Thx for the info! Jeez! I had planned to take the ferry next year.
What do you think about a detour instead: From Turkey/Dogubayazit via Iran along the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan? That seems to be an interesting alternative to travelling via Russia to Kazakstan. This guy Laurent on ADV Riders has a fascinating account on northern Iran here: Tour d'Afrique - and then some - ADVrider

Hans

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

hmmm, I had 'hopes' of going this way next year with our Land Rover but sheeesh, that does not sound fun!

I knew it would be hassle but you have just spelled it out for me maybe the ferry to Kaz is the way with a full visa, at least time is on your side then (if you see what I mean).

Next decision is to enter Russia via Georgia or take that ferry from Turkey!

arrrrr!

G

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how it is possible to take "that ferry" from Turkey ?

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"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "

Trabzon - Sochi

I want to visit the Caucasus region but my onward journey is the Stans so just looking at all possible/viable routes.

G

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Next time I would skip the ferry entirely and go through Iran even though you have to have a carnet then. Going overland instead of oversea is definitely better to plan and you could use the full 5 days of your Turkmen transit visa. This is more than enough coming from Iran to even see some things in Turkmenistan (Ashgabat etc.)

Hans, that can be a great alternative to take, however as someone else has mentioned, Iran insists on a carnet, which can be expensive, and also depending on your nationality and the current political situation in Iran when you apply, it can be tricky getting an Iranian visa in the first place. Good luck.

I have taken both the Iran route and the Baku-Aktau ferry, (I was refused the Turkmen visa that year) both routes have their own issues, the main one with that ferry is the possible long wait for it as there is no schedule and then the long ride through the desert from Aktau to Uzbekistan.

Mastermodix was particularly unlucky but I have heard similar stories from other people.
It's the Central Asia version of the Darien Gap.

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Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo

that is good!

So I think our options next year will be to either persevere with the Baku/Turkmenbashi ferry or take the Georgia border crossing into RUS and drive to KAZ.

Could anyone tell me the best route and how long it would take? I hear that area can be 'dodgy' so I don't really want to hang around for too long. I also don't want to be eating time into our RUS visa (saving the days for Siberia).

M29 - M4 - M21 - M6 to Astrakhan?

Any help, opinions or info appreciated.

G

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Griffdowg
That brings us to the road through Russia. I haven't personally taken that route as the Georgia border crossing into Russia was closed when I went through, so didn't comment on it before, the issue with going that way is the Russian visa.
I don't know what your route or itinerary is, but if you're going to Mongolia (I notice you mentioned Siberia) via the 'Stans AND you take the Russian/Kazakh route to get around the Caspian Sea then you will need to enter Russia three times, assuming you will also be driving out of Mongolia. Possibly also a double entry Kazakh visa, or just get a second visa along the way which I have done before.

The most common visa travellers get for Russia (if going to Mongolia) tends to be the three month double entry business visa, which means you can enter Russia twice.
If you're going to take this route through Russia you need a different visa, I know Colebatch tends to recommend the multi entry extended time visa so that travellers will have the extra flexibility it provides (though at a price).
Take a look at the Russian visa options to see what works for you. The time limit on the Russian visas can also mean you have to travel more quickly than you may want to.

Some people have two passports, purely because of the Russian visa requirements, leaving one passport in the UK to get the Russian visa at the last minute. Then having it couriered out to them - generally £30 to get your passport sent anywhere in the world within 48 hours.

Does that make sense? Take a look at the routes etc.

Good luck

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Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo

Hi,

Yes I have looked into the RUS visa 'situation' and we will likely be getting a 12 month ME visa. If we take the Georgia/Russia section then a double entry KAZ will be needed.

Our route will enter/leave RUS 3-4 times on our (squiggly) route to Siberia spanning most of next year.

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