Abkhazia - Abcasia

Abkhazia (Аҧсны /Aphsny, Georgian: აფხაზეთი /Apkhazeti, Russian: Абхаязия /Abchazija) is a state of Caucasus.

To know

Abkhazia is a republic of Caucasus self-proclaimed independent in 1994. It is recognized by some UN member nations including Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and some non-member states such as South Ossetia, Transnistria is Republic of Artsakh. The state is located on the east coast of the Black Sea, bordered on the northwest by the Psou River, near the city of Sochi, and to the east with the Georgia from the Inguri River, with the Greater Caucasus range to the north. The temperate-subtropical climate in the plains and hills, the perennial ice and the glacial lakes of the mountains, the beaches, the caves, the architectural and religious heritage make Abkhazia a multifaceted and very suggestive, uncontaminated and interesting place.

Background

After the war with Georgia in 1992-1993, Abkhazia survived despite a very long embargo and restrictions imposed by Georgia. Despite having most of its infrastructure destroyed, Abkhazia has managed to redevelop its main economic pillars which are tourism and agriculture. Although many efforts have been made and continue to be made to rehabilitate the territory after the war with Georgia, the destruction and violence of the conflict, abandonment and the decline of depopulation are visible throughout the territory. The unresolved conflict with Georgia is a burden for the future development of the territory. Its status as an independent state is recognized internationally only by Nauru, Nicaragua, Russia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Venezuela. Abkhazia is highly dependent on Russian support and currency and is in a situation similar to that of Ossetia and Kosovo. From a travel perspective, however, it is to all intents and purposes an independent territory.

Spoken languages

L'abkhazus, belonging to the linguistic family of Northwestern Caucasian languages. There are two official languages: Abkhaz and the Russian, but also theArmenian it's spread. The Georgian, a highly controversial language in the region, is no longer spoken by almost anyone, despite the fact that the language is known by 63% of the population (according to a Georgian national census). Russian is the most convenient language for intercultural communication as Abkhazia is a multi-ethnic state. The abkhazis is expected to be spread among the young post-independence generation within twenty years through the new school system. The Sukhumi government, however, intends to legally enforce knowledge of Abkhaz in public office from 2015. English as an international language can be used especially in the city, where it is easier to find people who can speak it, at least for basic conversations.

Territories and tourist destinations

Urban centers

Other destinations

How to get

There are two border crossings (KPP) open and crossable on foot, that of Psou - Adler with the Russia is that of Inguri with the Georgia. A sea crossing has been opened at Gagra in 2011.

Entering and exiting the same border crossing does not present any problems either for the Abkhazian authorities or for the Russian or Georgian authorities.

However, particular attention is needed if you want to transit from Abkhazia from Russia to Georgia or vice versa, using two different border crossings. In theory, entry and exit from Psou would also be illegal for the Georgian authorities, but since the passport is not stamped in Psou, it is practically impossible to contest illegal entry during a future trip to Georgia.

In the case of transit from Russia to Georgia via Abkhazia through Psou-Inguri, tourists, once they cross the border with Georgia, according to the so-called law on the occupied territories, can be prosecuted civilly and criminally by the Georgian authorities as the entry from Psou is considered an illegal entry into Georgian territory, except for any permission (difficult to obtain) from the Georgian authorities.

Transit in the reverse direction, from Georgia to Russia via Abkhazia through Inguri-Psou, although not considered legal by the Georgian authorities, is instead technically possible, with some caveats. Once you leave the Georgian territory, it will no longer be possible to return there at least in the immediate future, as crossing the Inguri border no trace is left in the Georgian customs systems and the next time you enter Georgian territory you could be arrested for illegal stay (beyond 90 days) or for illegal exit from Georgian territory (in case the entry stamp in Russia is affixed at the Psou-Adler crossing).

It is virtually impossible to access Abkhazia anywhere else along the border, as it is guarded by Russian border guards, who detain anyone who tries to cross.

Summing up:

• Russia-Abkhazia-Russia via Psou - Yes
• Georgia-Abkhazia-Georgia via Inguri - Yes
• Russia-Abkhazia-Georgia via Psou-Inguri - No, except with Georgian authorization
• Georgia-Abkhazia-Russia via Inguri-Psou - Yes, but it is forbidden to return to Georgia

If you cross the border on foot, be prepared for long waits in the summer (2-3 hours is not unusual) and bring enough water. Frequent bus and marshrutka lines depart from the parking lot next to the Gacripsia customs.

