Saudi Arabia

South African Embassy in Riyadh

The South African Embassy in Riyadh serves the large South African expat community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is home to a significant number of South African professionals working in healthcare, engineering, education, and the energy sector. This page covers passport renewal, consular services, and practical information for South Africans in the Kingdom.

Contact Information

Embassy — Riyadh

South African Embassy
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
DIRCO emergency: +27 12 351 1000

Opening Hours

Office: Sun-Thu 08:00-16:00
Consular: Sun-Thu 09:00-12:00
Closed on Saudi & South African public holidays
Note: Saudi Arabia's working week is Sunday to Thursday

Services Available

Passport & ID Services

  • Passport renewals & new applications
  • Emergency Travel Certificates
  • ID document assistance

Consular Services

  • Birth, marriage, death registration
  • Document authentication & legalisation
  • Police clearance fingerprinting
  • Visa applications (visiting SA)
  • Consular assistance
  • Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage support

Passport Renewal in Saudi Arabia

South African passport renewals in Saudi Arabia are processed through the Embassy in Riyadh. Contact the consular section for an appointment.

Passport Renewal Process

  1. Contact the Embassy consular section for an appointment
  2. Documents: current passport, SA ID, completed application form
  3. Attend in person for biometric capture
  4. Fee: R1,200 (standard) or R2,400 (maxi) in SAR equivalent
  5. Processing: approximately 6-8 weeks (sent to DHA Pretoria)
  6. Collect from the Embassy

Standard 32-page

R1,200

~6-8 weeks

Maxi 48-page

R2,400

~6-8 weeks

Emergency Travel Cert

R140

1-2 working days

South Africans in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts a significant South African expat community, estimated at several thousand professionals. South Africans in the Kingdom work primarily in:

  • Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in Saudi hospitals and clinics
  • Engineering: Oil, gas, construction, and infrastructure projects
  • Education: International schools and universities
  • IT & Technology: Growing demand under Saudi Vision 2030

The Embassy also supports South African Muslims travelling for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah and Madinah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. South African citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Tourist e-Visas are available online for eligible nationalities. Work visas must be sponsored by a Saudi employer. Hajj and Umrah visas have separate requirements and are arranged through registered travel operators.

Contact the SA Embassy in Riyadh consular section. Fee: R1,200 (standard) or R2,400 (maxi). Processing: approximately 6-8 weeks. Note: The Saudi working week is Sunday to Thursday.

Sunday to Thursday, 08:00-16:00 (consular: 09:00-12:00). The Embassy follows the Saudi working week and is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Saudi/South African public holidays.

Saudi Arabia Services