Exploring The Dynamic Georgia-Azerbaijan Border: Open Or Closed?

The border between Georgia and Azerbaijan has been closed since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Although the pandemic ended in May 2023, Azerbaijan has been slow to reopen its land borders. In December 2023, Baku extended its quarantine measures until April 2, 2024. As a result, for nearly four years, travel from Azerbaijan to Georgia and back has only been possible by air.

Azerbaijan shut its land borders with all its neighbours (Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia) in spring 2020. The country has cited threats from Iran and Russia as the reason for keeping its borders closed. However, experts argue that the risk of an influx of Russian citizens into Azerbaijan is not significant.

The border closure has had a negative impact on tourism in Georgia, with the country losing 1.5 million tourists and $400 million in revenue. It has also affected residents of border villages, who relied on cross-border trade for their livelihood.

There have been calls from both countries to reopen the border, with ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia appealing to the Azerbaijani President to open the border so people can visit their families.

As of now, there is no indication of when the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan will reopen.

Border closure impact on tourism

The impact of border closures on tourism has been significant, with the industry taking a hit due to travel restrictions. The closure of borders has resulted in a decline in the number of people travelling, which has affected the airline and travel industries, as well as local businesses that rely on tourists.

In Australia, for example, there was a record drop in overseas travel, with a 98.1% decrease in the number of Australians returning home after short-term trips in April compared to the previous year. This has had a devastating effect on the Australian travel industry, and similar impacts have been seen in other countries.

Border closures have also disrupted the flow of people across borders, impacting those with relatives on the other side. For instance, residents of the village of Ikindzhi Shykhly in Azerbaijan, which shares a border with Georgia, have faced difficulties due to the closure. The village, which previously thrived on cross-border trade, has seen a decline in economic activity, and residents have been unable to visit their relatives.

The impact of border closures on tourism is complex and far-reaching, affecting not only the travel industry but also local economies and communities on both sides of the border. While border closures may be necessary to address public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they can have significant social and economic consequences.

The border between Georgia and Azerbaijan remains closed as of 2024, with Azerbaijan keeping its land and sea borders shut since the beginning of the pandemic. This has resulted in a suspension of the train service between the two countries and impacted the movement of people and goods.

Border closure impact on trade

The border between Georgia and Azerbaijan has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The ongoing closure has had a significant impact on trade between the two countries, as well as the livelihoods of residents in border villages.

Impact on Trade

The closure of the Georgia-Azerbaijan border has disrupted trade flows and economic relationships between the two countries. Here are some of the key ways in which the border closure has impacted trade:

• Disruption of Supply Chains: The border closure has interrupted cross-border supply chains, particularly affecting industries that rely on just-in-time delivery and integrated international supply chains. This disruption can lead to price hikes, supply delays, and reduced options for businesses.
• Reduction in Trade Volume: With the border closed, the volume of trade between Georgia and Azerbaijan has decreased significantly. This has impacted economic activity and revenue for businesses in both countries.
• Increased Costs for Businesses: Businesses that rely on cross-border trade between Georgia and Azerbaijan have incurred additional costs due to delays and disruptions. This includes increased transportation costs, storage costs for perishable goods, and potential shutdowns of manufacturing facilities waiting for parts or raw materials.
• Impact on Specific Industries: Certain industries have been particularly affected by the border closure. For example, the automotive industry, which makes up a significant portion of trade between the two countries, has experienced disruptions in their supply chains and potential plant shutdowns. Other industries, such as agriculture, plastics, and railroads, have also been impacted.
• Loss of Revenue and Jobs: The reduction in trade and disruption of supply chains have resulted in significant financial losses for companies doing business between Georgia and Azerbaijan. This, in turn, has put jobs at risk and negatively impacted the economies of both countries.

Impact on Border Villages

In addition to the trade impacts, the border closure has had a profound effect on the residents of border villages in both Georgia and Azerbaijan. Here are some ways the closure has impacted these communities:

• Loss of Income: Many residents in border villages relied on cross-border trade for their livelihood. With the border closed, they have lost their source of income and face economic hardship.
• Difficulties in Obtaining Goods: Before the border closure, residents of border villages could easily travel to the neighbouring country to purchase food, hygiene products, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages at lower prices. The closure has made it more challenging and expensive to obtain these goods, affecting both their personal lives and small businesses.
• Inability to Visit Relatives: Many individuals in border villages have family and relatives on the other side of the border. The prolonged closure has prevented them from visiting their loved ones, causing emotional distress and separation.

