travel to dagestan issues

August 9, 2009 4:12 AM

US citizen wanting to travel to dagestan. What are the hurdles and problems I will face?

I am in russia for a month and would like to visit dagestan with a friend who is from there. I can probably pass as a local looks wise. The people registering my visa warned my friend thàt it would maybe be problematic for me to go there, its not in my listed itenerary although I was previously told that once you get the russian visa it doesn't matter where in russia you go. I am 25 and female, my friend is male 33 and I would be with him. Please advise on whether I could go there logistically, whether you think it would be dangerous, and any other issues I should be aware of. Thanks !!!!!!!

posted by saraindc to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

Dagestan is one of the most dangerous parts of the former Soviet Union. If you're serious about going there, you should do a lot of reading about the last 20 years and talk to a lot of people besides your friend; notably, you should talk to women with experience in the region (which is even more sexist than Russia proper). Good luck; my advice would be to skip it, but if you insist on going, at least know what you're doing.
posted by languagehat at 9:10 AM on August 9

Wikitravel lists a lot of dangers.

Theres pertinent information on this forum.

There isn't a whole lot about traveling in the region in English. Try searching in Russian.

I expect you'll find most people to be hospitable (though perhaps only upon finding out you're a tourist and not a Russian). From what I see, it seems beautiful. And its extremely diverse. That said, there are far safer places to go to in the Caucuses like neighbouring Georgia (where Americans don't need a visa).

Dagestan is about as alien to most Russians as it is to you. Is your host familiar with the region (ideally, he speaks a local language and knows people there). Is he absolutely trustworthy (your last askmefi suggests you're not certain)? Are you close to fully functional in Russian (grammar and pronounciation not so relevant as long as you can express yourself and follow whats going on)?

Take basic precautions like avoiding alcohol (not only because it makes you vulnerable, also because its a muslim area), show utter respect for local culture, be on your toes at all times and do not flaunt cameras and the like. Russian authorities love messing with people so don't give them any excuses (not that that guarantees anything). I would call a Russian consulate (not the one you're applying to for a visa) and ask if there is any paperwork you should do to go there. It would depend on your route, but theres likely to be checkpoints.
posted by breadfruit at 11:48 AM on August 9

If you think this guy has any feelings for you, do not travel alone with him. Attitudes toward fidelity, 'date rape', 'no means no' etc. Are very different in that part of the world. I wish that I could express this in a stronger tone than text allows.
posted by k8t at 12:01 PM on August 9

Ps, there is no 'passing' - one's walk, posture and shoes give it away everytime. For example, in Armenia, I can tell a diasporan Armenian from miles away based on these things and they are the same ethnicity.

Also, don't have confidence in your language skills.
posted by k8t at 12:06 PM on August 9

Ok ok I understand, lol. Thank you so much for your fantastic advice everyone and for essentially scaring the hell out of me, I have limited access to internet here and am basically using my work blackberry and knew that this forum would give me the guidance I needed. I have never felt love before for an internet forum, lol, for saving me from myself and my often absurd fantasies. I may some day go to dagestan but I will at least wait until a day where I know more about what I am getting myself into and also when I am in company thick as blood. And my friend isn't quite there yet. I will update this forum later when I have better access. Thanks again
posted by saraindc at 1:29 PM on August 9

update- hmm where do i start? let's just say that I had a wonderful time. i'm really happy i didn't end up going to dagestan. my friend is wonderful but being entirely dependent on him would have been a bad idea, he had some interesting views of the world. thanks for the advice everyone! i still really want to see dagestan someday, but there are other places to visit too, no need to take the risks involved in going there.
posted by saraindc at 5:03 PM on August 31