Abkhazia
 Abkhazia | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Language: | Abkhaz, Russian, Armenian |
| Capital: | Sukhumi |
| Population: | ~200,000 |
| Currency: | Russian ruble |
| Hitchability: |  (very good)
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| More info: | AVP Free Encyclopedia (Russian) |
| Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots | |
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Abkhazia is a de fakto independent state on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the south-western flank of the Caucasus. The country is recognised only by a few states, including Russia. The US views it as occupied by Russia, but you barely will see any of the Russian peacekeepers at all.
It was a part of Georgia and most countries still consider it as a part of Georgia. Entering Abkhazia is illegal according to Georgian laws. That's why travelling from Russia via Abkhazia to Georgia is curently not possible or connected with quite some difficulties for holders of non CIS-passports (July 2011).
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking in Abkhazia is definitely easy. It is recommended to read the E97 article for specific information on hitchhiking in Abkhazia. Be aware that off the main road, especially in the southern districts, traffic can get very sparse.
Abkhaz drivers love to drive very fast, be aware of that and get out whenever you're afraid of crashing into roaming cows or horses along the way.
Cities
- Gagra (Abkhaz and Russian: Гагра; Georgian: გაგრა)
- New Athos (Abkhaz: Афон Ҿыц, Afon Ch'yts; Georgian: ახალი ათონი, Akhali Atoni; Russian: Новый Афон, Novy Afon)
- Pitsunda (Abkhaz: Пиҵунда, Georgian: ბიჭვინთა, Bichvinta; Russian: Пицунда)
- Sukhum (Abkhaz: Аҟəа Aqwa, Georgian: სოხუმი, Russian: Сухуми)
Entry Permit
Holders of CIS passports can enter Abkhazia without any obligations, whereas each other traveller has to get the appropriate visa in advance. Most likely you have to apply for an entry permit letter. Platschi got his entry permit within two working days in June 2011. Afterwards, you have to get your visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sukhum. Price in 2011 was 20$ (1 month tourist visa), to be payed beforehand in Rouble at a local bank. They don't stick it into your passport, but if you do so yourself, you won't be able to visit Georgia another time.
Sleeping
Abkhazians are in general extremely hospitable, so you won't have a hard time finding places to sleep there. Anyway, you can pitch your tent everywhere you want, just make sure not to be visible from the roads if you don't want to have plenty of friendly visitors caring about your safety. Next to that, in the Northern districts many people rent their rooms to tourists for a maximum of 200-250 Rouble, depending on location.
Transit
- towards Georgia
Traveling from Russia towards Georgia is currently (December 2010) not advisable. See above.
- towards Russia
There are rumours that the borders have reopened and Western travellers can go via Georgia to Abkhazia and further into Russia. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia "transit from Georgia through Abkhazia to Russia is forbidden. You can only enter and back" (December 2010). Keep in mind though that you won't get an exit stamp by the Georgians in case of leaving to Russia, thus when entering Georgia another time, you'll most likely be not able to enter the country due to a missing exit stamp from the last time.
Trivia
ATMs are not working in Abkhazia, so make sure to bring some cash with you. Russian rouble is the currency, but you can exchange US Dollar or Euro in the capital.
Links
- Visa and travel information (English)
- Forum post with useful information (English)
- Abkhazian travel information (English)
