Travel to Abkhazia
Visas
Start the paperwork a few months prior to the actual travel date. Before you set off on your journey, you need to have:
- An official, registered invitation to Abkhazia - based on which you will be granted a Russian Transit Visa (ahead of time) and an Abkhaz visa (once you arrive);
- A Russian Transit Visa -- to get through Russia and into Abkhazia;
- A filled-out application for an Abkhaz visa, with required documentation attached; and, to top it off,
- A Georgian tourist visa -- a bit of a challenge to work out exactly why, but you will need one of these as well.
Start by getting in touch with the person/organisation in Abkhazia, who will be required to issue a formal invitation, registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.
Next, obtain a Georgian tourist visa. It is not advisable to inform the Georgian Embassy of your intention to visit Abkhazia.
Next, get a Russian Transit Visa. In the visa application, the place where you will both enter and exit the Russian Fediration should be shown as "Psou", and the final destination as "Abkhazia". The Russian Transit Visa will enable you to cross the country twice - on the way in and out of Abkhazia. A copy of invitation to Abkhazia should be attached to the the application form.
The fee for an Abkhaz visa, issued upon entry, is US$10.
Where to apply
To receive an application form for an Abkhaz visa, fax a request to the Abkhazian Press Center in Moscow +7-095-187-97-18 marked "Forward to Zurab Avidzba, Consulate Section, MFA RA." Applicants should send a letter explaining the purpose of their visit, the dates of the visit, and include a photocopy of their pasport or all its details, birth sertificates (if applicable) or all its details, proof of having purchased travel insurance, and proof of sufficient means of support.
Getting In
Provided all the necessary paperwork is in order, it is easy to cross into Abkhaza from Russian Federation across the river Psou. For purposes of tourism, it is not advisable to travel through Georgia. However there are sometimes delays on the border with the Russian Federation. The border crossing is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day except on Tuesdays when it is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is best to arrange for the inviting person/organization is meeting you at the border. When traveling inside the country, it is important that the visitor (particularly one who doesn't speak Abkhaz or Russian) is in the company of friends or reliable local people.
Money
Life in Abkhazia is inexpensive. The main currency is the Russian ruble. The currency most easily exchanged is the US Dollar. It can be exchanged in any of the many banks in Gagra, Gudauta, and Sukhum. Credit cards are not readily accepted. It is a good idea to purchase some rubles before entering the country. Georgian currency is not accepted in Abkhazia, and it is a bad idea to try to use it or to flash it about in public places.
Politics
Any visitor needs to be sensitive to the problems between Abkhazia and Georgia. It is safest to avoid them as a topic of discussion. During one of the evenings with local people it is quite possible that the topic would be raised and discussed nevertheless. If research into these matters is the express purpose of your visit, you will need to mention this in your visa application to the Abkhaz Foreign Ministry.
Tourism
Abkhaz authorities are aware of the special interests of mountaineers, hikers, climbers and speleologists in Abkhazia. A special service has been set up to provide such groups with all the necessary help. The Ministry of Internal Affairs provides Liaison Officers, whose job is to handle all logistics and support. If special types of support are needed, please order it well in advance. Helicopter service is US$500 per hour (last summer's prices). Four-wheel-drive trucks can be ordered to get groups as close to their destination as possible (rents are negotiable based on duration). Also provided: are horses (often used by speleogroups), mountain rescue service, 24 hours emergency radio contact with all the relevant people, organizations, and services in the country.
Security
Most people traveling to Abkhazia are aware of the security situation. It is important to emphasize that all the measures will be taken to provide the visitors with a safe and relaxing environment. However, travel insurance is advisable.
Provisions
All those who would like to get up into the mountains should be well equipped in advance. Local market can provide excellent quality fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meat, as well as wine and spirits. Beer is available at around US$1 per can or bottle.
Lodging
For those who would like to relax in the sun after exerting themselves in the mountains, it is easy to organize up to 5 star accommodation with very competitive prices.