UK tourist’s unexpected romance during his trip to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan sparks headlines

A British man has stirred global curiosity after revealing that he took a holiday in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan—one of the most perilous places on earth—and ended up forming a surprising bond with a member of the group, according to The New York Post.

Toyosi Osideinde, a 30-year-old financial adviser from Bath, UK, has made a hobby of chasing adrenaline-fueled travel experiences. Since developing a taste for adventure two years ago, he’s journeyed through 69 countries, including high-risk regions like Syria, Iraq, and Belarus. But he says Afghanistan was his most audacious choice yet.

His journey began in Islamabad, Pakistan, and from there, he traveled to the border town of Peshawar. After securing approval at the Afghan embassy—where he was questioned by armed Taliban officials—he was allowed to enter the country. Over the next 11 days, Osideinde traveled through towns and markets, engaging with local communities and even sharing meals like biryani.

He recounted being surprised to see women visibly working and wearing makeup in public—details that challenged his expectations of life under Taliban governance. One of the most unexpected aspects of his trip, he says, was a close, possibly romantic connection that formed between him and a Taliban member assigned to hotel security.

“It was eye-opening,” Osideinde shared with The New York Post, adding that he often felt like a minor celebrity due to the attention he received from locals and escorts alike.

While he typically uses Grindr to meet other men during his travels, he made an exception in both Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan for safety reasons. He kept a low profile throughout his stay, taking care not to draw unnecessary attention.

Despite not sharing a language, he and the guard reportedly bonded over quiet evenings watching “Gossip Girl”, with the Taliban member occasionally showing off his gun collection—an unusual but oddly intimate routine during his stay.