In an unexpected move that has left diplomats scratching their heads, Afghanistan announced today that it will open its borders to citizens of all nations, effective immediately. The country’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Goat Herding, Abdul Barakzai, unveiled the groundbreaking policy at a press conference held atop a picturesque mountain in the Hindu Kush.
“We’re rolling out the prayer rug for everyone,” Barakzai declared, his voice echoing across the valleys. “From American stock brokers to Zimbabwean zebra trainers, all are welcome to experience our breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.”
The decision has sparked a flurry of reactions worldwide. Travel agencies report a surge in bookings for “extreme vacations,” while risk assessment firms scramble to update their threat matrices.
Skeptics question the timing of this audacious move. Some speculate it’s a ploy to boost the country’s struggling economy, while others see it as a clever way to repurpose unused guesthouses formerly occupied by foreign troops.
Local entrepreneurs are already cashing in on the anticipated influx of visitors. Kabul’s first artisanal coffee shop, “Shots and Shrapnel,” opened its doors this morning, offering tourists a unique blend of caffeine and adrenaline.
Meanwhile, the Afghan tourism board has launched a quirky campaign with the slogan “Come for the visa-free entry, stay because you can’t find your way out!” They’re promoting activities such as “poppy field paintball” and “camel caravan karaoke.”
As the world watches this bold experiment unfold, one thing is certain: Afghanistan’s new open-door policy is set to redefine the concept of adventure tourism. Whether it will lead to a cultural renaissance or diplomatic chaos remains to be seen, but for now, the country is basking in its newfound status as the world’s most accessible – and unpredictable – destination.