Holding a UK BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or a valid UK/US/Schengen visa unlocks a surprising set of countries you can visit without applying for a full embassy visa. Below, I’ve hand‑picked nine of the most useful options, with realistic flight price ranges from the UK, typical hotel/Airbnb costs, how long you can stay, health‑insurance expectations, top things to do, and a quick Nigeria check for each country (so you know if a Nigerian passport + UK BRP/visa works). I’ve also ranked them at the end, and packed in first‑hand style tips and experiences travellers report on the ground. Always carry your BRP/visa, return ticket and proof of funds—border officers can ask.
Serbia
Entry shortcut: Visa‑free if you hold a valid UK/US/Schengen visa or residence permit (carry your BRP/visa).
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid UK visa/BRP can generally use this rule to enter visa‑free. Always carry proof of funds and return ticket.
How long you can stay: Up to 90 days within 180 days for visa‑exempt entries.
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Belgrade often dips to £30–£120 one‑way and £60–£170 return on deals with Wizz Air/Air Serbia (prices vary by season).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget hostels from £15–£25; mid‑range hotels often £40–£80; quality international brands higher. (Belgrade mid‑range averages around $53/£42.)
Airbnb/general rentals: Entire apartments frequently £35–£70 in central Belgrade outside peak weekends.
Health insurance: Not mandatory by law for most visitors, but strongly recommended; Serbia’s official guidance recommends cover of €20,000+ for medical costs.
Opportunities & angles:
Belgrade’s startup/cowork scene is lively; IT outsourcing and gaming meetups are common. Affordable restaurants and cafés make it easy to host business coffees. English is widely spoken in hospitality; cards are accepted in most venues.
Where to go:
Belgrade Fortress & Kalemegdan park at the Danube–Sava confluence, bohemian Skadarlija, the Church of Saint Sava, splav river clubs in summer, day trips to Novi Sad and Fruska Gora wineries.
Experiences people report:
Travellers rave about nightlife value (river barges), warm hospitality, and generous portions at traditional kafanas. Summers are buzzy; winters are cosy and inexpensive.
Key links:
- https://mfa.gov.rs/en/citizens/travel-serbia/visa-requirements
- https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/general-entry-requirements
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/serbia/entry-requirements
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/beg/london-to-belgrade-nikola-tesla.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/serbia/belgrade-792680
Albania
Entry shortcut: Visa‑free if you hold a multiple‑entry UK or US visa used at least once, or a residence permit of those countries. Carry the BRP/visa.
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid used UK multiple‑entry visa or UK BRP usually enter visa‑free. Bring proof of funds & return ticket.
How long you can stay: Typically up to 90 days within 180 days (check your passport validity and airline checks).
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Tirana sale fares often £15–£90 one‑way and £35–£150 return, mainly on Wizz Air/Ryanair/easyJet depending on season.
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget rooms/hostels from £12–£25; mid‑range hotels around £35–£70 in Tirana; coastal Riviera rises in July–Aug.
Airbnb/general rentals: Airbnbs in Tirana often £25–£50; along the Riviera (Vlora/Sarandë/Ksamil) expect £40–£100 in summer for a good apartment.
Health insurance: No compulsory insurance check at the border, but FCDO recommends comprehensive travel insurance. Beaches and mountain drives make medical cover wise.
Opportunities & angles:
Huge value for digital nomads and content creators; long seafront promenades, café culture, and low‑cost dining support extended stays. Property scouting and tourism partnerships are trending along the Albanian Riviera.
Where to go:
Tirana for cafés and Bunk’Art museums; coastal Sarandë & Ksamil (white‑sand, turquoise water), history‑rich Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO), Theth & Valbona for alpine hikes.
Experiences people report:
Visitors highlight Mediterranean beaches at Balkan prices, friendly locals, and easy English in hospitality. Driving the coast in shoulder season is a sweet spot for price and weather.
Key links:
- https://e-visa.al/
- https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/visa-regime-for-foreign-citizens/
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tia/london-to-tirana.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/albania/tirana-3183875
Montenegro
Entry shortcut: Visa‑free if you hold a valid residence permit from the UK, USA, EU/Schengen, Japan, Canada, etc. Stay up to 30 days.
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a UK BRP fall under the residence‑permit rule and typically do not need a visa for short stays (carry BRP + passport + proof of stay).
How long you can stay: Up to 30 days per entry using the residence‑permit exemption.
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Podgorica deals can drop to £20–£80 one‑way and £45–£120 return (Ryanair/Wizz Air seasonal).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget stays from £20–£35; mid‑range £45–£90 (Kotor/Budva higher in summer).
Airbnb/general rentals: Apartments/rooms in Kotor or Budva often £40–£100 in summer; much less off‑season.
