Abkhazia is often called the "land of the soul." Thanks to the hospitality of local residents and the beauty of nature, this state is one of the favorite places for spending summer vacations among our compatriots. All the advantages of a vacation in Abkhazia are obvious: there is no language barrier, there is no need to change the currency, you do not need to apply for a visa or passport. Where is the Russian-Abkhaz border, and what do you need to know for its successful transition?
Checkpoint General Information
Between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia, a significant part of the state border passes along the Psou River. The main checkpoint is of the same name, located in the village of Veselom. Border terminals operate around the clock on three bridges: railway, road and pedestrian. The Russian-Abkhaz border has a customs inspection and border control zone, the total length of which is about 150 meters. Abkhazia is an independent republic that has concluded an agreement with the Russian Federation on mutual visa-free travel. Today, citizens of the Russian Federation (as well as countries of the former CIS) have the right to cross the Russian-Abkhaz border without a visa. This rule is valid for visits for any purpose, provided that you stay on the territory of Abkhazia for no more than 90 days.
How to get to Abkhazia for a tourist?
The Russian-Abkhaz border runs approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Adler, Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. This is a large settlement, which can be reached from other regions of Russia by rail, air and road. From Adler it is easy to get to the village of Vesyoloye to cross the border. Public transport runs from the city's stations; you can take a taxi if you wish. Travelers cross the Russian-Abkhaz border through pedestrian and road bridges. Upon entering Abkhazia from the territory of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to pass a Russian checkpoint, and then an Abkhazian one. Crossing the state border is also possible by rail. To do this, you need to purchase a train or train ticket following the Adler-Sukhum route. At the border, the passenger train makes a stop, and border guards bypass cars, registering all passengers.
Required documents
Passage of the Russian-Abkhaz border by persons over the age of 18 is carried out according to the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation or a passport. No additional documents are required. Since 2006, when crossing the state border through the Psou checkpoint, it is necessary to conclude a compulsory life and health insurance contract. This procedure is carried out on the Abkhaz side and takes a few minutes. Citizens of the Russian Federation planning to stay in the territory of Abkhazia for 1 day must pay an insurance fee in the amount of 15 rubles. Persons entering the territory of the republic for a period of more than 1 day pay insurance at the rate of 10 rubles / 1 day of stay. The compulsory insurance contract protects the health, working capacity and life of foreign citizens while in Abkhazia. The maximum payment provided for insured events is 30 thousand rubles. Keep your insurance policy until you return to Russia.
Rules for crossing the border by citizens of the Russian Federation under the age of 14
Children under the age of 14 cross the state border upon presentation of a birth certificate. Attention: the document must bear a stamp on the citizenship of the Russian Federation (sometimes a special insert is attached instead).
Minor citizens of Russia (14-18 years old) can enter Abkhazia with an internal passport or passport. When crossing the border with one of the parents / legal representative, the consent of the second to take the child out is not required. To confirm family ties, you must have a birth certificate with you. Consent to export is not required even in the case of one of the parents' actual absence, which is confirmed by: death certificate, documents on deprivation of parental rights, maternity book or application for abandonment of the child. For children under the age of 6 years, a compulsory insurance policy is not required. If necessary, compensation can be obtained according to the policy of one of the parents / legal representative.
Pedestrian bridge border crossing rules
The Russian-Abkhaz border works round the clock seven days a week. Near checkpoints there are information plates and signs. If you believe the reviews of experienced tourists, at the height of the season it is simply impossible to enter Abkhazia without queues at the border. Borders and customs pass through the pedestrian bridge along with luggage. Several windows work on the Russian side, one of them is intended for citizens of Abkhazia returning home. Carry all necessary documents with you. After passing through the Russian checkpoint, you must cross the bridge to the Abkhaz border and customs control zone. Upon entering Abkhazia, a compulsory insurance policy is drawn up, documents are checked and baggage inspection is carried out according to a simplified scheme.
Crossing the border on personal vehicles
Many tourists believe that the rules for crossing the Russian-Abkhaz border are significantly simplified for people who enter the territory of Abkhazia in a personal car. This is a big mistake. At the entrance to the checkpoints, all passengers must leave the car and go to the pedestrian bridge. To cross the border on a personal vehicle registered in Russia, some documents are required. The driver must have a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, a driver’s license and a vehicle registration certificate. Upon entry, a one-time fee is paid for temporary registration with the traffic police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia. The amount of payment depends on the vehicle category and duration of stay in the country. You can cross the border by someone else's car, provided that the driver has a power of attorney authorizing exit.
Does it make sense to order a transfer?
Sanatoria and hotels of Abkhazia offer their guests a meeting in Adler and assistance in crossing the border. A similar service usually costs from 300 to 2000 rubles. We are happy to book a transfer from the airport / from Adler's station to vacationers who are coming to Abkhazia for the first time. We will try to evaluate all the pros and cons of the service. Meeting in Adler will help you feel more confident for those who are afraid to get lost in an unfamiliar city. On the comfort during the border and the waiting time for their turn, the order of transport in the hotel in no way affects. All passengers of tourist buses and cars registered in Abkhazia pass checkpoints on a pedestrian bridge. Immediately after crossing the border, on the Abkhaz side it is not difficult to find a taxi or wait for public transport. Nevertheless, a transfer can be useful if you carry a lot of luggage with you. This service will also help those who have booked rooms in hotels that are difficult to reach by public transport or taxi.
Import of currency into the territory of Abkhazia
The official state currency in Abkhazia is the Russian ruble. When crossing the border, any citizen of the Russian Federation can import up to $ 3, 000 and / or 50, 000 rubles without a customs declaration. Individuals are allowed to export up to $ 10, 000 from Russia at the same time by submitting a written declaration. Additional documents for crossing the Russian-Abkhaz border will be needed when importing a large amount of money in ruble terms. In this case, a written declaration is also filed.
List of prohibited items and restrictions
Before each trip, we advise every traveler to study the full rules for crossing the Russian-Abkhaz border. The section of customs regulations on the import and export of various items for individuals deserves special attention. It is forbidden to carry weapons, narcotic substances and certain medicines into the territory of Abkhazia. Limitations apply to many foods and household cleaning products. Only things for personal use may be in the luggage of an individual. Do not be too lazy to study modern standards for one person, as otherwise all surpluses will be confiscated.
Travel Tips
Features of crossing the Russian-Abkhaz border for citizens of the Russian Federation make Abkhazia one of the most accessible countries for the rest of our compatriots. The only thing that tourists are afraid of is long lines. Indeed, the waiting area for those entering Abkhazia is not equipped today perfectly. Under the awnings from the sun, far from all who want to get into the "land of the soul" can fit. When planning to cross the border, try to foresee all your needs in advance. It is useful to bring a bottle of water and an umbrella to protect from the sun or wear a hat. Many travelers plan to cross the border at night. This is a good option, but in the midst of the tourist season, even in the most unpopular times you can get in line. At the entrance to the border control zone there is a toilet, cafes and shops. Making serious purchases here is not recommended due to high prices. But if necessary, you can eat and buy drinks.
