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Australians have been warned not to travel to Afghanistan despite a recent spike in tourism to the Taliban-controlled country.
Updated advice from Smartraveller listed terror attacks, kidnappings, and arbitrary detention among the risks Western tourists face in the Central Asian nation.
"Do not book a tourist trip to Afghanistan, even if offered by reputable operators," it read.
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"Westerners, including Australians, have recently been shot, injured or killed while on a guided tour in Afghanistan."
Tourism in Afghanistan has risen significantly in the four years since the Taliban takeover.
The Taliban took control on August 15, 2021 and declared an 'interim government' that has remained in power ever since.
Fewer than 700 tourists visited in 2021.
That figure rose to more than 9000 in 2024, according to local officials.
Australian and international influencers have faced criticism for promoting Afghanistan as a tourist destination.
Even some everyday Australian tourists, like Jess Davis from Melbourne, have risked visiting the Taliban-controlled nation themselves.
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Davis previously told 9news.com.au that she never felt unsafe during her two visits to Afghanistan.
But the official advice is that she never should have gone in the first place.
Smartraveller has long warned that nowhere in Afghanistan is safe – even the capital, Kabul.
"Australians have been kidnapped, arbitrarily detained and targeted by terrorist attacks in Afghanistan," the latest advice read.
"The security situation is extremely dangerous and volatile."
Armed conflict in Afghanistan may escalate without warning, and airports and borders can close suddenly, trapping tourists.
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Australians who choose to ignore warnings and travel to Afghanistan against government advice are responsible for their own safety.
And those who encounter any issues on their travels may struggle to get help.
Australia has no Embassy in Kabul and the government's ability to provide consular or passport assistance is "severely limited".
Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at mleach@nine.com.au
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