Health insurance: Insurance isn’t usually checked, but recommended; the coastline involves boating and hikes (Lovćen, Durmitor), so medical cover is sensible.
Opportunities & angles:
Strong for adventure travel (hikes, canyons, rafting Tara River), coastal real estate scouting, and wedding/creative shoots in the Bay of Kotor.
Where to go:
Kotor Old Town & bay viewpoints, Budva beaches, Durmitor National Park (black lakes), Lovćen cable car views, Skadar Lake wineries.
Experiences people report:
Travellers love the fjords‑like scenery at Balkan prices. Summer is vibrant; September offers warm seas with fewer crowds and better rates.
Key links:
- https://www.gov.me/en/mfa/consular-services/visas
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/entry-requirements
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tgd/london-to-podgorica.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/montenegro/podgorica-3193044
North Macedonia
Entry shortcut: Visa‑free if you hold a valid UK/US/Canadian visa (conditions apply; visa should outlast your stay). Many travelers report 15 days visa‑free when entering on this basis.
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid UK visa can usually use this rule for short stays (often up to 15 days). Bring supporting docs; check seasonal notices.
How long you can stay: Common practice allows up to 15 days visa‑free when entering with a UK/US/CA visa. Standard visitor stays without this route can be longer for some nationalities—always verify at source.
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Skopje fares vary by season; typical sales £40–£120 one‑way and £90–£190 return with Wizz Air via hubs or direct when available.
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget rooms £18–£30; mid‑range £35–£70 in Skopje/Ohrid; lakefront spikes in summer.
Airbnb/general rentals: Airbnbs from £25–£55 in Skopje; Ohrid lake‑view apartments from £35–£80 peak season.
Health insurance: Insurance strongly advised by UK FCDO for medical emergencies. Mountain/lake activities make cover smart.
Opportunities & angles:
Great for low‑cost retreats and small conferences; Ohrid’s lakeside venues and Skopje’s cafés are good for remote work weeks and creative sprints.
Where to go:
Lake Ohrid (UNESCO), Matka Canyon boats/hikes, Old Bazaar & Ottoman bridges in Skopje, Mavrovo National Park.
Experiences people report:
People praise Ohrid sunsets, grilled meats, and the value of intercity buses/taxis. English is moderate—Google Translate helps beyond the capital.
Key links:
- https://www.mfa.gov.mk/en/page/432/visa-requirements-for-entering-the-republic-of-north-macedonia
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-macedonia/entry-requirements
Georgia
Entry shortcut: If you hold a valid visa or residence permit for the UK, EU/Schengen, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, GCC, you may enter visa‑free for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period.
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid UK visa/BRP generally qualify. Carry printed bookings & funds; land borders can be stricter than airports.
How long you can stay: Up to 90 days in any 180‑day period on this route (not the 1‑year rule that applies to certain nationalities).
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Tbilisi promos often £60–£150 one‑way and £140–£300 return depending on season/airline (more in summer).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget stays from £10–£20; mid‑range £30–£60 are common in Tbilisi; boutique options excellent value.
Airbnb/general rentals: Apartments frequently £25–£55 for central 1‑bed; long‑stays can dip on monthly rates.
Health insurance: Insurance not mandated at the gate but highly recommended; mountain trips (Kazbegi, Svaneti) and wine‑region drives make cover worthwhile.
Opportunities & angles:
Booming for startups, film & wine tourism. Kakheti wine country is partnering with boutique stays; Tbilisi’s cafés and coworks suit remote work.
Where to go:
Old Tbilisi sulfur baths & Narikala fortress cable car, Mtskheta day trip, Kazbegi for mountains, Kakheti wineries, Batumi on the Black Sea.
Experiences people report:
Travellers love the food scene (khinkali, khachapuri) and hospitality. Summers are festive; autumn grape harvests are special.
Key links:
- https://geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia
- https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/HtmlPage/html/View?id=26
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tbs/london-to-tbilisi.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/georgia-GE
Mexico
Entry shortcut: Visa‑exempt if you hold a valid UK visa (visitor C‑visa) or certain other visas; standard tourist stay is up to 180 days.
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid UK visa/BRP typically qualify for visa‑free entry as visitors. Airlines can ask to see the physical visa and return ticket.
How long you can stay: Up to 180 days granted at officer discretion (UK FCDO notes 180 days is the max).
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Mexico City promos are often £350–£750 return; one‑ways from around £300–£450 on sales (non‑stop & 1‑stop options).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget hostels £10–£20; mid‑range hotels £45–£95 in Mexico City; boutique/keys hotels under £200 widely available.
Airbnb/general rentals: Airbnbs: studios from £35–£80 in Roma/Condesa; family apartments £70–£140.
Health insurance: Travel insurance strongly advised (medical care quality varies; private facilities expect proof of funds/insurance).
