Why Nigerians Should Visit Georgia Instead of Europe: Visa Easy, Prices Low

Contrary to popular belief, Georgia is NOT a Schengen country. This means the rules for visiting Georgia are different from visiting France, Italy, or Greece.

Quick Country Overview

Georgia, officially known as Sakartvelo, has Tbilisi as its capital. The country covers an area of 69,700 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 3.7 million people. The official language is Georgian, though English and Russian are also spoken in tourist areas. The predominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, followed by about 83% of the population. Georgia is a unitary parliamentary republic. Its economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and services such as wine and hospitality. The currency used is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD to 2.7 GEL.

Top Tourist Destinations

Tbilisi: The capital where ancient bathhouses meet modern architecture. Explore the Old Town, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), and walk across the futuristic Bridge of Peace.

Batumi: Georgia's Black Sea resort city, famous for its coastal promenade, Botanical Garden, the moving “Ali and Nino” statue, and vibrant nightlife.

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): A must for nature lovers. The main attraction is the Gergeti Trinity Church, set against a stunning backdrop of snow capped mountains.

Kakheti: The heart of Georgia's wine region.

Mtskheta: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the ancient capital of Georgia.

Gudauri: A popular ski resort town in the Caucasus Mountains, located along the Georgian Military Highway.

Visa for Nigerians

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Georgia for tourism. Neither a Schengen visa nor a visa free policy applies to Nigerian citizens.

How to Apply: You can apply online through the official Georgian e‑VISA Portal (evisa.gov.ge). No need to visit an embassy.

Cost: US$20 plus a 2% service charge.

Processing Time: Approximately 5 working days.

Validity: The e-Visa is for short stays (less than 90 days).

Required Documents: A scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date), a recent passport photo (JPEG format), confirmed return flight tickets, confirmed hotel bookings, and valid travel health insurance.

2026 Entry Requirement: Travel Insurance

Since January 1, 2026, Georgia now requires all international tourists to carry health and accident insurance. You will need valid travel health insurance as part of your entry requirements.

Flights from Nigeria to Georgia

No Direct Flights: You’ll need a connecting flight, usually through Türkiye or the Middle East.

Main Airlines: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) is the most common and convenient option. Other options include Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Flydubai (via Dubai).

Approximate Flight Time: Around 9 to 12 hours (excluding layover).

Approximate Round Trip Cost: $800 to 1,200 depending on the season and booking time. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance is recommended for the best deals.

Main Airport: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) in the capital city.

Cost of Living & Daily Budget

Georgia is known for being very affordable for tourists. Prices are in Georgian Lari (GEL), and Georgia is very affordable for tourists. 1 USD ≈ 2.7 GEL.

For budget backpackers, the daily cost is approximately 100 to 150 GEL (about $35 to $55 per day). A weekly budget ranges from 700 to 1,050 GEL (roughly $245 to $385), while a monthly budget falls between 3,000 and 4,500 GEL (approximately $1,100 to $1,650).

Mid range travelers can expect to spend around 150 to 250 GEL per day (about $55 to $95). Their weekly budget is roughly 1,050 to 1,750 GEL ($385 to $665), and a monthly budget comes to about 4,500 to 7,500 GEL ($1,650 to $2,750).

For luxury travelers, daily expenses are approximately 250 to 450 GEL (around $95 to $170). A weekly budget ranges from 1,750 to 3,150 GEL (about $665 to $1,200), and a monthly budget is roughly 7,500 to 13,500 GEL (approximately $2,750 to $5,000).

Expense Breakdown

For budget travelers, accommodation costs 11 to 50 GEL per night. Food expenses range from 15 to 30 GEL per day when eating street food or at local eateries. Local transportation, such as buses or the metro, costs just 1 to 2 GEL. Attractions and activities like museums cost 5 to 10 GEL. A prepaid SIM card and internet service cost between 10 and 15 GEL.

For mid range travelers, accommodation costs 50 to 150 GEL per night. Food expenses run from 30 to 60 GEL per day at cafes and restaurants. Local transportation via taxi or ride hailing services costs 10 to 20 GEL. Attractions and activities such as tours or cable cars cost 20 to 50 GEL. A prepaid SIM card and internet service also cost between 10 and 15 GEL.

Best Time to Visit Georgia

Spring (April to June): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Best for hiking and cultural trips.

Summer (July to August): Warm and sunny, perfect for beach holidays in Batumi. Expect more tourists and higher prices, especially in coastal areas. The best time for summer holidays in Georgia (country) is between April and September.

Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures, autumn foliage, and the grape harvest—an excellent time for a wine tour in Kakheti.

Winter (November to March): Cold and snowy, particularly in mountain regions like Gudauri and Kazbegi. Ideal for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.

Safety & Health

Georgia is considered a very safe country for travelers. The U.S. Department of State ranks Georgia as Level 1 (Low Risk), indicating that travel is generally safe. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, but violent crime is rare.

Do not travel to the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These regions are not under government control and are considered dangerous for travel.

Practical Tips for Nigerian Travelers

A visa is required for entry, and you can apply online for an e-Visa at a cost of US$20 plus a service fee. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Health insurance covering health and accident is mandatory as of January 2026.

The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL), and you should use official exchange offices or banks.

Electricity uses Type C or F plugs with two round pins at 220 volts, so bring a travel adapter.

The emergency number is 112 for police, ambulance, or fire.

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, with a standard 10 percent tip in restaurants.

For internet and a SIM card, Magti, Geocell, and Beeline offer affordable prepaid SIM cards.

The dress code is generally casual, but you should dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.

Conclusion:

Georgia is an affordable and welcoming travel destination for Nigerians. Getting an e‑Visa is a straightforward online process, and the country offers an incredible blend of nature, history, and hospitality.