Russia into Azerbaijan
 

reading, Russia to Georgia is not possible, so what about going into Azerbaijan, what would a sensible road be avoiding hot areas like Chechenia, has anyone been through there, thanks. The idea would be have a look round Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia and then cross into Iran.

I believe that the Russia/Azerbaijan border rules are the same as for Russia/Georgia. CIS passport holders only.

In theory the Russian post is open to international travellers ... How the Azerbaijanis view it is another matter. In reality I dont know any foreigners who have been thru the main highway crossing since the Ossetian war.

As stated above, the Russia (Dagestan) crossing into AZ is technically open to foreigners, but in paractice I wouldn't bank on it. I was in Derbent earlier in the year, went close to the border and was told it is open to all, but I would have a back-up plan. I also think you have a better chance if you go Russia to AZ rather than the other way. I felt Chechnya to be perfectly safe, Dagestan is more unsettled (I was a street away from a gun-battle in Makhachkala) but even there, the violence is targeted against the authorities and I don't think there is a significant risk to you as a passing foreigner. That said, I had local contacts which makes things much easier.

The other alternative would be to nip into KZ and take the ferry to Baku.

Daniel

A risk all the same and one I would avoid.

My own friends living in the North Caucuses all their lives are always fairly adamant of where I should and should not go - particularly alone on a bike or in a foreign registered car.

Foreigners are not so much a direct target of violence and battles but they are open to kidnap for international publicity for the cause and ransom for political gain. It's happened more times than gets widely reported in the west

The real danger comes later when they have failed in their demands, don't want to appear weak in their present or future threats and are deciding how to effect this - and be sure you don't give traceable information of your captors and their whereabouts.

i.e. What to do with you............?

Easy really, where guns are plentyful and the countryside vast and wild!

The road between Russia and Aerbaijan is open and working.
Don't have map with me now so can't give the names if the cities on the road but road goes close/from Dagestan...