Foreigner? Welcome to Abkhazia!
Other stories April 7th, 2008
By far the most common way (the only way?) to enter Abkhazia from Russia is through Sochi. For a while foreigners (except Russian citizens and members of UN) were not able to enter Abkhazia. I don’t know when it has changed, but it is not a problem now — just make sure you have multiple entry Russian visa. The only way out of Abkhazia is back to Russia, as transit to Georgia is not permitted by Abkhazian government. Actually, I’ve heard of charter boats between Abkhazia and Turkey, but I don’t know what’s the deal there.
This good information shared Sergei Bagapsh, the President of Abkhazia during an interview to the Russia’s biggest online news source Lenta.ru
Sergei Bagapsh: Citizens of third countries can enter Abkhazia with out any problems. If a tourist has multiple entry Russian visa, he can come to Abkhazia with it as well. Many foreigners visit Abkhazia these days.
Link on topic: Official website of the President of Abkhazia.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:11
Is this confirmed? I would love to travel there this summer but do not want to be turned back at the border.
April 17th, 2008 at 20:20
I’m Russian citizen and don’t need visa, so I personally can’t really confirm it. But, these are the words of the President of Abkhazia in a recent interview. Just make sure you get multiple entry Russian visa.
May 7th, 2008 at 2:24
I am a foreigner living in Krasnodar. I have a “generalnaya doverinost” for a Lada “chetvyorka” Does anyone know if I can drive a Russian car in Abkhazia with a Russian “generalnaya doverinost?”
May 7th, 2008 at 11:54
Jason, according to Travel.ru and other websites, to cross Russia-Abkhazia border you will need driver license, technical passport for the car (техпаспорт), and general letter of attorney (генеральная доверенность) for this car, which must specify that the car allowed to leave the Russian Federation.
When crossing the border, you must exit your car, cross the border by foot with all the formalities (customs, passport control). Meanwhile your car will go through separate customs control. You’ll get your car on the other side of the border. You will also have to pay 70 rubbles duty for the car (150 for trucks) on Abkhaz border.