The ongoing border closure between Georgia and Azerbaijan has had far-reaching consequences, affecting trade, economic growth, and the daily lives of people in both countries. As the border remains closed, it is essential to find alternative solutions or ease restrictions to mitigate the negative impacts on trade and communities.

Border closure impact on families

The closure of the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan has had a profound impact on the families living in the border villages, with many being separated from their loved ones for over three years. The border was closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and has remained shut despite the WHO's cancellation of the pandemic. This has created significant difficulties for residents, particularly those with relatives on the other side of the border.

The special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan, which has kept the borders closed, has disrupted economic activities and sources of income for many families. Mammad Nuriev, a 63-year-old resident of the border village Ikindzhi Shykhly, highlights how people used to travel to Georgia for food, hygiene products, and other goods, which they would then sell in Azerbaijan. This trade is no longer possible with the border closure. The lack of alternative sources of income, such as factories or plants, has made it challenging for villagers to make a living.

The border closure has also separated families, with some unable to return home or visit their loved ones. Eldar Rustamov, a former taxi driver from Ikindzhi Shykhly, shares how his father could not return to Azerbaijan after the borders were closed. Even when his mother passed away, his father and other relatives in Georgia were unable to attend the funeral due to the closed border.

The impact of the border closure on families extends beyond the emotional toll of separation. It has disrupted their daily lives and livelihoods. Before the closure, people could easily cross the border to purchase essential items at lower prices. The border village of Ikindzhi Shykhly was once a bustling place with thriving shops and cafes. Now, it faces economic decline as trade has come to a halt.

The situation has led to calls for the border to be reopened, particularly from members of the Azerbaijani parliament. Deputy Vahid Ahmadov has advocated for the border with Georgia to be opened, arguing that there is no longer a valid reason to keep it closed. He highlights the difficulties faced by families and the negative impact on people's well-being.

The border closure has had a profound and lasting impact on the families living in the border region. It has separated loved ones, disrupted economic activities, and altered the vibrant social fabric of these communities. With growing calls for the border to be reopened, there is hope that families may soon be reunited and some sense of normalcy restored to their lives.

Border crossing procedures

As of June 2024, Georgia has opened its land borders with Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan has kept its land borders closed for entry since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that it is possible to exit Azerbaijan via land, but not to enter.

There are two crossings on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border: Balakan/Lagodekhi, connecting Sheki (Azerbaijan) and Sighnaghi (Georgia), and Tsiteli/Red Bridge-Shikhli/Sixli, connecting Qazax (Azerbaijan) and Rustavi (Georgia).

To cross the border from Azerbaijan into Georgia, you must take a bus or shared taxi to the border. For example, to reach the Balakan/Lagodekhi border crossing, you can take a marshrutka (minibus) from the Central Bus Station in Sheki to Balakan, and then a shared taxi to the border terminal. At the border, you will need to show your passport and may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. Once you have crossed the border, there may be taxis waiting to take you to the nearest town or city in Georgia.

It is important to note that the land border is only open one-way for tourists (from Azerbaijan to Georgia). It is not possible to cross from Georgia into Azerbaijan by land. Therefore, if you are planning to travel in both countries, you may need to fly between them.

Additionally, it is recommended to have local currency (Azerbaijani Manat and Georgian Lari) for the border crossing, as there may be small shops and money exchange booths available.

Border crossing alternatives

As of June 1, 2024, Georgia has opened its land borders with Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan's land and sea borders remain closed for entry, with no indication of when they will reopen. This means that it is currently only possible to cross the border from Georgia to Azerbaijan, and not the other way around.

By Train

There is a train route from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Baku, Azerbaijan, that used to operate nightly. However, this train service has been suspended since the pandemic due to the closure of the border. It is unclear when this train service will resume.

By Road

It is possible to cross the border by road from Georgia to Azerbaijan at the northern border crossing from Balakan to Lagodheki. This border crossing connects Sheki in Azerbaijan and Sighnaghi in Georgia. To get to the border, you can take a marshrutka (minibus) from the Central Bus Station in Sheki to Balakan. There are two buses per day at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and the journey takes about two hours. From Balakan, you can take a shared taxi to the border terminal.

Once you arrive at the border, you will need to walk up a corridor to the passport control office. After exiting Azerbaijan, you will cross a bridge and enter the Georgian border terminal, where you will find baggage screening, passport control, and customs. There are ATMs and toilets available in the lobby. You can exchange or withdraw money at this border, and there are usually taxis waiting outside to take you to your next destination.

By Air

Currently, the only way to enter Azerbaijan without restrictions is by air. There are regular flights connecting Tbilisi and Baku, the capitals of Georgia and Azerbaijan, respectively.

Frequently asked questions