British Tourist Crosses Into Afghanistan for ‘Extreme’ Holiday, Claims Romantic Fling with Taliban Member

Last Updated:April 24, 2025, 11:04 IST

He described seeing women working and wearing makeup in public, challenging some of his assumptions about life under Taliban rule.

Toyosi (second from left) has visited 69 countries so far. (Pic: the_travelling_gay)

A British tourist has sparked headlines after claiming he crossed one of the world’s most dangerous borders to spend his holiday in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan — and ended up in a ‘fling" with a member of the group, reported THE New York Post.

Toyosi Osideinde, a 30-year-old financial adviser from Bath, UK, says he has visited 69 countries in pursuit of “extreme travel" since falling in love with thrill-seeking adventures two years ago.

With previous trips to Iraq, Syria, and Belarus behind him, he set his sights on what he calls his most daring destination yet: Afghanistan.

During the 11-day trip, the 30-year-old flew into Islamabad, Pakistan, and drove to Peshawar near the Afghan border. There, he entered the Afghan embassy and was interviewed by armed Taliban officials before beginning his travels across the country — visiting villages, local markets, and even enjoying biryani with locals.

He described seeing women working and wearing makeup in public, challenging some of his assumptions about life under Taliban rule. Toyosi also claims he developed a romantic connection with a Taliban member working as hotel security, saying they spent time together throughout his stay.

“It was eye-opening," said Osideinde, reported New York Post. The 30-year-old also mentioned that he felt like a celebrity while travelling with the group.

In all the countries Toyosi had visited, he used Grindr to meet men—except in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.

“I was trying to be discreet — you have to be careful," he said. “I felt safer with my security guard. We didn’t talk much because he didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Farsi."

He added, “In the evenings, we would watch Gossip Girl. He loved showing me his guns."

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