Am looking to see if anyone has recent (2011/ 10) experience with order crossings/ local conditions/ ferry times/ problems/ general information (places to visit/ stay).

Georgia/ Abkhazia crossing
Russia/ Abkhazia crossing
Russia/ Ukraine crossing on ferry between port kavkaz to port krym
Ukraine / Romania border cross the Danube River Have read all about the issue re small area of Moldova need to cross and insurance. Question is do I need to arrange any thing in advance. Where is the crossing after you pas through that stretch.

Looking at a trip Syria/ Turkey/ Georgia/ Armenia/ Abkhazia / Russia/ Ukraine/ Romania August/ September of this year (2011)

Cheers

Brett

Georgia/Abkhazia - no road border open to anyone.
Russia/Abkhazia - road border at Adler open to all, no visa required for Abkhazia but you must have a multi entry RUS visa to get back into RUS. It's a dead end due to closed border with Georgia.
Russia/Georgia - road borders only open to CIS Passport holders.

The situation in Abkhazia could change and their allegiance may swing back to Georgia. Their pro-Russia President died suddenly in Moscow yesterday. Local news reports are suspiciously (to me!) unclear and vague as to reason and manner of his death, but just say 'in hospital'.

Abkhazia broke away from Georgia some years ago.

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Have not been myself so can't claim first hand knowledge,however there are people on the Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum who have been to Abkhazia late last year and definately DID need a visa for Abkhazia ( a friend of mine went and needed one ) and they DID cross from Georgia by road into Abkhazia. Are you saying the visa and border situation has changed recently Tony?

I looked into the Visa requirements for road crossing from Russia into Abkhazia last autumn on the basis of an EU/British Passport Holder.
No visa was needed by the Abkhazia people as long as you had a valid Russia visa or Residency allowing you back into Russia - ie. multi entry.
That was also the case when I was there in 2007.

I cannot find the Abkhazia State webpage where I read that at the time. The current one is visa and travel | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Abkhazia
This is different, although vague. Photo appreciated but not necessary and it seems a phone call gets you in!

It does stress the need for Russia visa to get back and mentions limited access to Georgia - presumably for local citizens only.

Sorry if I have provided outdated information without checking it again myself.

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I have to say my experiences in April 2010 totally contradict those of Tony.

I contacted the Abkhazian MFA in Sukhum whilst I was in Tbilisi and (after much needling) got entry clearance to drive across the road 'border' on the Ingur river bridge

You DO need an Abkhazian visa, which you pick up in Sukhum with your clearance letter.

Coming from Russia, it's possible that officials will overlook the visa requirement (as 99.99% of their traffic is CIS nationals who don't need a visa), or that they will accpet a Russian residency permit. But in 2010 you definitely DID need a visa. There is absolutely no way you can get into Georgia coming from Russia through Abkhazia.

Of course, that was last year, it could all be different now, but I would be VERY surprised if Abkhazia ever went politically back to Georgia... maybe once the Palstineans and Israelis have got together, or the Armenians and Azeris have agreed a resoluion for Karabagh... don't hold your breath. I never knew the meaning of inter-ethnic hatred untill I went to the Caucasus. Abkhazians, armed and assissted by Russia, massacred Georgians (who also killed plenty of Abkhazians) and chased then from their homes in Abkhazia which Georgians have a great and understandable affection for. There are still 1000s of IDPs in Georgia, a new president will not heal these scars.

For getting into Georgia from Russia, it may just be possible to enter Georgia from Verkhniy Lars, though this is highly uncertain and contentious.

Basically, it is possible, but not assured, that you can drive from Georgia to Russia thrugh Abkhazia, but you nust always be prepared for refusal from Sukhum, and having to take the ferry from Turkey to Sochi.

Here is my orgnal post: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...abkhazia-49989

Daniel

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Thanks Tony, Tannu_Tuva and Daniel,

Daniel it is your original post that inspired me. I was hoping to see if anybody had crossed this year, knowing how quickly things can change.

I have also worked out the Ukraine / Romania border crossing from information and a better study of the map, but would still love to hear from anyone with experience using the crossing between port kavkaz to port krym (Russia/ Ukraine).

Daniel, when you say you were first refused then needed to needle via the telephone, what was the problem to casue the first refusal?

We are two Australian on Australian registered motorbikes.

Also looking for a place to make a base in Tblisi for five or so days, if anyone has suggestions?

Cheers

Brett

I second this information ...

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This topic should be understod like this:

-officially it's not possible to !cross! the Abkhazian territory.

-you can cross Abkhazia if you have the balls and will to hassle with border guards. But only in Georgia - Russia direction.

I've done so a week ago! Get all the visas, if you're on motorbike don't forget to mention that you're bike must be writen in ABKH confirmation letter, and go for it. Also bring a bag full of smiles, good will and patience and you're covered!

P.S.: I was also on Kazbegi border with russia and georgian border guard was willing to let me out of georgia, so don't think and write too much, but pack your stuff and go!