Hi, I'm planing a route overlanding from Iran Georgia-moscow(Russia) ? what is the overland issues on the border? is it safe? how's the weather like?
second question, i'm going to do this route in Jan-Feb, what is the weather like?
what is it like in svaneti in jan-feb?
thanks
Hi,
There are no issues. If your documents are in order(Russian visa if you need one), propere documents for your vehicle if you drive/bike.
The weather? What do you think how is the waether in midwinter in the highest mountin range of Europe? I guess you can answer that by yourself. Cold, lot's of snow, icy roads, perhaps avalanches. It's not as safe as in summer.
The only viable vehicle crossing from Georgia to Russia is north of Kazbegi along the Georgian Military Highway. This crossing is now open to all travelers with proper documents but weather may close it during the winter. It is impossible for a foreigner to cross (with or without a vehicle) from South to North Ossetia (Russia) using the Roki Tunnel and any crossing from Georgia to Abkhazia (and then on to Russia) with a vehicle is impossible, as well as being illegal under Georgia law. I cannot think of a worse time of the year to attempt to cross the Caucuses other than deep in Winter.
Russian visas are not available at the border. They are date specific and must be obtained in advance. A tourist visa is limited to 30 days and might be available through the Swiss interest section at the old Russian embassy in Georgia's Capitol, Tblisis.
You can cross from Georgia to Abkhazia to Russia but you would need a visa for Abkhazia as well and to tell the Georgians that you plan to retur there. Not sure you can drive your own vehicle.
There are now reports that iti is possible to cross from Azerbaijan to Russia.
Ruth