In short
- Turkey if you want history, shopping, beaches and the green north in one trip, with halal food everywhere.
- Georgia for mountains and quiet nature, and day-to-day costs are usually lower than in Istanbul.
- Both are visa-free for Saudi passport holders, with direct flights from Riyadh.
Visas and entry
Turkey: visa-free for ordinary Saudi passports for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Georgia: visa-free for up to a year, with valid travel insurance covering your stay.
Georgia entry requirements for Saudis →
Flights from Saudi Arabia
Daily direct flights run from Riyadh to Istanbul in about 4 hours, plus flights to Trabzon and Antalya. Direct flights run from Riyadh to Tbilisi in about 3 h 30 min. Turkey is on the same time as Riyadh, and Georgia is one hour ahead.
Nature and cities
Turkey has Istanbul with its mosques, bazaars and the Bosphorus, the green north around Trabzon and Uzungöl, and the Mediterranean beaches of Antalya. Georgia has the towering mountains of Kazbegi, the lanes of old Tbilisi and Batumi on the Black Sea.
Food and family atmosphere
Most people in Turkey are Muslim, and halal food and mosques are almost everywhere, which makes family travel easy. In Georgia you will find halal restaurants in Tbilisi and Batumi, but not everywhere, so ask before you order.
Which is cheaper?
Day-to-day spending in Tbilisi is usually lower than in Istanbul, with the clearest difference in transport and accommodation. Hotel rates in both countries vary with the season and category, and northern Turkey is in high demand in July and August, so book early. We send you offers for both so you can compare.
Best time to go
Istanbul is at its best in spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October), and northern Turkey in summer. Georgia is best from May to September, and its winter is for skiing in Gudauri.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for families: Turkey or Georgia?
Turkey is easier for halal food and has more variety between city, sea and the green north; Georgia is quieter and closer to mountains and nature. Choose what your family enjoys.
Which is cheaper: Turkey or Georgia?
Day-to-day spending in Tbilisi is usually lower than in Istanbul, especially transport and accommodation, while hotel rates in both change with the season.
Do Saudis need a visa for Turkey and Georgia?
No. Turkey is visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and Georgia is visa-free for up to a year with valid travel insurance.
How long is the flight to Turkey and Georgia from Riyadh?
About 4 hours to Istanbul and about 3 h 30 min to Tbilisi, on direct flights.