France -> Stans / Jan.2023
 

Hello everyone,

I plan a roadtrip with a departure at the end of January 2023 towards the Stans from France by motorcycle.
For those who have already seen a previous post my journey is evolving. ;)

In full preparation, I'm getting information today about the different access possibilities.

It seems to me that from Turkey I have few possibilities.

Now, is it possible to go through Russia in the current conditions and to obtain a transit visa?
The access through the land borders of Azerbaijan is apparently closed to consider a departure from this one.
Turkmenistan is still closed and i don't think that Afghanistan is a good idea to cross.

I would also like to avoid taking the plane for a question of cost.

Any help/idea is welcome,

By the way, I am going through the following countries at the moment: France - Italy (north) - Slovenia - Croatia - Montenegro - Albania - Greece - Turkey.
If some of you want to travel a few kilometers together, don't hesitate to send me a private message ! I ride a honda transalp 600

See you soon

Thank you very much,

Victor

Hi I'm also planning on doing a similar trip starting in februari. At least the driving to Turkey part is pretty much set in stone.

going to the Stans overland is only possible through Russia, that is if your embassy keeps issuing visa's. Azarbaijan is indeed closed off and haven't heard much about it since the last rumours it might open last September, so dont I have my hopes up. Turkmenistan seems even less likely to be an available route in my opinion.

I know there were people crossing into Russia couple months ago with a Dutch passport so I think it should still be possible, to be sure you should apply for a Russian visa.

Why so early in the year? Even in southern Europe it'll be bl**dy cold.

You might wanna keep a look at this development:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacifi...igners/2689055

I've crossed russia twice this summer and not having any of cards work was not fun.. bring some cash. Also impossible to get compulsory insurance but the fine for it $8 if you get stopped so don't sweat

Agree with Tomcat January isn't the best time to leave and unless you're plotting a track via northern africa or along Mediterranean coast. And there still could be issues with snow in stans early June.

would an alternative be iran/ pakistan/kashgar in china then stans?

or turkey turkmenistan and other stans?

No, China and Turkmenistan have been closed since covid with no signs of re-opening.

Hello everybody,

I am happy to have discovered this thread since my wife and I plan a similar journey starting in Germany in early March. Like you said, as of today the Georgia/ Armenia region seems to be a dead end. Continuing through Iran seems too risky, Azerbijan is closed and we are rally not sure about Russia at this point...

Therefore, glad to read that cyclopathic made it through Russia this summer. :mchappy: That gives me some hope.

@Cyclopathic: Where did you get into Russia? What kind of visa did you have? Did you feel any "anti western" vibes or was it smooth sailing?

Russia is expected to drop visa requirements for western tourists, a kind of charm offensive if you will... Details should be announced in the next month. People who have been in Russia this year all report virtually no hostility towards visitors, even from officials. The biggest headache if you're going to be there for more than a short time is western credit cards and ATM cards don't work there.

I crossed russia twice once entering from eastern KZ to Finland via northern route and second time from Georgia to KZ.

Russia is supposed to implement simplified eVisa program so everyone is waiting to find out what it will be. I talked to german in Kyrgyzstan and he had no issues getting visa via tour agency it was €250. He did have to deal with covid restrictions as he crossed borders before they were lifted.

As for hostility I haven't seen any shifts from what it was 20 years ago. You see georgian black/orange ribbons and letters Z on some cars but their patriotism doesn't translate into animosity. People were either indifferent or slightly curious and they were generally friendly. There was one b!tch hotel manager but that can happen anywhere.

And yes the biggest issue was that credit cards didn't work so you had to draw from ATM and do exchange before entering.. and Verkhny Lars x-ing from Georgia is very very busy. Phone card surprisingly worked I didn't have to buy local SIM.

@crispey @Max84 We should keep in touch to share some tips about this trip (to know your program and why not anticipate a common crossing)

I also got in touch with a guy who crossed over in September and everything seems to have gone well. No mishaps, just as said before anticipate the cash

It seems that the French have a transit visa. Now what about the duration of validity to enter, and maybe have to anticipate to make the request in an embassy from abroad since I don't have a time goal

UK - Stans
 

Hi Victor

I how you don’t mind the message but I’m also travelling in that direction and I’m running into the same issues you are. I’m thinking the only way across the Caspian is through Russia.

I wondered if you had any more information or any further solutions? I thought it might be handy to trade contacts and swap information as we get it?

All the best
Simon

Update?
 

Hi Victor,

I'm currently on route to do the crossing from Georgia to Kazakhstan aswell. (around july) I was wondering if you have any update on your current situation?

Did you already cross? Or are you still planning to do so?

Many thanks!

Hi Muijsmans,
I am not Victor but I allow myself to reply to you ;). Victor took a break from the trip - we have been in contact, that's how I know.
That being said, we are looking for people to team up with when we cross the border to Russia in early to mid July.
Where are you currently? We are now in Erzurum. Looking forward to hearing from you ☺️