From traveller-now

Abkhazia ( Abkhaz: Аҧсны, Russian: Абхазия, English: Abkhazia) emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union as an autonomous region of Georgia. Independent-minded Abkhazians fought a war with Georgia that resulted in a de facto independent territory of Abkhazia but is internationally recognised only by Nauru, Nicaragua, Russia and Venezuela. Abkhazia highly depends on Russian support, currency and has a similar uncertain political situation as Ossetia or Kosovo. From a travel perspective it is for all intents and purposes an independent territory.

Abkhazia is situated on the eastern bank of the Black Sea, bordered on the northwest by Russia on the Psou River, near the 2014 Olympic city of Sochi, and on the east with Georgia at the Ingur River, with the Grand Caucasian Range of mountains on the north. Three National Parks exist in Pskhu-Gumista, Pitsunda-Mussera and Ritsa, rich with the freshwater resources of many lakes and rivers.

Understand

History

After the war with Georgia in 1992-1993, Abkhazia survived in spite of an immense embargo and blockade imposed by Georgia. Despite having most of its infrastructure destroyed, Abkhazia managed to redevelop its main economic pillars which are tourism and agriculture. Though many efforts were taken to rehabilitate the territory after the war with Georgia, there are still remains of the destruction across the territory. The unsolved conflict with Georgia is a burden for the future development of the territory. Abkhazia is a beautiful subtropical region along the Black Sea full of beaches, history, excellent fruit, enormous mountains, lakes, caves, and lush flora.

Geography

Climate

Cities

• Sukhum
• Gudauta
• Gagra
• Pitsunda
• Gyachripsh
• Agudzera
• Tquarchal
• Ochamchira
• Gal
• New Athos

Talk

Abkhaz, in the Northwest Caucasian linguistic family, is related to the Abkhaz-Adyghe language group in the same family. There are two official languages: Abkhaz and Russian. Russian is convenient for intercultural communication since Abkhazia is a multiethnic state. Russian is universally understood and the most convenient language for the traveler. In the cities one also can use English for basic communication.

Get in

The one viable land crossing into Abkhazia is from Sochi in Russia. Rumours say that it might be possible to travel from Georgia to Abkhazia but not vice versa in some occasions so it is not the standard and requires sound preperation. It is practically impossible to gain access to Abkhazia anywhere else along the border, as it is guarded by Russian Border Guards, who detain anyone trying to cross.

There are Marshrutkas from Adler to the Russian side of the border leaving from in front of the train station.

Suburban trains (Elektritschkas) leave twice daily from Adler but they run only as far as Gagra. Additionally there is a train from Moscow to Sukhum in Summer - even though it doesn't seem to appear in the Russian timetables. It leaves Adler at about 8 am, returning from Sukhum at about 2 pm. Busses to Sukhum run from Sochi and Rostov-on-don, at least in summer.

If crossing the border on foot, prepare for long waits in Summer (2-3 hours are not uncommon) and bring enough water. Frequent (ancient Ikarus) busses and marshrutkas leave from the parking lot once you have cleared customs.

The airspace of Abkhazia is crossed by three international airways but due to the conflict with Georgia there are capacity limits on the utilization of airspace. Sukhumi airport is recognized as one of the most technically advanced in the territory of the CIS countries, thanks to its facilities, and was permitted twenty-four-hour operation. Sukhumi airport is not operational yet though there are plans to relaunch it. Abkhazian airspace is controlled mostly by the Russian Air Force, but also by the fledgling Abkhaz Air Force, and unauthorized aircraft entering it, especially from Georgia, may be shot down.

It is impossible to enter Abkhazia by boat. The entire territory is under a naval blockade by the Georgian Coast Guard, and its waters are patrolled by Russian Border Guards' Coast Guard. If you are caught by the Georgians, the Georgian authorities will probably investigate whether you are involved in any economic activity, and if they find that you are, you might be prosecuted for unauthorized economic activity with Abkhazia. You may be penalized with a prison term and a heavy fine.

Visa to Abkhazia Those who wish to travel to Abkhazia have to fill out and send a Abkhaz visa application form directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Abkhazia [1]. Within Canada and the US, applications also can be made at [2]. A double entry Russian visa is mandatory for non-Russian citizens to be able to enter and exit the territory of Abkhazia from/to Russia.

• On receiving duly submitted documents, the Consular Service usually needs 5 working days to process the request. As soon as Clearance is ready the applicant will be contacted by the consular officer and an entry permit letter will be sent to him/her by fax or e-mail.

The Entry Permit Letter (Clearance letter) only serves as an entrance permit to Abkhazia.

• Please note that after you enter the Republic of Abkhazia you need to proceed to the Consular Department of the MFA of Abkhazia to obtain the actual visa which will serve as an exit permit document. *If there is some information missing or application is not filled fully the Consular Service does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.

There are three types of visas for Abkhazia: single-entry, multi-entry and transit visas; Nationals of the CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States) and Nicaragua can enter and leave Abkhazia without a visa:

Please note that once at the MFA in Sukhum, you need to pay the visa fees at the Sberbank - which is located a bit hidden near the "tzentralnaya jolka". There is a tiny sign, not to be confused with the Russian bank with the same name. Staff is helpful - you might just as well go there first, pay the fee and continue to the MFA instead of moving back and forth.

