Is it possible to visit Abkhazia by land from Georgia?
Is it possible currently (November 2011) to visit the rebel province of Abkhazia from the rest of the Republic of Georgia? (Russia regards it as independent since 2008 but most or all other countries regard it as still part of Georgia)
I had heard that it was not allowed by the Georgian government and that soldiers would actively prevent anyone trying to do so.
But that was a while ago and things can and do change quickly and this is not a part of the world where such news quickly becomes known in western countries.
So can I now enter from Georgia and if so what kind of visa/permit would be needed?
If not I assume I can visit from Russia with of course a Russian visa but would I need any other kind of paperwork. And would Georgia let me back in with an Abkhazia stamp in my passport?
(See also my similar but not identical question about South Ossetia)
PS
I'm not asking about whether any western country issues travel advisories asking me not to visit. I'm aware it's unstable to some degree or other. If there are documented killings or kidnappings of western tourists in the last year that may be relevant however.
Best Answer
You can also get a visa in Transnistria, which might be an interesting place to visit for you as you seem to be keen on countries with legal definition problems. The Wikipedia article seems not to be totally up-to-date with that information as it says there are only 2 embassies abroad (Russia and Venezuela). Although I must admit that I didn t see it myself but was told by somebody travelling there.
And concerning the answer before - that is exactly what I got to know about it, too.
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Can I enter Abkhazia from Georgia?
Before you can head out to Abkhazia from Georgia, you have to get an entry permit from the Abkhazian government. To do so, go to the website of the Abkhazian foreign affairs and fill out the form. Make sure to put enough time under the \u201cperiod of stay\u201d option.Is it safe to go to Abkhazia?
In the past, Abkhazia has witnessed military confrontations between Georgian armed forces and the Russian-supported local independence groups. For the common traveller the country is relatively safe, but you should make sure to avoid any place near the border to Georgia.Do you need visa to Abkhazia?
Upon arrival to Abkhazia, you have to appear in the Consular Department within 3 working days for receiving a visa of the Republic of Abkhazia. The consular service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia issues the following types of visas: Single entry; Multiple.Is Abkhazia Independent, Part of Georgia Or Russia?
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Answer 2
In April 2012 I entered Abkhazia from Zugdidi on an EU passport with a printed permission from the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You just have to e-mail them and you should get it back within a few days.
There's a bridge over the Ingur river. You have to walk 1km or so between the checkpoints and then you can catch a local bus further on. I left to Sochi afterwards, despite the fact that at the abovementioned Ministry they told me that I couldn't do that (you have to go there to buy your visa which you need when you leave).
I might just have problems re-entering Georgia for that reason. There are plenty of travel reports to be found online from people who did the same as me (although most of them returned to Georgia).
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