Entry requirements

There are three types of Abkhazian visas: single entry, multi-entry and transit visa. Tourists entering Abkhazia must complete and submit a visa application form directly to the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.A Russian entry visa is mandatory for non-Russians who must enter and exit Abkhazia via Russian territory . For more information on applying for a visa, please visit this site^{[link not working]}. Citizens of the community of Independent States (CIS) and citizens of the Nicaragua they do not need a visa to enter Abkhazia.

• Upon receipt of the duly submitted documents, the consular service usually needs 5 working days to process the request. As soon as the letter is ready, the applicant will be contacted by the consular officer and this will be sent to him by fax or e-mail. The Entry Permit Letter serves only as a permit to enter Abkhazia.
• After entering the Republic of Abkhazia it is necessary to contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia to obtain the visa which will serve as an exit permit document.
• If there is any missing information or the form is not completed, the consular service does not guarantee that the visa will be granted.

Please note that once at the Foreign Office a Sukhumi it is necessary to pay the visa fee (20 $) at the Sberbank which is located a little hidden near the Jolka Tzentralnaya. There is a small sign, not to be confused with the Russian bank of the same name. The staff are helpful - you could also go there earlier, pay the tax and then go to the Ministry instead of going back and forth. For those going to Abkhazia via Russia, the transit permit, the double entry permit or Multiple entry permits from the Russian authorities are required to be eligible to re-enter the Russian Federation after visiting Abkhazia. Russian guards do not stamp their passport on the border with Abkhazia and sometimes they can ask questions if the double pass visa has already been fully validated, so in order to avoid misunderstandings it is good to keep the Abkhazian visa or any other document that proves the duration of the your stay etc.

By plane

The airspace of Abkhazia is crossed by three international airlines, but due to the conflict with Georgia there are capacity limits in its use.Sukhumi-Dranda Airport (IATA: SUI) is renowned as one of the most technically advanced in the territory of the CIS countries thanks to its services. The airport is not yet operational even though the government has an interest in launching flights in the near future but for now it only carries out flights to a remote village and flights of the United Nations Mission Observer. Abkhazian airspace is mainly controlled by the Russian Air Force. but also by the newly formed Abkhazian Air Force, and unauthorized aircraft entering it, especially if coming from Georgia, could be shot down.

On boat

A daily seasonal boat service (in service from 10 June to 1 October) was introduced in 2011 connecting Gagra and Sochi, where it is possible to enter Abkhazia in possession of a permit at the border crossing as if passing through customs on the river Psou by land. The boat leaves at 9 from Sochi (boarding at 8) and arrives at 10:30. In the opposite direction, we leave Gagra at 19:00 (boarding at 18:00), a one-way ticket costs 500 rubles (12 €), which in Sochi must be purchased at least one day before departure; however, for the return journey, it can be purchased on board. From the port of Gagra just 100 meters along the main road you can take a bus to proceed east.Abkhazia is partly under a naval blockade by the Coast Guard of Georgia and its waters are patrolled by the Border Coast Guard Russian. If you are surprised by the Georgians, they could investigate any involvement in economic activities in Abkhazia, punishable by imprisonment and a heavy penalty.

On the train

There are Marshrutka (trains) leading to the Russian side of the border, which depart from in front of the Adler train station. Suburban trains (Elektritschkas) depart twice a day from Adler, but travel to Gagra at most. Also in the summer there is a train from Moscow to Sukhumi in summer, although it does not appear to appear on Russian timetables. It departs Adler at 8am and returns from Sukhumi at 2pm.

By bus

Buses connect Sukhumi to Sochi is Rostov-on-Don, at least in the summer.

How to get around

By car

Visitors can also use taxis for travel within the country. Many taxi companies offer special rates for sightseeing. There are a number of travel agencies that provide mountain tours with 4WD vehicles.

By bus

There are frequent buses and marshrutkas along the coastal road between Psou and Sukhumi. You will find a detailed bus schedule at Sukhumi Bus Station (opposite the train station). Suburban trains run twice a day from Gagra to Psou on to Adler.

