Foreign relations of South Ossetia the third UN member state to recognize South Ossetia. The militant Palestinian organization Hamas also welcomed the recognition of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. South Ossetia does not belong to any international organizations as of March 2009 besides the Community for Democracy and Human Rights. Foreign relations of South Ossetia The Republic of South Ossetia is a self-proclaimed state which is recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, Nauru, Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Transnistria. South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia in 1991, but did not receive recognition from any UN member states until after the 2008 South Ossetia war. Abkhazia and
Visa policy of South Ossetia to enter South Ossetia through Russia. Visa policy of South Ossetia Visitors to South Ossetia do not require a visa. However, visitors are required to hold a valid Russian visa that permits them to return to Russia unless they are Russian citizens or citizens of countries that are exempt from Russian visas and to notify authorities about their visit in advance. Meanwhile, citizens of 3 other Post-Soviet disputed states can travel visa free to South Ossetia. All members of the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations have agreed to abolish visa requirements for their citizens. This includes: An agreement