NOTICE!!!: For those who travel to Abkhazia via Russia, the transit, double entry or multiple entry Russian visa is required in order to be eligible to re-enter the Russian Federation after visiting Abkhazia. The Russian guards do not stamp your passport at this border and sometimes questions about having already used up your double-entry visa can occur - so it helps to save the Abkhaz visa or any other piece evidence about the length of your stay.

Get around

There are frequent busses and marshrutkas along the coastal road between Psou and Sukhum. You will find a detailled bus timetable at the Sukhum bus station (in front of the train station). Twice daily suburban trains run from Gagra to Psou and on to Adler. Visitors may also use taxis for travel within the country. Many taxi companies provide special rates for sightseeing. There are a number of travel agencies providing excursions to the mountains using jeeps / four wheel drive cars. Due to economic sanctions, credit cards are not accepted in Abkhazia. Dollars and Euros are accepted in official exchange offices which can be easily found in most tourist areas. Sometimes, visitors may pay with Dollars and Euros directly, though at a lower rate.

See

Abkhazia is a beautiful country, with hospitable people and a long and prominent history and culture. Its picturesque nature makes Abkhazia a popular tourist destination. Abkhazia is a resort country laying on the Eastern Bank of the Black Sea, with a subtropical climate and snow covered mountains. Abkhazia attracts tourists with its beautiful nature and culture as well as beaches, caves, lakes and mountains. It is famous with its churches left from the Middle Ages, and Christian heritage with the Saint Zealot buried in New Afon of Abkhazia. Masterpieces of the Ancient era and the Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. The tourist season starts in May and lasts till October. Vacation prices in Abkhazia are fairly low and affordable.

One interesting destination for travellers is to visit Novi Afon which is 20 min drive from Sukhum - the capital of Abkhazia. It is famous for the orthodox Cathedral (Новый Афон, New Athos) and the Cave in which there are 7-8 enormously large halls with thousands of wonderful of stalagmites and stalagtites. A special train takes you to the depths.

Another attraction is Lake Ritsa, high in the mountains and about 1 hour drive from the main road (M-27). On the other side of the lake Stalin's Dacha (summer cottage) can be found. The shortest way is by boat, but access is also possible by road (5 km). The cottage is open for tourists in the high season.

Even further up in the mountains is Lake Msui, a bit more off the beaten track. Some tour operators offer trips.

Resort Auadkhara with natural springs.

Weekly local flights from Sukhum airport can take you to the remote village of Pskhu, where tourists may enjoy fantastic views of mountains and enjoy local produce such as honey and meat.

The city of Gagra and Pitsunda is the most popular tourist destination, offering most kinds of vacation activities. There are also historic places like the village of Moqua with its beautiful cathedral, and Ilor Church near Ochamchira.

Do

Visitors can enjoy unique and peaceful vacation in Abkhazia, with a variety of activities such as ecotourism, gastro tourism, rafting and extreme sports, mountain jogging and snowboarding, diving and sky gliding, hunting and cultural and religious tourism.

• Visit the Abkhaz Drama Theatre, Botanic garden and Monkey Park in Sukhum.
• Dine at the famous "Gagripsh" restaurant in Gagra.
• Take a boat trip from Gagra to Sukhum.
• Visit the small cave of St. Simon the Zealot.
• Visit the village of Kaman near Sukhum.
• Village of Lykhny with its historic churches and dome of Abkhaz Kings.

Eat

Abkhaz national dishes include: Akud (bean sauce), Abista (corn porridge with cheese), a variety of meat and fresh greens. Abkhaz food is spicy.

Drink

Local wines:

• Apsny,
• Buque of Abkhazia,
• Lykhni,
• Psou,
• Radeda,
• Gumsta Ashta,
• Dioskuria (ancient Greek name of Sukhum)

Stay safe

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 strongly avoid any place near the border to Georgia. Some minor unregistered minefields are reported near the border, this should be an additional reason to delete it completely from your travel list. Keep in mind that Abkhazia is, in the view of international law, still a part of Georgia. Further military confrontations are unlikely but you should closely follow the international and independent news incase the situation changes. Travellers who have visited Abkhazia and intend to visit Georgia can be questioned, refused entry to Georgia or in the worst case be imprisoned by Georgian immigration officers as entry to Abkhazia is seen as illegal immigration.

The basic precautions for travellers are those recommended in all tourist destinations: Watch your bag or purse in public e.g. buses, trains and meetings. Keep your car locked with valuables out of view & do not leave your valuables like cameras, jewelry or mobile phones on the beach when you go for a swim.

If your mobile phone is stolen, the local cell phone company may help you to track it and in most cases telephones could be found if resold anywhere in Abkhazia.

Don't hesitate to report crimes to the local police. If you report a theft, people are generally helpful.

Please keep dressed decently in public places. Abkhazia is a traditional country. Less clothing will cause less respect and too much attention of the local people.

Get out

The border with Russia is now open for all visitors. NB: Visitors who go to Georgia after visiting Abkhazia through Russia may be subject to a punishment and fines by Georgian customs since they consider it a violation of the Georgian border regime. Georgian Law on the occupied territories also prohibits visitors from entering Abkhazia without permission from Georgian authorities.