Opportunities & angles:
Strong for tech meetups, food tours, language immersion, and supplier sourcing (textiles, crafts). Remote workers favour Roma/Condesa and Polanco cafés.
Where to go:
Centro Histórico, Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacán day trip, Xochimilco trajineras, weekend in Puebla or Querétaro.
Experiences people report:
People love the street‑food culture (tacos, tamales), museum density, and buzzy nightlife; plan for altitude and traffic in CDMX.
Key links:
- https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/index.php/es/contenido/92-tourist-visa
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/mex/london-to-mexico-city-juarez-international.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/mexico/mexico-city-3530597
Morocco
Entry shortcut: Many nationalities can apply for the Morocco eVisa. Holders of a valid UK/US/Schengen visa or residence are often eligible to apply (submit online before travel).
Nigeria check: ✅ Nigerians with a valid UK visa/BRP are commonly eligible for the eVisa application (apply on the Accès‑Maroc portal). Approval is not automatic—apply early.
How long you can stay: Typical tourist stays are up to 30–90 days depending on visa granted; eVisas are usually short stay, single‑entry—check your grant letter.
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Marrakech routinely sees sales £20–£90 one‑way and £40–£180 return (BA, easyJet, Ryanair).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget riads/hostels £12–£25; mid‑range riads £40–£120; luxury from £180+.
Airbnb/general rentals: Airbnbs: medina apartments £30–£80; villas outside city £120–£250+ per night for groups.
Health insurance: Insurance not formally checked for tourists, but highly recommended; private clinics expect proof of funds/insurance before treatment.
Opportunities & angles:
Great for film/photography, artisan sourcing (leather, rugs), and desert tours that bundle transport/guides affordably.
Where to go:
Jemaa el‑Fnaa square & souks, Majorelle Garden & YSL Museum, day trips to Atlas Mountains/Ouzoud Falls, desert overnights from Merzouga (longer).
Experiences people report:
Travellers love riads, rooftop breakfasts, hammams and bargaining in souks. Dress modestly beyond tourist zones; Friday is quieter mid‑day.
Key links:
- https://www.acces-maroc.ma/
- https://static.acces-maroc.ma/downloads/FrConditionsEligibiliteEVisa.pdf
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/rak/london-to-marrakech-menara.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/morocco/marrakech-2542997
Saudi Arabia
Entry shortcut: Tourist eVisa available online; visa‑on‑arrival possible if you hold a valid UK/US/Schengen visa or residence and meet conditions (return ticket, hotel, etc.).
Nigeria check: ⚠️ Nigerians: Many enter successfully on the eVisa or VOA with UK/US/Schengen visa, but rules can shift and airline check‑in can be strict—verify before booking.
How long you can stay: Tourist eVisa typically allows multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit within a 1‑year validity (check your grant).
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Jeddah/Riyadh sale fares often £90–£220 one‑way and £180–£400 return; ultra‑low‑cost carriers sometimes undercut legacy airlines.
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget hotels £30–£60; mid‑range £60–£120 in Riyadh/Jeddah; premium brands higher.
Airbnb/general rentals: Apart‑hotels for families £70–£150; monthly deals for longer city stays.
Health insurance: Tourist eVisas include mandatory health insurance issued with the visa (still consider top‑up travel insurance).
Opportunities & angles:
Opportunities for Haj/Umrah‑adjacent tourism, conferences/expos (Riyadh), and heritage film/photography around AlUla. Cafés and malls are modern and laptop‑friendly.
Where to go:
Al‑Ula & Hegra (UNESCO), Diriyah heritage area, Jeddah Historic District, Edge of the World near Riyadh, Red Sea coastline projects.
Experiences people report:
Travellers note rapid changes—more entertainment, concerts and mixed‑gender venues. Modest dress still sensible; check local etiquette.
Key links:
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Home/TermsConditions
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
- https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/jed/london-to-jeddah.html
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/saudi-arabia/riyadh-108410
Türkiye (Turkey) — special note for Nigerian travellers
Entry shortcut: Many nationalities can obtain a Turkish e‑Visa if they hold a valid UK/US/Ireland/Schengen visa or residence. However, Nigerian citizens are not eligible for the e‑Visa route and generally need an embassy/sticker visa in advance.
Nigeria check: ❌ Nigerians: e‑Visa not available. Apply for a sticker visa at the Turkish Embassy/consulate. If you hold another eligible passport, check e‑Visa criteria.
How long you can stay: Where eligible, e‑Visas are usually up to 30 days single‑entry for supported nationalities; sticker visas vary.
Typical flight prices from the UK: London–Istanbul is highly competitive: frequent fares £30–£120 one‑way and £70–£220 return (Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, easyJet).
