landscapes, historic treasures, and human capital, and through the combined commitment of national leadership and the Afghan people, Afghanistan can re-emerge as a premier tourist destination in the region and beyond.

Guidance on Tourism Licensing, Services, and Coordination

Introduction

The Directorate of Tourism Activities Coordination, operating under the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Finance, and Administrative Affairs, is mandated to regulate, facilitate, and promote tourism activities across Afghanistan. The Directorate provides services in the areas of tourism, tourism licensing, tourist coordination, handicrafts, tourist guide certification, statistics management, visa facilitation, and monitoring of tourism enterprises.

This document outlines the official procedures, requirements, and responsibilities applicable to individuals, companies, and organizations operating in the tourism sector.

I. Licensing of Tourism Companies

Tourism companies intending to operate in Afghanistan are required to obtain a valid tourism license. The following steps must be completed:

Submission of Application
- An official application letter addressed to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Finance, and Administration.
Completion of Founders, Group, or Organization Form
- Founders, groups, or organizations must complete and submit the official form provided by the Directorate.
Provision of Guarantee
- The applying tourism company must provide a guarantee of a valid license as a tourism, logistics, trade, or other recognized company.
Business Plan Submission
- A comprehensive business plan must be prepared by the company and submitted for review.
Security and Identity Verification
- Submission of verification of criminal record inquiry and identification number from relevant authorities to the Directorate of Tourism.
Payment of Licensing Fee
- Applicants must pay a licensing fee of 30,000 Afghanis.
- Additional services such as religious tourism, medical tourism, and educational tourism each require an additional 10,000 Afghanis.
Issuance of License
- The license will be printed and issued after successful review and approval of all documents.

II. Tourist section

Tourist Coordination Procedures for Provincial Travel

The Directorate of Tourism is responsible for overseeing and facilitating the travel of foreign tourists across Afghanistan’s provinces. In line with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, all tourists must be formally introduced to provincial authorities through written identification letters.

This process should be satirically followed, which is essential for:

Ensuring smooth facilitation of travel,
Enhancing security arrangements, and
Strengthening coordination with local institutions.

The following procedures must be observed:

1. Official Introduction by Tourism Companies

Tourism service providers are required to prepare an official introduction letter for each tourist group. This letter should be addressed to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (Finance and Administration) and must include the following details:

Complete information of all tourists (name, passport number, nationality, purpose of travel),
A detailed travel itinerary (destinations, travel dates, and accommodation details),
The name and details of the tour guide accompanying the tourists,
Active and verified emergency contact information of the company.

2. Submission and Verification

After preparing the introduction letter, duly stamped by the company or signed by the tourist himself, he must submit it to the Directorate of Tourism for approval. Once verified, the Directorate issues an official coordination letter for the planned trip (the applicant must visit the Directorate of Tourism to get the verified letter).

Coordination with Local Authorities

Upon arrival (according to the given planned trip) in each province, tourists are required to present the coordination letter to the Provincial Directorate of Information and Culture. These directorates are responsible for:

Provincial Directorates of Information and Culture are responsible for sharing the introduction letters with security institutions and other relevant authorities to ensure proper coordination.

III. Handicrafts section

The Directorate supports artisans and entrepreneurs in the handicraft sector through facilitation of participation (where opportunities allow) in national and international exhibitions.

Step One: Submission of a written request along with a business license, type of activity, and full entrepreneur details to the Deputy Ministry.
Step Two: After review and approval, the request is referred to the Directorate of Tourism for further facilitation and support.

IV. Tourist Guide Certification

Tourist guides are required to obtain official certification. The procedure includes:

Submission of an application addressed to the Deputy Ministry.
Completion of the official identity verification form.
Guarantee provided by the tourism company employing the guide.
Submission of criminal clearance and identification documents for verification from related authorities.
Payment of the certification fee and issuance of the Tourist Guide Card.

V. Plan for the Collection of Tourism Statistics & Visa Extension

The General Directorate of Tourism Statistics is responsible for maintaining comprehensive records of both domestic and foreign tourists.

Responsibilities:

Monthly Data Collection – Regular reporting of foreign tourist data to relevant institutions, media, and the ministry for further analysis and consideration.
Quarterly Reports: distribution of the standardized forms to each province, which, after processing, the provinces submit standardized forms with the official letter containing:
- Domestic tourist statistics
- Foreign tourist statistics
- Revenue generated
- Employment in the tourism sector
Data Consolidation & Publication – Organization of national tourism statistics and publication by the Ministry.
Employment Records – Collection of employment data in both public and private tourism sectors.
Revenue Records – Documentation of income generated by government institutions, tourist resources, and private companies.
Database Management – Recording all data into the official tourism database.
National Coordination – Establishing connections with provincial tourism officials across 33 provinces, entry points, and airports for data accuracy.
IDENTIFICATION TO THE PASSPORT DEPARTMENT: Submission of the applicant’s identification to the Passport Department of the Ministry of Interior for the extension of a tourist visa and exit.
Visa Extension Process: Applicants must provide:

An official request letter
Approval from the Ministry, Deputy Ministry, and Directorate of Tourism
Copy of passport and current visa

A tourist visa may be extended once, for one month only.

10. Applicant details are recorded in the official database.

11. Coordination with tourism companies, supported by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (Finance and Administration) and the relevant directorates of the Ministry.”

Standard Operating Procedures for the General Directorate of Tourism Activity Coordination and Evaluation

1. Establish communication with tourism companies and associations related to tourist accommodations, and collect tourism resources from both the central and provincial levels.

2. Provide operational guidelines and policies to public and private tourism institutions.

3. Communicate the guidelines and instructions of the Directorate of Tourism to tourism companies to ensure compliance with the Tourism Law.

4. Monitor and evaluate the activities of tourism companies and tourist accommodation facilities throughout the year, both at the central and provincial levels, to ensure their operations comply with the Tourism Law.

5. Prepare a report on the performance of tourism companies and accommodation facilities and share it with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.