Rest in the former republics of the USSR enjoys increasing popularity among Russians. The first places in the ranking of the most popular destinations are steadily occupied by Armenia and Georgia. A trip to these beautiful Caucasian countries does not require a visa, but the question often arises: do I need a passport to Georgia? This question arises in connection with the fact that for visiting, for example, Armenia, only an internal Russian passport is enough.
Do you need a passport to Georgia?
There is a somewhat unequal visa regime between Russia and Georgia. While citizens of the Caucasian republic are required to obtain a Russian visa at the Swiss embassy (there are no diplomatic relations between the two countries, and Switzerland is an intermediary), Russians can freely visit Georgia. The question of whether a passport to Georgia is needed for Russians will not perplex the seasoned traveler. A passport for such a trip is required.
At the same time, no additional documents will be required for a trip to Georgia from Russia. At the border control it will be enough to present an identity document, which for most Russians is a passport, and cross the border.
Diplomatic relations between countries
Bilateral Russian-Georgian relations were severely tested in 2008, when a real war broke out between the countries, lasting five days. The conflict arose due to shelling by the Georgian side of the capital of South Ossetia - the city of Tskhinval. Of course, with such a story, the question of whether it is possible to go to Georgia without a passport may seem a little strange.
Since then, there have been no diplomatic relations between the countries, and all issues have been settled through the mediation of neutral Switzerland, in the embassy of which Georgian citizens receive Russian visas.
Visa Waiver Rules
For a long time in Georgia there was a special regime for the stay of foreigners on its territory. Trying to stimulate the growth of tourist flow and investment, the Georgian government allowed foreigners to stay in the country 360 days a year without receiving a visa.
From September 2018, the situation will radically change, and the period of visa-free stay will be 90 days in half a year, which corresponds to European standards, for a longer period you will need to receive special permission. However, the authorities promise not to complicate the procedure for obtaining such permission too much and to do with a minimum of documents.
How to behave on the border?
Although the answer to the question whether a passport to Georgia is needed for Russians will be negative, there are some nuances when passing through border and customs control when visiting Georgia.
Given the tense history of relations between the two countries over the past ten years, border guards may have additional questions for the Russian. According to the official Georgian position, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are an integral part of Georgia and the country does not recognize their independence. In this regard, due to a visit to Abkhazia and South Ossetia without the permission of the Georgian authorities, entry into Georgia may be denied, as well as a fine and criminal proceedings.
However, there is an elegant way to not have difficulties with Georgian border guards. It is enough to answer negatively the question of whether the traveler visited Abkhazia and South Ossetia or not.Indeed, to visit these two countries, a Russian citizen needs an internal passport in which no markings are made when crossing the border, which means that foreign border guards will not be able to confirm or deny the visit of a tourist to Abkhazia.
Ways to get to Georgia
Until recently, there was no direct flight connection between Russia and Georgia, but now this problem has been resolved, and travelers can use the numerous flights flying to Russia from Tbilisi and Batumi.
Russian cities from which you can fly to Georgia include Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the summer season, the number of flights increases significantly and charter and seasonal flights from cities such as Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk appear.
The Sochi-Batumi route, on which Meteor operates, is also considered popular among tourists, which allows you to make a quick sea voyage along the East Caucasus.
Very often, real travelers come to Georgia by land. It is worth noting that between Russia and Georgia there is only one land crossing, called the Upper Lars, and is located in North Ossetia, not far from Vladikavkaz.
Features of the transition of the Upper Lars
The passage can be reached only by transport, and for pedestrians it is closed. To take advantage of this passage, you must first get to Vladikavkaz by train or plane. Fortunately, a low-cost airline flies to the Ossetian capital from Moscow, which often offers discounts.
In Vladikavkaz, you can take a shuttle bus or take a taxi, but it should be borne in mind that crossing the border on private vehicles can take up to eight hours, depending on the number of cars on the border and weather conditions.
In the autumn and winter months, the passage is often closed, because due to heavy rains or the danger of avalanches, the Georgian Military Road is often blocked. In this case, waiting at the border can take up to a day. However, it is also worth saying that all these difficulties are worth it, because the Georgian Military Highway is one of the most beautiful in the world, as it goes along the picturesque gorges of the Caucasus Range.
Although the answer to the question of whether a passport is needed in Georgia will be negative, it is at the Verkhny Lars crossing that you should be especially careful not to inform the Georgian border guards about a possible visit to South Ossetia, since it is located in close proximity to this section of the border.
Where to relax in Georgia?
The possibilities for both independent and organized recreation in Georgia are truly endless. Fortunately for Russian travelers, Georgia is distinguished by great loyalty, not only in the matter of visa. The validity of a passport for Georgia can be any at the time of crossing the border, which makes this country a very popular destination among tourists who are distinguished by spontaneity of decisions.
The most pleasant places to relax in Georgia are the village of Kazbegi, where you can ski in winter, and in summer walk along the mountain slopes and visit ancient churches. Batumi is famous for its beaches, good infrastructure and a large number of hotels, restaurants and opportunities for families with children.
The capital of the country, Tbilisi, attracts a huge number of both Russian and European tourists, among whom there are many Germans and Poles, as these countries connect several routes of budget air travel with Georgia. It is worth recalling once again that Russians need a passport to enter Georgia, but a visa is not needed.