5 Critical Updates You Must Know About The U.S. Consulate General In Jeddah (2025)
The U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah remains a pivotal hub for American diplomacy, trade, and consular services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s western region. As of December 2025, the mission is undergoing significant changes, most notably with the appointment of a new Consul General and a critical shift in visa processing policies that will impact thousands of travelers and residents.
This deep dive provides the most current, essential information for U.S. citizens, Saudi nationals, and third-country residents, focusing on the key updates, security posture, and the leadership steering the U.S. presence in the Red Sea gateway city of Jeddah. Staying informed on these changes is crucial for anyone planning to visit the facility or apply for a U.S. visa.
Meet the New Principal Officer: Consul General Rafik Mansour
The leadership of the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah is now helmed by a veteran diplomat. Rafik Mansour assumed his duties as the United States Principal Officer and Consul General in Jeddah in April 2025, bringing decades of experience from key diplomatic posts around the world.
Rafik Mansour: Biography and Diplomatic Profile
- Current Role: U.S. Principal Officer and Consul General in Jeddah, accredited to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
- Appointment Date: April 2025.
- Previous Post (2019–2021): Served as the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires/Chief of Mission in Singapore, where he led an embassy comprising 24 U.S. government agencies.
- Prior Experience: Held the position of Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia.
- Key Focus: Mansour’s tenure is expected to focus on strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations, enhancing trade ties, and overseeing consular operations in the western region of Saudi Arabia, including the critical Makkah Province.
- Official Engagements: Shortly after his arrival, he was received by key Saudi figures, including the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, and the Director General of the Foreign Ministry Makkah Branch.
His extensive background in complex diplomatic environments positions him to manage the consulate’s diverse portfolio, which includes everything from visa services to supporting American businesses and citizens during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
The Critical 2025 Visa Interview Waiver Policy Shift
One of the most significant updates impacting local citizens and residents is a substantial change to the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Interview Waiver program. This policy change directly affects the application process for temporary travel to the United States.
In-Person Interviews Reinstated for Most Applicants
Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has discontinued most nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. This means that the popular "drop box" or mail-in renewal option, which allowed many applicants to bypass an in-person interview, is no longer generally available.
- New Requirement: Most nonimmigrant visa applicants will now be required to attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah or the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh.
- Impact on Dependents: The change specifically notes that even applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 will generally require an in-person interview, reversing a previous exemption.
- Action Required: Applicants should check the official U.S. Embassy website for the latest eligibility criteria and to schedule an appointment, as the volume of required in-person appointments is expected to increase significantly.
This policy update, which was foreshadowed by earlier alerts in July 2025, represents a major procedural shift designed to enhance security screening.
Consular Services and Current Security Posture
Beyond visa processing, the Consulate General in Jeddah is the primary provider of essential services for American citizens residing in or visiting the western region of Saudi Arabia. These services, collectively known as American Citizen Services (ACS), remain a top priority.
American Citizen Services (ACS)
The ACS unit handles critical functions that support the American community, ensuring they have access to necessary government services while abroad. Key services include:
- Passport Services: Processing applications for new passports, renewals, and emergency passports.
- Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Documenting the birth of a U.S. citizen child overseas.
- Notarial Services: Witnessing signatures and authenticating documents for use in the United States.
- Emergency Assistance: Providing aid during crises, including medical emergencies, arrests, or death of a U.S. citizen.
- Voter Registration: Assisting citizens with voting in U.S. federal elections.
U.S. citizens are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest safety and security alerts directly from the U.S. Mission.
Recent Security Alerts and Operational Status
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia consistently monitors the regional security situation and issues timely alerts to American citizens. A Security Alert was issued on June 22, 2025, advising U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to the general terrorism threat level.
However, the alert explicitly stated that U.S. Mission staffing and operations, including consular services at the Jeddah Consulate, remain unchanged and continue as normal. This indicates a high level of operational resilience and a commitment to maintaining services despite the regional security environment. Visitors are strongly encouraged to review the Country Security Report and follow all local guidance.
The New Diplomatic Campus: A Modern Platform for Diplomacy
The U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah operates from a modern facility that serves as a cornerstone of American diplomacy in the region. This new diplomatic campus is more than just an office—it represents a long-term commitment to the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership.
Features of the Jeddah Diplomatic Compound
The facility is designed to meet the highest standards for security, sustainability, and functionality, providing a secure and resilient platform for the U.S. government’s presence in western Saudi Arabia.
- Location: The consulate is located on Al Safa Street.
- Modern Design: The campus features a striking architectural design that incorporates the latest security and sustainability features.
- Strategic Importance: It is the primary U.S. diplomatic outpost for the Western Province, a region critical for both commerce and the annual influx of millions of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah.
- Resilience: The design emphasizes resilience, ensuring that essential consular and diplomatic functions can continue even in challenging circumstances.
The dedication of this new facility underscores the enduring importance of Jeddah as a key location for U.S. engagement with the Kingdom and the broader Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) community.
Key Takeaways for Visitors and Applicants
Anyone planning to interact with the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah in late 2025 or early 2026 must be aware of these fundamental changes. The transition to the new leadership under Consul General Rafik Mansour and the significant tightening of the visa interview waiver policy are the most critical updates.
For visa applicants, the requirement for an in-person interview for nearly all categories, effective September 2, 2025, necessitates earlier planning and preparation for appointments. For U.S. citizens, the reliable provision of American Citizen Services and the continuous monitoring of the security situation ensure that support remains available, even under the current regional security alert. The U.S. Mission continues to prioritize the safety of its personnel and the American community while advancing the strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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