US missions resume consular services

The US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia will resume full consular services on Sunday, following a weeklong closure amid reports of “heightened security concerns” against Western targets.
The opening of the US Embassy and its consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran was confirmed by Stewart Wight, a spokesman of the US Embassy, on Saturday.
Speaking to Arab News, Wight said: “The US Embassy and its consulates will offer regular consular services as of March 22.”
The embassy has announced that the consular section will resume services for American citizens and will be functioning as usual for both Americans and non-Americans.
Asked about the issuance of visas to Saudis and expatriates, Wight said: “Regular consular services will be offered.”
Additionally, all those who have appointments for visa and US citizen services should plan to come in as scheduled.
Visa services are available Sunday to Thursday (excluding holidays), and by appointment only.
Non-immigrant visa interviews are conducted from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., while immigrant visa interviews are conducted from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The US Embassy and its consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran are closed during Fridays and Saturdays as well as on US and Saudi holidays.
A US national must make an appointment online for all routine US citizen services, including passport application services, request for consular report of birth abroad, notarial services, and questions regarding federal benefits. Persons without an appointment are not admitted for routine services.