From what I understand there is only one border crossing between the two countries (not including Abkhazia and South Ossetia), that's open; but only to CIS passport holders. Is that correct? If yes, is it Russia or Georgia or both that imposes this restriction on who can cross the border?
In which Russian Republic is this border crossing located? Has anyone managed to cross recently?
Think I have found the answers here:
http://soviettruck.com/forums/topic/russia-georgia-border-crossing-open/
There is lots of information on the TT about the Verkhny Lars crossing had you bothered to search.
Ruth
Verkhny Lars has been open since February. You can easily get transport between Vladikavkaz and Tbilisi.
Ruth,
Actually, I did bother to search the forum. Put "Verkhny Lars" into the "Search all forums box" then hit "Go" and you'll find there's been only two posts (not including mine) in the last 6 months both of which were inconclusive as the whether there has been a change in the status of the border crossing. When asking questions about visas or border crossing posts older than 6 months are of little use.
25
I crossed the border from Georgia to Russia - Georgian Military Road - one week ago on my own car. I have Portuguese passport and the car portuguese licence plates. Absolutely no problem. The Russian even helped me to fill the forms necessary for the car - temporary import of goods. Lots of patience need for the smart russian drivers allways trying to pass you in the queue
Does anyone know which border do i need to cross into Russia from Astana, Kazakhstan. I am in Astana at the moment trying for a Russian visa. I am in trouble because of overstaying in Kazakhstan. Has anyone been in my situation and what has happened to them. I have been to the Russian embassy four days last week. they keep telling me to come back on thursday or wednesday. I was there on thursday and was told at 11.45 am that they were not issuing any visas that day. I am all alone and have tried all travel agencies to see if they would help me with a visa. No luck there. I could fly back home or fly to another country but i am here with my own vehicle. I do know that i would have to spend a couple of nights in jail or pay the fine of 65,000 tenge. the trouble is that i was told that i also have to have a translater and a lawyer. the costs are becoming ridiculous. anyone have an idea how i could get out of this mess before midnight tomorrow night..
Did you explain your situation to the Russian embassy? Theoretically, you could show up tomorrow and they could be sympathetic and for quite a large express fee you could get the visa on the same day. However, having already turned you away 4 times and Kazakhstan not being your official place of residence the chances of this happening are unfortunately extremely low. But this scenario would be the only way you would get into Russia.
Your only other option for getting out without flying, and this would be quite hard-pressed, is to head for Kyrgyzstan which has just gone visa-free for many nationalities.
Is there any way you can go to OVIR and get an emergency extension or something like that?
Lastly, if you know people and have somewhere to leave your car you could fly out and then fly back but I don't know if customs will notice that you've entered with the car but left without it.
but I don't know if customs will notice that you've entered with the car but left without it.
Your passport is probably stamped with a car on the entry stamp to Kazakhstan so they know you came by car. And my guess if that your car was noted when you entered and there will be questions if you leave without it.
Have you asked from assistance from your embassy? They might be able to arrange an extension of your current visa since you can't seem to get a Russian visa quickly. Do you know what the problem is that you haven't gotten the Russian visa? Are you missing some paperwork or something else?
It doesn't matter the border if you don't have the visa but in the event that you do get your visa, here is the website of all the border crossings between Russia and Kazakhstan: Rosgranitsa but unfortunately it is in Russian and not especially helpful since it doesn't list those crossings only open to locals.
Ruth