Russian border permit question
 

This August/Sept I'll be heading from Belarus to Georgia, obviously via Russia. I'm intending to head via Astrakhan, Derbent and then cross the border into Georgia via Verkhny Lars crossing.

Obviously parts of that route are somewhat flexible depending on the ever changing political situation, but what I would like to know is
(1)what parts of the area round Astrakhan require a border permit from FSB and
(2)again for the North Caucasus particularly round Dombai area?

Hey Liam

For Astrakhan I believe there is some kind of permit required to visit the Volga Delta. Whether this is a FSB 'border zone' permit, or some kind of reserve permit, I am unsure. But certainly, to drive through towards Makhachkala needs no permit.

There is some kind of restricted area between Ladan and Artezian in Kalmykia, I have never been able to establish why. The main road shown on most maps as heading NNE from Artezian to Ladan does not exist, it has been ripped up and entry is prohibited. Traffic must divert via Yashkul (on the Astrakhan - Elsita road) and Komsomolsk. No permits needed for this route.

For Dombay (as of 2010 at least), no permit was required as the border zone starts on the routes beyond Dombay.

Also, be very careful in North Ossetia. There is an extra permit requirement for leaving federal highways, regardless of border zones. It means you can drive on the main roads (Beslan, Vladikavkaz, Ardon, Alagir, Rokskiy Tunnel etc), but not on district roads (e.g. Dargavs, Verkhny Fiagdon etc).

Best of luck, let me know if you need more info.

BTW, I'm on the road for the next few weeks, you can see some snapshots from the trip here:

www.facebook.com/eurasiaoverland

Cheers!

Hi 'EO'

thanks, that is some interesting information.

I may do a little more research into the Volga Delta, as I would like to see the delta.

Interesting about that road closure too.

Derbent I am assuming is well out of any 'border zone' restrictions?

The extra permit you mention for North Ossetia, do you think its an actual possibility to get it, is it worth the effort and if the answer to the first two is yes, from where does it come?

I really need to sit down and look at a map properly for a few hours, then I'll be able to ask more questions!

Hope your enjoying your current excursion! Maybe some day I'll learn to take decent pictures like yourself and post a few.

Thanks for the help,
regards,
Liam

I would also be interested as to what permits you would need for this region, I will be arriving from Kazakhstan and looking at heading down to Azerbaijan/Georgia way.

Let me know how it works out!
Cheers in advance.