Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By eurasiaoverland

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Doesn't sound too good, just another reason to avoid Belorussia. Honestly it sounds like the Russians are playing some kind of game to pressure somebody (Belorussia?), as I expect that that route is a major truck transit route, but one which is fairly easily bypassed via Latvia.

Just when you thought things couldn't get more ridiculous...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Dec 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Guildford, England
Posts: 20
I am hoping to travel from Russia into Belarus, with appropriate Visas, late May/early June 2017 - anyone know whether that will be possible?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Dec 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,111
Quote:
Originally Posted by v1nn1e View Post
I am hoping to travel from Russia into Belarus, with appropriate Visas, late May/early June 2017 - anyone know whether that will be possible?
The link says that route is closed to foreigners because it's not equipped to process international travellers (Russia and Belarus have a customs union and effectively open borders). There's no good reason for them to make the effort to upgrade that border crossing. If you really want to see Belarus, you'll probably have to go north and cross in Latvia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Guildford, England
Posts: 20
OK, plan B...

I was going to avoid Ukraine but how about entering Ukraine in the very north, and then going to Belarus from there.

I won't have the time to go any further north to Latvia/Lithuania.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 44
@klausmong1 - yes, borders are temporary closed. The main reason as AnTyx already said is that there is open border between Russia and Belarus at the moment and nobody makes custom and border control. And that's not good for Russian police because they can't control who is entering the country. Border points in Belarus will be opened as soon as Belarus will upgrade them to make right control

@v1nn1e - you can't enter Russia from Belarus, but there should be no problems to leave Russia if you have already entered the country. But still there is some risk in such scenario, so I would advice checking this with the border. Also, just in case, I am going from Moscow to Latvia border in the end of May, on the 25th approx, may be we can ride together

If there are any more questions remaining don't hesitate to ask

Best
Alex
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Guildford, England
Posts: 20
Actually, lots of questions regarding travel in Russia!

Firstly though, whilst I'll probably get a Belarus Visa, just in case, I think I may focus on northern Ukraine. My schedule was getting spread thinner than a small pat of butter across a loaf of bread! I can re-allocate some days back to Turkey and Georgia.

It will also give me more time travelling up from Vladikavkaz to Astrakhan, and from there to Volgograd. Any comments on the condition of roads in those parts? Are those journeys each do-able in a day, or longer?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 950
Quote:
Originally Posted by v1nn1e View Post
OK, plan B...

I was going to avoid Ukraine but how about entering Ukraine in the very north, and then going to Belarus from there.

I won't have the time to go any further north to Latvia/Lithuania.
There's nothing wrong with Ukraine as long as you stay out of southern Luhansk Region and eastern Donetsk Region.

You could enter from Russia at Troyobortnoye / Bachiivsk which is a good road to Kyiv, then you can stick to the quiet northern route through Ukraine (Korosten - Kovel) which is also good.

If you exit Russia into Belarus and then into Europe, I imagine you may have a problem in future if the Russian immigration system has not registered you leaving the country. I would not take the risk unless you are 100% sure.

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 950
Another thought; there is a three-way border at 52.112134, 31.781986 where you can cross between Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. This is the only Russia - Belarus border where they will stamp your passport. You can then enter Belarus (or Ukraine) without any issue.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by v1nn1e View Post
Actually, lots of questions regarding travel in Russia!

Firstly though, whilst I'll probably get a Belarus Visa, just in case, I think I may focus on northern Ukraine. My schedule was getting spread thinner than a small pat of butter across a loaf of bread! I can re-allocate some days back to Turkey and Georgia.

It will also give me more time travelling up from Vladikavkaz to Astrakhan, and from there to Volgograd. Any comments on the condition of roads in those parts? Are those journeys each do-able in a day, or longer?
Ohh man, there are so many nice places you are going to see soon...))

Here are some thoughts:
1) I would suggest to stay not in Vladikavkaz, but in Grozny City
2) Grozny Astrakhan good road, no problem to reach in 1 day
3) From Astrakhan there is good road to Volgograd. I would suggest to visit this place on your way - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogdo-...Nature_Reserve
4) If you visit Bogdo-Baskunchak you will arrive in Volgograd late, so take a rest day to see the city and all the sights about the WW2
5) From Volgograd to Moscow there is almost new highway

Thats a brief overview of my thoughts. If you need more info don't hesitate to ask.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Guildford, England
Posts: 20
Any issues with travelling into and out of Chechnya, Dagestan and Russia? UK FO has that whole area marked red...!?

I'm not going as far north as Moscow, just near to Tambov and then Voronezh. I'm actually now just in the process of re-planning and reversing the direction of my route, so will be coming from eastern europe and Ukraine, and then into Russia and south towards Georgia.

This will hopefully give me a better chance of getting over the Carpathians, as it will be later in the year.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 950
Quote:
Originally Posted by v1nn1e View Post
Any issues with travelling into and out of Chechnya, Dagestan and Russia? UK FO has that whole area marked red...!?

I'm not going as far north as Moscow, just near to Tambov and then Voronezh. I'm actually now just in the process of re-planning and reversing the direction of my route, so will be coming from eastern europe and Ukraine, and then into Russia and south towards Georgia.

This will hopefully give me a better chance of getting over the Carpathians, as it will be later in the year.
Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan do get the odd bit of anti government / anti police insurgency, but in my opinion they are pretty safe (been to the region multiple times).

I would throw the travel advice from the FCO straight in the bin.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I crossed from Belarus in Ukraine at Makrany last year (July). It's a relatively easy border so that would be one way for you to get into Belarus if you wanted to. You need to tell them though that you will be taking your vehicle out of a different Belorussian Border to the one you used for entry as that causes a bit of confusion.

Don't forget to get insurance on the border, they will check on Exit.

Beware the toll roads in Belarus, they will fine you when you get home!

I travelled around Sumy and Poltava in eastern Ukraine, no problems at all, except the usual bollocks from the Ukrainian police!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3565 4 Weeks Ago 18:23
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 7 Mar 2023 00:33
Ukraine - Belarus - Russia and back: border crossings, ferries, visas and more! RollingJunk Route Planning 0 19 Jun 2016 23:04
Latvia - Russian Border at Zajesje E22 on 4 July 2014 ajspeed Northern and Central Asia 0 30 Jul 2014 15:23
Fire closes Cardenal Samoré border crossing (Lakes Region) till Jan 15-31st! arooni South America 2 14 Mar 2013 22:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insuranceâ„¢ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:41.