Abkhazia and South Ossetia

[faevil100]

Hi,

How easy (or not) is it to visit Abkhazia and South Ossetia currently? My research seems to indicate that Abkhazia is the easier of the two (and arguably has more of interest to a visitor), but is either 'doable' for a reasonably experienced (Russia, Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan of the countries in the region this site covers) traveller? For context, I speak passable Russian.

On another note, to anyone who's been/knows a lot about the situation there - does life seem to be improving at all in either place for the locals? It's very hard to get reliable information on the standard of living and how it's changed over the past decade.

[steven]

South Ossetia is very difficult at the moment. Abkhazia was always easy but recently the border with Georgia has been closed by the Russians - looking for updates on the re-opening.

Info and links to forum threads:
https://caravanistan.com/visa/south-ossetia/
https://caravanistan.com/visa/abkhazia/
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3035&start=10#p23024

[6309154935]

The bordercrossing from Georgia to Abkhazia is closed since 28 June 2019.

[Milad]

Do you have a source for that? I could not find any confirmation of this on the internet.

[mnfiveb]

Do you have a source for that? I could not find any confirmation of this on the internet.

It's because of mass protests in Georgia. As "Abkhazia govt" say, Zugdidi is among cities with protest, so "border closed until further notice".

[sebhoff]

Here's some info:
https://jam-news.net/abkhazia-closes-ch ... -protests/