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'''Abkhazia''' is a de-facto independent state on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the south-western flank of the Caucasus. The country is recognised only by a few states, including [[Russia]]. The US views Western governments declared it as occupied by Russia, but you barely will see any of the Russian peacekeepers at all.

It Abkhazia was a part of the [[Georgia (country)|Georgian]] SSR during Soviet times and most countries and the United Nations still consider it as a part of Georgia. Entering Abkhazia is illegal according to Georgian lawslaw. That's why travelling from Russia via Abkhazia to Georgia is curently not possible or connected with quite some difficulties for holders of non CIS-passports (July 2011).

Holders of CIS passports can enter Abkhazia without any obligations, whereas each other traveller has to get an entry permit and a visa on the appropriate visa spot in advanceSukhum. Most likely you have to You can apply for an [http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/visa entry permit letter]online. [[User:Platschi|Platschi]] got his entry permit within two working days in June 2011. Afterwards, you have to get your visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in [[Aqwa|Sukhum]]. Price in 2011 was 20$ USD (1 month tourist visa), to be payed beforehand in Rouble at a local bank. They don't stick it the visa into your passport, but if you do so yourself, you won't be able to visit Georgia another time.