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Tourism in thebreakaway state of theRepublic of South Ossetia – the State of Alania, widelyrecognised internationally as being part ofGeorgia, is rare. It is illegal to enter South Ossetia under Georgian law.[1] However, South Ossetia remains accessible throughRussia via theSouth Ossetia–Russia border. Non-Russian citizens are required to hold a validRussian visa that permits them to return to Russia, unless they are citizens of countries that areexempt from Russian visa requirements.[2] Visitors, unless they hold aSouth Ossetian passport or are from an exempt country, such as Russia, are required to receive approval from theSouth Ossetian government in advance of their visit.[3]
South Ossetia does not issuevisas, with visitors being required to receive approval from the South Ossetian government in advance of their visit. However, as South Ossetia is only accessible through Russia, non-Russian citizens are required to hold a valid Russian visa that permits them to return to Russia, unless they are citizens of countries that are exempt from Russian visa requirements.[2][3]
South Ossetia, located in theSouth Caucasus, occupies part of the southernCaucasus Mountains, including theKeli Highland, which is a popular natural attraction among tourists to the state.[4][5][6]Religious tourism is also popular, with South Ossetia having many oldChristian churches, some dating back to the 9th century—theBieti Monastery,Eredvi basilica,Tigva Monastery,Tiri Monastery andTsirkoli church of the Mother of God are inscribed on the list of Georgia'sImmovable Cultural Monuments of National Significance.[7]
The tourism industry remains underdeveloped. However, several efforts to develop tourism have been made since 2010.[5] During theCOVID-19 pandemic, which saw the cancellation of international flights, the number of Russian tourists visiting South Ossetia domestically increased significantly.[8] Between 2011 and 2020, Caucasus Explorer organised 28 tours in South Ossetia for Russians and other foreign tourists.[9]
As South Ossetia iswidely recognised as being part of Georgia, several countries have issued warnings against travelling to the breakaway state. TheForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom advises against all travel to South Ossetia, due to theBritish government not recognising the state as independent and considering the region to be unstable.[10] The United States'Bureau of Consular Affairs also advises against all travel, claiming "Attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the areas."[11]
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