Heathrow Airport: Travel advice for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan as Russia invades Ukraine

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Feb 25 2022

The three Caucasus countries sit to the south of the Russian Federation – which recognises the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia

Russian forces continue their advance into neighbouring Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of the Eastern European state.

Tanks, troops and helicopter gunships are advancing on key cities including the capital city of Kyiv, with explosions reported across the country.

The invasion comes after Russia recognised the independence of the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which declared independence from Ukraine in 2014 and have waged a civil war ever since.

Read More: Heathrow Airport: What to do if you had a flight booked with Russian airline Aeroflot

It is not the first time Russia has invaded a neighbour while recognising breakaway states however.

In 2008 Russia fought a short war with neighbouring Georgia and recognised the independence of the Caucasian country's two breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

We looked at the latest Foreign Office travel advice for Georgia and the neighbouring countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, is an increasingly popular city break destination for travellers from the UK – boasting many attractions, great food and excellent value for money.

The latest UK Foreign Office travel advice for Georgia states: " For security reasons, the FCDO advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and against all but essential travel to areas immediately adjacent to the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"The British government does not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence made by the de facto authorities in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Consular support is not available in parts of Georgia where the FCDO advise against all travel."

Armenia fought a brief but bloody war with neighbouring Azerbaijan in 2020 as part of an ongoing dispute over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

The latest UK Foreign Office travel advice for the country states: " The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel: within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan [and] along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan.

"Armenia was engaged in widespread military activity along the Line of Contact in Nagorno-Karabakh during 2020. Protests sometimes take place in central Yerevan and other major cities. These are usually organised by opposition political parties or activist groups highlighting topical social and political issues.

"Although protests tend to be peaceful and usually pass off without incident, you should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities, monitor the media and remain vigilant.

"The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed. There have been many instances of military clashes across the border during the last 12 months, resulting in a number of deaths and casualties. We advise against all travel within 5km of the border."

The oil-rich Azerbaijan sits on the Caspian Sea.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to: Nagorno-Karabakh, The rayons of Zengilan, Jabrayil, Qubadli, Lachin and Kelbajar. Western areas of Khojavand, Fuzuli and Aghdam rayons [and] within 5km of the border with Armenia

"A ceasefire agreement was signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in November 2020 to end the military action in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Some territory under Azerbaijani control post-conflict is currently closed to the general public and may contain high amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines.