I started my 2016 travel adventure with 2 countries in 7 days by land just last January. It was indeed a new experience for me since my past travels were by plane. Good thing I have decided to join a group of friends' winter escapade to Georgia and Armenia for a change. These Caucasian countries can be traveled via Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border between Georgia and Armenia. Our travel package consists of a private bus transportation during the entire trip (including the border crossing; Georgia-Armenia-Georgia). Most of the officers in both immigration points doesn't speak English, but luckily, Ms. Anika, our kind travel agent from Best Travel who's an Armenian local, accompanied us all through out the process. Traveling by bus from the old Tbilisi to Sadakhlo is approximately 3 hours, and since we were a group of 14 adults and 3 children, it took us 1 hour or more in passing the border and processing our visa to Armenia, then another 3 hours (depending on the weather and road conditions) drive to Yerevan. Crossing borders. GEORGIA-ARMENIA Upon reaching Sadakhlo border, we went out of the bus and proceeded to the immigration for exit, we then continued to a small window not far from the Georgian immigration for our Armenian visa application. Visa cost: AMD3,000 (USD6-7) When done, we headed to the immigration of Armenia which is about 1-2 minutes walk for the entry procedure and formalities, then finally passed the border and we're off to a 3-hour drive to Yerevan. ARMENIA-GEORGIA Unlike Armenia, we have to clear the vehicle and take our bags out (x-ray for security purposes) upon passing the immigration. No medicines are allowed (which means we threw everything including vitamins) and a limited amount of alcoholic drinks can only be carried through. Though Georgian immigration is more strict, crossing from Bagratashen was faster (took us not more than 30 minutes since we we're visa exempted). What I have learned from my travel experiences is that, it is very important to have with you a local currency of the country that you are about to visit. Dollars are widely accepted, but in general, keeping a local currency is strongly advised especially when shopping for souvenirs and crossing borders.
6 Comments
Atchie Gonzales
22/6/2016 04:06:29 pm
Hi Ms. Pie, Thank you for sharing your experience of your trip to Armenia... This inspired me to visit Armenia as well.
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Hello there, Pie,
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14/3/2017 10:46:55 am
I agree, Keeping the local currency of the place we are travelling is a lot necessary, I just found one Pet Friendly Hotels and gladly they accept dollar. I have learned a lot from this article.Thanks for some clever tips.
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The Author❤PIE TAN❤
Zealous Writer | Wander Blogger | Eager Traveler | Striving Singer | Tea Lover | Happy Partner *** A full-time expat and part-time lakwatsera. An optimist who is not willing to give up her dream to travel and see amazing places as far as she could. A crazy main character of her own Theatrical Show who is exaggeratedly dramatic and annoying. A Leo full of dreams, ambitions and SURPRISES! Donate with PayPal
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