What see

An interesting destination for travelers is New Afonia (Новый Афон), an Orthodox Christian cathedral, which is a 20-minute drive from Sukhumi. It is famous not only as a cathedral and living testimony of Christianity, but also as a cave, where there are 7-8 immense cavities with thousands of splendid stalagmites and stalactites. A special train takes you deep. There are also historical places like the village of Moqua with its beautiful cathedral, and the ILOR Church near Ocamcira.

Another attraction is Lake Ritsa, high in the mountains about an hour's drive from the M-27 main road. Across the lake from the main road you can find the summer mountain colony "Stalin's Dacha". The shortest way to reach it is by boat, but access is also possible by car (5 km). The colony is open for tourists in the high season. Higher up is Lake Msui, a little off the beaten track; some travel agencies offer excursions. With weekly local flights from Sukhumi Airport you can reach the remote village of Pskhu, where tourists can enjoy fantastic mountain views and taste typical local products such as honey and meat.

The cities of Gagra and Pitsunda are the most popular tourist destinations, offering a wide range of activities for a holiday.

What to do

Abkhazia offers a wide range of activities such as ecotourism, food tourism, extreme sports, mountain hiking and snowboarding, diving, paragliding, hunting, cultural and religious tourism - these are things a tourist must have done before leaving. Abkhazia:

• Visit of the Abcaso Opera House, the Botanical Garden and the Monkey Park a Sukhumi.
• Dinner at the famous "Gagripsh" restaurant in Gagra.
• Boat trip from Gagra to Sukhumi.
• Visit of the small cave of San Simone the Canaanite.
• Visit of Kaman village near Sukhumi.
• Visit of the village of Lykhny with its historic churches and the mausoleum of the Abkhazian kings.

Currency and purchases

The national currency is the Ruble (RUB) Here are the links to know the current exchange rate with the main world currencies:

(EN) With Google Finance:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
With Yahoo! Finance:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
(EN) With XE.com:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
(EN) With OANDA.com:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD

Due to economic sanctions, credit cards are not accepted in Abkhazia. Dollars and Euros are accepted at official exchange offices which can easily be found in the more touristy areas. Sometimes, visitors can pay with dollars and euros directly, albeit at a lower rate.

At the table

Try the local Abkhazian dishes "Akud" (bean sauce) and "Abista" (corn and cheese soup) and a variety of fresh vegetables and meat, mostly spicy dishes.

Drinks

Local wines are a must try; Apsny, Ashta, Buque, Dioskuria (ancient Greek name of Sukhumi), Gumsta, Lykhni, Psou and Radeda.

Tourist infrastructure

Events and parties

Safety

Before embarking on the journey consult:

• Safe travel - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) (Country safety information). 

In the past, Abkhazia has been the victim of a military confrontation between the Georgian armed forces and the Russian army in support of local independence groups. For the common tourist, the country is relatively safe, but you must absolutely avoid approaching the border with Georgia. Some unregistered minor minefields are reported near the border, this should be one more reason to completely delete it from your travel list. Remember that Abkhazia is, according to international law, still a part of Georgia. Further military confrontations are unlikely, but you must follow international and independent news carefully in case the situation changes. Travelers who have visited Abkhazia and intend to visit Georgia may be questioned or denied entry to Georgia or in the worst case may be imprisoned by Georgian immigration officers, because entry to Abkhazia is seen as a 'clandestine immigration.

The basic precautions for travelers are those recommended in all tourist destinations:

• Check your purse or wallet in public places (buses, trains, meetings). Keep your car locked with no valuables in sight and don't leave valuables such as cameras, jewelry or cell phones on the beach when you go for a swim.
• If your cell phone is stolen, the local phone company can help track the phone and in many cases it will be found if resold in Abkhazia.
• Do not hesitate to report crimes to the local police. If you report a theft, people are generally available.

Health situation

Respect the customs

In Abkhazia, being a traditionalist and conservative country, it is recommended that you wear decent clothing at all times. Clothes that expose the skin too much will give you a bad image among the locals, less availability and more detachment.

How to keep in touch

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Abkhazia
• Commons contains images or other files on Abkhazia
• Wikinews contains current news on Abkhazia