Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇬🇪 Georgia 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
Nearest Cities
🇬🇪 Tsiteli (Red Bridge), 🇦🇿 Shikhly II
Coordinates
41.50°N, 45.10°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~4000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Georgian/Azerbaijani
Currency Exchange
Available near Tsiteli (GEL, AZN)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇬🇪 112 🇦🇿 112/102
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇦🇿 Shikhly II, 🇬🇪 Tsiteli (Red Bridge)
The “Red Bridge” Crossing
The border crossing connecting the area near Tsiteli in Georgia with Shikhly II in Azerbaijan is famously known as the “Red Bridge” (Tsiteli Khidi in Georgian, Qırmızı Körpü in Azerbaijani). This is the main and busiest highway checkpoint between the two nations, a critical artery for trade and travel that links the two capital cities, Tbilisi and Baku. It is a massive, 24/7 international facility, a vital corridor for the entire South Caucasus region. To cross here is to travel over a historic bridge on the Khrami River, a route that has been a major part of the Silk Road for centuries. It is a crossing defined by its immense strategic importance and the constant flow of commerce between the Caspian and Black Seas.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Georgia’s Kvemo Kartli region with the Qazakh District of Azerbaijan. It is a full-service international crossing, open to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is vast on both sides, with numerous lanes and extensive infrastructure for customs and border control. It is the primary route for goods moving from Turkey and Georgia’s Black Sea ports to Azerbaijan and onwards to Central Asia. The crossing is notoriously busy, and queues, especially for freight trucks, can be extremely long, often lasting for many hours. The entire area is a hub of logistical activity, with customs brokers, currency exchangers, and cafes catering to the constant stream of travelers and drivers.
A History of a Great Highway
The history of this crossing is the history of the “Red Bridge” itself. The name comes from a beautiful 12th-century red brick arch bridge that still stands near the modern highway bridges, a protected historical monument. This historic bridge was a key point on the ancient trade routes linking Persia and the Middle East with the Caucasus and Europe. The modern border is a legacy of the Soviet administrative divisions between the Georgian SSR and the Azerbaijan SSR. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Red Bridge crossing became the most powerful symbol of the new strategic partnership between an independent Georgia and an oil-rich Azerbaijan. It is the main artery for the vital BTC (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) oil pipeline and other energy and transport corridors that are of major geopolitical significance.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and often very slow process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed across the river to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport. Many nationalities can enter both countries visa-free, but it is essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality in advance. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. You may be required to pay various road or environmental taxes. The customs procedures, particularly on the Azerbaijani side, can be very meticulous and time-consuming, which is a major reason for the long delays. Be prepared for a thorough inspection of your vehicle and luggage.
The Surrounding Region: Georgia Side
On the Georgian side, the crossing is in the Kvemo Kartli region, an area with a large ethnic Azerbaijani population. The road from the border leads directly to the capital city, Tbilisi, which is about an hour’s drive away. Tbilisi is one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the Caucasus, with a stunning old town, unique sulphur baths, a dramatic fortress, and a vibrant culinary and cultural scene. The region is also known for the David Gareja monastery complex, a stunning series of cave monasteries carved into a semi-desert landscape, which is itself located on the disputed border with Azerbaijan, adding another layer of complexity to the region.
The Surrounding Region: Azerbaijan Side
On the Azerbaijani side, the crossing is in the Qazakh District. The road from the border is a modern motorway that leads towards the city of Ganja, the second-largest city in Azerbaijan, and further on to the capital, Baku, on the Caspian Sea. The region is known for its beautiful nature, including the Goygol National Park with its stunning mountain lake. The area is also known for its ancient history, with numerous archaeological sites and the unique “bottle house” in Ganja. The region is a major agricultural and industrial hub for Azerbaijan.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must be prepared for extreme wait times, especially for trucks, but also for cars during peak periods. Have a full tank of fuel, and ample food, water, and any necessary medications. The official currencies are the Georgian Lari (GEL) in Georgia and the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) in Azerbaijan. Currency exchange facilities are available. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance explicitly covers both Georgia and Azerbaijan. Be prepared for a very thorough customs process and have all your documents in perfect order.
Final Considerations
The “Red Bridge” border crossing is the most vital economic artery in the South Caucasus. It is a place of immense logistical strain, a symbol of the region’s position as a great crossroads of the world. The journey through it can be a grueling test of patience, but it is a direct encounter with the pulse of the new Silk Road. It is a border that is defined by movement, a critical artery that, despite the long waits, continues to connect the economies, cultures, and peoples of the Caspian and Black Sea regions, a modern highway flowing over an ancient and beautiful bridge.