The Ultimate Guide To The Saudi Consulate In Houston: 7 Essential Services And Latest Updates For December 2025

The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Houston serves as a vital diplomatic and administrative hub, catering to the needs of Saudi citizens and facilitating strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the southern United States, particularly Texas. As of December 15, 2025, the Consulate continues to operate with a focus on efficiency, offering a wide array of services from visa processing to emergency citizen support.

This comprehensive guide provides the most current and verified information, covering essential contact details, the current Consul General's profile, and a breakdown of the key services you can access, ensuring a smooth experience whether you are a Saudi national or an American citizen planning a trip to the Kingdom.

Consul General Biography and Contact Information (December 2025)

The Consulate is led by the Consul General, who acts as the primary representative for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the jurisdiction, which covers a significant portion of the US. The current leadership is focused on enhancing Saudi-American relations and providing high-quality consular services.

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• Current Consul General: The Honorable Shafi Bajad Al Otaibi.
• Recent Activity: Consul General Al Otaibi was recently noted for his meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in March 2025, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties with the state.
• Office Address: 5718 Westheimer Road, Suite 1500, Houston, TX 77057.
• Telephone: (713) 785-5577.
• Fax: (713) 785-1163 or 713-273-6937.
• Email: ustxcon@mofa.gov.sa.
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16:00).

7 Essential Consular Services Offered by the Houston Consulate

The Consulate General provides crucial services for both Saudi citizens residing in the US and American citizens requiring assistance for travel, business, or legal matters in Saudi Arabia. These services are the backbone of the Consulate's mission.

1. Comprehensive Visa Services

The Houston Consulate is a primary processing center for various Saudi visas, catering to a large volume of applicants from its jurisdiction. Expedited services are often available through authorized agencies, though the final decision rests with the Consulate.

• Business Visas: For commercial delegates, investors, and those attending professional meetings in the Kingdom.
• Tourist Visas: Facilitating travel under the new Saudi tourism initiative, which is a key component of Vision 2030.
• Official Visas: For government officials and diplomats.
• Work/Employment Visas: Essential for expatriates moving to Saudi Arabia for employment.

2. Document Attestation and Legalization

This is a critical service for legalizing documents originating in the US for use in the Kingdom. The Consulate's stamp verifies the authenticity of various legal instruments after they have been notarized and authenticated by the relevant US state authority, such as the Texas Secretary of State.

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• Power of Attorney (Wakala): Attesting legal documents that grant authority to a representative in Saudi Arabia.
• Educational Certificates: For students and professionals planning to work or study in the Kingdom.
• Commercial Documents: Required for international trade and business operations.

3. Passport and Travel Document Services

For Saudi citizens, the Consulate provides essential services related to their official travel documents. This ensures Saudi nationals maintain valid identification while abroad.

• Passport Renewal: Processing applications for the renewal of expired or soon-to-expire Saudi passports.
• Issuance of Travel Documents: Providing emergency travel documents for citizens who have lost their passports or face urgent repatriation.
• Passport Data Page Services: Handling various administrative tasks related to passport information.

4. Emergency Citizen Assistance and Crisis Management

A core function of any consulate is protecting its citizens. The Houston office provides crucial support during emergencies, natural disasters, or personal crises.

• Recent Advisory: The Consulate demonstrated its commitment to citizen safety by issuing a public advisory in November 2025, urging Saudi citizens to follow local authorities' instructions regarding the severe weather event of Storm Beryl.
• Repatriation and Welfare: Assisting citizens facing legal or medical issues, and coordinating repatriation efforts when necessary.

5. Cultural and Educational Outreach

The Consulate actively supports the Saudi Cultural Mission and Saudi students in the US, particularly those attending major Texan universities like Texas A&M. This outreach promotes cultural exchange and supports the educational goals of the Kingdom's youth.

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6. Marriage, Divorce, and Birth Registration

The office handles civil status matters for Saudi nationals, including registering births of Saudi children born in the US, processing marriage contracts, and documenting divorce proceedings according to Saudi law.

7. Consular Jurisdiction

It is crucial to note that the Houston Consulate serves a specific geographic area. Applicants must ensure their main residence falls within the Consulate's jurisdiction, which typically covers the southern US states, before submitting their applications. The other Saudi diplomatic missions are located in Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.

The Diplomatic and Economic Nexus: KSA-Texas Relations

The Saudi Consulate in Houston is strategically located, reflecting the deep and multifaceted relationship between the Kingdom and the State of Texas. This relationship is a cornerstone of US-Saudi economic engagement.

A Major Energy and Trade Hub

Houston is globally recognized as the energy capital of the world, making it a natural fit for Saudi Arabia, a major global energy producer. The presence of major entities like Saudi Aramco's US operations and the extensive trade in diversified Texas exports solidify the Consulate's importance as an economic bridge.

Medical and Educational Ties

The Texas Medical Center in Houston attracts numerous Saudi citizens seeking world-class medical treatment. Furthermore, Saudi students are a significant presence in Texas's top universities, creating a robust educational link that the Consulate helps to maintain and support.

Bilateral Cooperation and Diplomacy

The Consul General's engagement with high-level US officials, such as the meeting with Governor Greg Abbott, highlights the diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.

Tips for a Smooth Consular Experience

To ensure a quick and efficient visit to the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Houston, applicants should follow several key steps:

• Book an Appointment: Always check the official website or call ahead to confirm if an appointment is required for your specific service.
• Verify Working Hours: While the general hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, service windows for document submission or collection may have shorter, specific times.
• Check Documentation: For visa or attestation services, ensure all documents have been properly notarized and authenticated by the US Department of State or Texas Secretary of State before coming to the Consulate.
• Monitor for Advisories: Especially during hurricane season, check the Consulate's official channels (like their Twitter/X account) for weather-related closures or advisories, as seen with the recent Storm Beryl alert.

The Houston Consulate General of Saudi Arabia remains a critical link for diplomatic, commercial, and citizen services, actively working to support the interests of the Kingdom and its citizens while fostering a strong partnership with the United States.