The Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan is actively promoting tourism, including using female tour guides, while international critics highlight ongoing human rights violations against women. Despite a U.S. State Department warning against travel due to risks, some travelers report positive experiences, creating a complex narrative around the situation. The recent growth in tourism, with nearly 9,000 foreign visitors last year and over 3,000 in the first three months of this year, has been highlighted by Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal. This surge has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a positive development for the country’s economy and others as a strategy to improve the regime’s international image. Critics, including the U.S. government, argue that the promotion of tourism masks the continued repression of women’s rights, with the Taliban restricting access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls. While some travelers report positive experiences, including the hospitality of locals and the beauty of the landscapes, others warn of the risks, including civil unrest, crime, and the potential for wrongful detention. The situation highlights the complexities of travel to Afghanistan, with a growing number of travelers choosing to visit despite the risks, while advocates for human rights continue to voice concerns about the human rights situation in the country.