Appropriate Dress in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a conservative Islamic country with little exposure to the outside world and even less interaction with Western society.  An important part of responsible tourism is to understand and respect the cultural norms of your host culture.  The courtesy of dressing appropriately will go a long way to make Afghan friends and reduce the possibility of hostility or harassment.  This principle applies to both men and women travelers.

 

Male Travelers

In public men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts.  On a visit to an Islamic shrine or mosque, men should wear a long sleeve shirt.  In general Afghan men tend to wear traditional Afghan clothes or more formal western clothes.

Female Travelers

In public women should not wear tight fitting or revealing clothes.  Loose, long sleeve shirts and trousers or skirts are most appropriate.  Women should also cover their hair with a scarf.

*If you would like a more detailed explanation of the appropriate way to dress for travel in Afghanistan please contact us at [email protected].

 
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