Accommodation snapshot (per night): Budget hotels £20–£40; mid‑range £45–£90 in Istanbul (district‑dependent).
Airbnb/general rentals: Apartments in Kadıköy/Karaköy/Şişli often £40–£100 per night; weekly discounts common.
Health insurance: Insurance advised; medical care is good in private hospitals but can be costly without cover.
Opportunities & angles:
Excellent for trade missions (textiles, furniture), medical tourism, and content creation around mosques, bazaars and Bosphorus.
Where to go:
Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Cappadocia balloon trips (via Kayseri/Nevşehir).
Experiences people report:
Travellers highlight 24/7 food, walkable historic quarters and efficient domestic flights. Beware pickpocketing in crowded bazaars like any big city.
Key links:
- https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
- https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-is-an-e-visa/
- https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-are-the-criteria-for-the-validity-of-my-supporting-document-visa-or-residence-permit-from-schengen-or-from-us-uk-and-ireland/
Best Overall — My Ranked Picks for BRP/E‑Visa Holders
1) Serbia — easiest rule, low fares, lively capital.
2) Albania — beaches + mountains, huge value.
3) Georgia — culture, wine, mountains; 90‑day rule with UK visa/BRP.
4) Montenegro — dramatic coast & parks; 30‑day rule via residence permits.
5) Morocco — quick, cheap flights; eVisa application is streamlined.
6) Mexico — 180‑day stays and big‑city opportunities.
7) North Macedonia — Ohrid gem; 15‑day convenience.
8) Saudi Arabia — big new openings; check eVisa/VOA eligibility details.
9) Türkiye — fantastic for many, but Nigerians need sticker visa.
Practical Tips (Short, Worth‑It Bullets)
- Always carry the physical BRP/visa + passport, printed bookings, funds and a return ticket.
- For Nigerians, double‑check airline Timatic at check‑in (what staff use) even when a country’s site says you qualify.
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance. For Saudi, eVisa bundles basic cover—consider top‑up.
- Use flight tools (Skyscanner/Google Flights) and travel off‑peak to hit the lowest fares.
Sources (official & pricing references)
- Serbia visa rule: https://mfa.gov.rs/en/citizens/travel-serbia/visa-requirements
- Serbia entry/insurance rec: https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/general-entry-requirements
- UK FCDO Serbia: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/serbia/entry-requirements
- Flights — London–Belgrade: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/beg/london-to-belgrade-nikola-tesla.html
- Belgrade hotel price ref: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/serbia/belgrade-792680
- Albania visa regime: https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/visa-regime-for-foreign-citizens/
- Albania e‑visa portal: https://e-visa.al/
- UK FCDO Albania: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania
- Flights — London–Tirana: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tia/london-to-tirana.html
- Tirana hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/albania/tirana-3183875
- Montenegro visa info: https://www.gov.me/en/mfa/consular-services/visas
- UK FCDO Montenegro: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/entry-requirements
- Flights — London–Podgorica: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tgd/london-to-podgorica.html
- Podgorica hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/montenegro/podgorica-3193044
- North Macedonia visa (UK/US/CA visa holders): https://www.mfa.gov.mk/en/page/432/visa-requirements-for-entering-the-republic-of-north-macedonia
- UK FCDO North Macedonia: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-macedonia/entry-requirements
- Georgia visa‑free via UK visa/permit: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/HtmlPage/html/View?id=26
- Georgia stay length 90/180: https://geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia
- Flights — London–Tbilisi: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/tbs/london-to-tbilisi.html
- Georgia hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/georgia-GE
- Mexico exemption for UK visa holders: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/index.php/es/contenido/92-tourist-visa
- UK FCDO Mexico stay 180 days: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements
- Flights — London–Mexico City: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/mex/london-to-mexico-city-juarez-international.html
- Mexico City hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/mexico/mexico-city-3530597
- Morocco eVisa portal: https://www.acces-maroc.ma/
- Morocco eVisa conditions (PDF): https://static.acces-maroc.ma/downloads/FrConditionsEligibiliteEVisa.pdf
- Flights — London–Marrakech: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/rak/london-to-marrakech-menara.html
- Marrakech hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/morocco/marrakech-2542997
- Saudi eVisa terms & insurance: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Home/TermsConditions
- UK FCDO Saudi: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
- Flights — London–Jeddah: https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/lond/jed/london-to-jeddah.html
- Riyadh hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/saudi-arabia/riyadh-108410
- Türkiye visa info (MFA): https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
- Turkey e‑Visa info: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-is-an-e-visa/
- Turkey e‑Visa supporting‑doc criteria: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-are-the-criteria-for-the-validity-of-my-supporting-document-visa-or-residence-permit-from-schengen-or-from-us-uk-and-ireland/
