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 Abkhazia portal |
Visitors to the Republic ofAbkhazia must obtain an entry permit unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. When entering and exiting Abkhazia through Russia,visa policy of Russia also applies.
IfGeorgian border guards find an Abkhazian visa, Abkhazian stamps or a Russian checkpoint stamp on the border with Abkhazia in a passport while enteringGeorgia (by land, air or sea), one is very likely to be fined and often not allowed to enter the country additionally.[1] Sometimes, in addition to a fine, foreigners who have the above mentioned stamps in their passports or stamps from the checkpoint at the Russian-Abkhazian border are prosecuted for illegal border crossing under the laws of Georgia, as Georgia considers Abkhazia its territory and requires visitors to comply withvisa policy of Georgia.[1]
Citizens of third countries (all except Georgian citizens) can cross the border from Georgia into Abkhazia and vice versa, as there is border control in theZugdidi area ("Ingur" checkpoint). Nevertheless, the departure from Georgia to Abkhazia is de facto free, since Georgia considers Abkhazia to be its part, however, it will be necessary to return from Abkhazia only through Georgia, otherwise the Georgian side will consider that you left the country illegally.[2]
Despite the presence of seaports, there is no sea passenger communication with the outside world (even with Russia) in Abkhazia, the railway network though, has been repaired andAbkhazian Railways andRussian Railways operate services fromSukhumi toSochi and seasonal summer services connect sometimesMoscow toSukhumi. The territory of Abkhazia has not been controlled by the Georgian authorities since 1992, since the beginning of thewar between these countries.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, citizens of the following countries (including citizens belonging to the members of theCommunity for Democracy and Rights of Nations) may enter Abkhazia without a visa for the following period:[3]
90 days 14 days |
ID – May enter with an ID card in lieu of a passport for up to 90 days, Passport for International travel required beyond 90 days.[3]
IP – May enter with an internal passport in lieu of a passport for up to 90 days, Passport for International travel required beyond 90 days.[3]
In addition, children aged 14 and below may enter Abkhazia without a visa, regardless of nationality.[3]
As part of organized tour groups from travel companies registered in Abkhazia or inRussia, tourists from all countries (exceptGeorgia) can visit Abkhazia without an Abkhazian visa by land officially through Russia and it's also possible to enter through Georgia with a free electronic authorization, for a period of no more than 24 hours.[3][5]
Citizens of other countries need to obtain an entry permit. Below are the requirements for receiving an entry permit to the Republic of Abkhazia:[5]
The Republic of Abkhazia is one of the most visitedpartially recognized countries by tourists in the world.
The majority of foreigners visiting Abkhazia are from thePost-Soviet space. They visit Abkhazia as it is an affordable destination forbeach andmountain tourism. The country also has developed tourism incaves andgorges, forurban exploration in abandoned and destroyed objects.
Citizens of the Russian Federation[6]
| Country | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Russia |  5,177,816 |  2,824,631 | 4,902,475 | 4,520,750 | 4,357,973 | 4,274,549 | 3,833,802 | 3,285,377 | 3,359,453 | 3,367,243 | 3,072,517 | 2,804,505 | 2,503,898 | 1,930,302 |
