How To Cross The Azerbaijan – Georgia Border

How To Cross The Northern Azerbaijan - Georgia Border
How To Cross The Azerbaijan-Georgia Border From Sheki To Telavi

How To Cross The Azerbaijan-Georgia Border From Sheki To Telavi

Travelling from Sheki (Azerbaijan) to Telavi (Georgia) via the Balakan/Lagodekhi border is a scenic, affordable adventure through the Caucasus foothills. The route is open for exiting Azerbaijan (as of November 2025), takes 5–7 hours, and costs 15–40 AZN total by public transport. Here's your complete step-by-step guide with tips and latest info.

1. Preparation & Requirements

Before heading out, ensure you're ready for a smooth crossing. The Balakan/Lagodekhi border is pedestrian-only—no private cars cross—and open 24/7.

Visa & Entry Rules (November 2025)

Exiting Azerbaijan: No issues. Entering Georgia: Visa-free for 98+ nationalities (up to 1 year). No COVID restrictions. Azerbaijan still closes land borders for entry—only exit allowed.

Passport: Valid 3+ months beyond stay
Insurance: Mandatory for Georgia (buy at border 10 GEL/30 days)
Currency: Bring AZN/GEL cash (no ATMs at border)
Customs: Declare drones/expensive gear
No-no's: Armenian products/stamps may cause questions
Apps: Bolt/Yandex (Georgia), Google Translate offline
This border is one of the most scenic in the Caucasus—mountain views the whole way!
Start early (before 10 AM) to catch frequent marshrutkas. Pack light—700 m walk with stairs at border.
2. From Sheki to Balakan (Azerbaijan Side)

Distance: 110 km (2–2.5 hours). Head to Sheki Avtovağzal (Central Bus Station).

Transport Options

Marshrutka/minibus is cheapest and most frequent. Direct to Balakan or via Zaqatala/Qax.

Marshrutka timetable: 8:00, 10:10, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 (departs when full)
Price: 5–7 AZN
Taxi (private): 40–60 AZN (1.5 hours, door-to-border)
Train (new 2025): Sheki–Balakan early morning (arr. 8:18, 4 AZN)
Bus station location: 2 km from centre (taxi 3 AZN)
Last departure: ~16:00 (avoid afternoons—fewer connections)
The road hugs the Caucasus foothills—stunning views of snow-capped peaks!
Buy tickets at counter. Sit right side for mountain views. From Balakan centre, taxi to border 5–10 AZN (10 mins).
3. Crossing Balakan/Lagodekhi Border

Pedestrian-only, 700 m walk (uphill with stairs). Open 24/7, usually 20–40 mins total.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Azerbaijan exit: Passport check, stamp out. 2. Neutral zone walk (700 m, stairs). 3. Georgia entry: Passport + insurance check, stamp in.

Time: 20–40 mins (longer weekends)
Insurance: Buy at Georgia side (10 GEL/30 days)
Luggage: X-ray on Georgia side
No shade: Hot in summer, rainy possible
Money exchange: Poor rates—change in Lagodekhi
Taxi wait: Plenty on Georgia side
The neutral zone bridge has epic mountain views—perfect photo stop!
Pack light (stairs!). Bring water. Cross before 3 PM for Telavi connections. Say “Telavi” to taxi drivers.
4. From Lagodekhi Border to Telavi

Distance: 80 km (1.5–2 hours). Taxis swarm at border—negotiate or share.

Transport Options

Direct taxi fastest. Marshrutka cheaper but slower.

Taxi to Lagodekhi town: 5–10 GEL (5 mins)
Direct taxi to Telavi: 50–70 GEL (share 15–20 GEL/pp)
Marshrutka Lagodekhi–Telavi: 10 GEL, 5+ daily (last ~4 PM)
Marshrutka station: Lagodekhi centre (near Public Service Hall)
Time: 1.5–2 hours (scenic wine region)
Bolt app: Works in Lagodekhi (cheaper)
You’ll drive through Kakheti—Georgia’s premier wine region!
Share taxi with other travellers (common). Say “Telavi avtostantsia”. Cross by 2 PM for marshrutka.
5. Arrival in Telavi & Next Steps

Welcome to Kakheti! Telavi is the heart of Georgia’s wine country with castles, monasteries, and endless vineyards.

First Things in Telavi

Arrive at central bus station. Walk or short taxi to old town.

Bus station: Central, near bazaar
Top hotels: Hotel Tela (50 GEL), guesthouses 30–40 GEL
Wine tasting: 20–50 GEL (Tsinandali, Kindzmarauli)
Onward to Tbilisi: Marshrutka every hour 8 GEL (2 hours)
Currency: ATMs everywhere (TBC Bank best rates)
SIM card: Magti/Beeline at station 10 GEL
Telavi means “tree” in old Georgian—surrounded by ancient forests!
Try local qvevri wine and churchkhela. Visit Batonis Tsikhe castle (5 GEL). Book wine tour for next day.

Disclaimer: Information accurate as of November 11, 2025. Prices approximate (AZN/GEL). Borders/transport can change—verify with official sources. Always carry passport copies and travel insurance. Safe travels!

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