Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2
Russia, Georgia, Armenia

Hi All,

I'm planning on riding from Germany to St Petersburg through the Baltics in Aug/Sep 10. From there we're planning to head south to Georgia, Azerbajan, Armenia and into Turkey. I've heard that the border is now open between Russia and Georgia in certain places, but is it relatively safe in that region, given the proximity to Chechnya and South Ossetia? Also anything we should be aware of travelling through Azerbajan and Armenia?

Any comments appreciated.

Matt
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Feb 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Matt ... for more detail, read the last half a dozen posts on this thread:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...eorgia-36335-2

The border between Russia and Georgia is not open, and despite talk to the contrary, I would be quite sceptical that this will change for westerners at any time soon. (limited access - probably for CIS citizens only - may resume March 1st.)

The area in general is safe, but be aware the Georgia / Russian border particularly near Ossetia is really quite militarised and sensitive. It will be constant road blocks.

Chechnya has been a lot more safe now that you might expect. Dagestan too gets a lot of bad press, but is probably not as bad as people fear. Having said that, there are reports of tension building in Dagestan and Chechnya in recent weeks again. I was down that way last year. For me, the main area to avoid on safety grounds is probably Ingushetia at the moment. I would also still avoid Ossetia on inconvenience grounds.

As mentioned in the post linked above, you best bet for crossing from Russia to Georgia may be the Bulgarian ferry.

Last edited by colebatch; 14 Feb 2010 at 11:34.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 64
You might want to check out the Turkey/ armenia border as well as when i travelled through there in June last year the border was closed. You can easily go in to turkey through georgia as an alternative.

Russ
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2
Thanks for the advice Guys! If the situations hasn't changed by the time I get there, I think we may take the easier option and get the ferry from Sochi to Trabzon.

Cheers,
matt
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Somerset
Posts: 2
Hi,
Just a note to say the road we came down two years ago from St Pete to the Estonian border at Narva is not good. The one in from Finland is far better. If it was me I would ferry it from Tallinn but then I'm old and not an off roader!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Feb 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by csc1 View Post
Hi,
Just a note to say the road we came down two years ago from St Pete to the Estonian border at Narva is not good. The one in from Finland is far better.

I confirm this.
I rode from Narva to St. Petersburg on August 9, 2009 and the first 40 km (about) consisted in bad asphalt. You must ride slowly, there. Then, it got better up to St. Pete.

From St. Petersburg to Finnish border it is anywhere good with no problems.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Georgia to Armenia DUBAIPETE Route Planning 1 25 Jun 2007 11:59
Georgia to Armenia Border crossing DUBAIPETE Trip Paperwork 0 23 Jun 2007 08:50
Georgia, Aserbaijan, Armenia albert wildgen West and South Asia 7 28 Apr 2006 09:23
Armenia - Georgia niels Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 6 23 May 2005 19:45
someone in armenia-georgia in may? niels Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 20 Apr 2005 22:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:40.