Saudi Arabian Consulates in Egypt and Work Visa Processing
A Simplified Guide to the Differences and Required Documents
The Saudi Arabian consulates in Egypt are the official authorities responsible for issuing and attesting work visas for Egyptian citizens wishing to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With more than one consulate operating in Egypt, many applicants wonder about the differences between them, the required documents, and whether the “port of entry” is linked to the applicant’s place of residence.
First: Correcting a Common Misconception About the Port of Entry
One of the most frequently asked questions is:
“I’m from Alexandria—do I have to issue my visa through Alexandria as the port of entry?”
The answer:
No. The port of entry is not related to the applicant’s governorate at all.
The consulate is selected by the authorized visa processing office, not by the applicant personally. Applicants do not visit the consulate themselves; the accredited office completes all procedures on their behalf.
Differences Between Saudi Consulates in Egypt
1️⃣ Saudi Consulate in Cairo
Required documents:
- Employment contract attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce (pdf copy sent via WhatsApp).
- Profession stated in the passport must match the profession on the visa.
- Police clearance certificate addressed for travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Advantages:
- The easiest in terms of documentation.
- Suitable for many professions without requiring the original educational certificate.
2️⃣ Saudi Consulate in Alexandria
Required documents:
- Original employment contract attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Original educational certificate (required for most professions).
- Police clearance certificate addressed for travel to Saudi Arabia and stamped by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Advantages:
- Fast processing.
- In many cases, the visa is issued the same day or the next day.
3️⃣ Saudi Consulate in Suez
Required documents:
- General Secondary Certificate stamped by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Original employment contract attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Copy of the national ID card.
- Saudization (localization) certificate from the Saudi company.
- Company documents (social insurance, business activity license, Saudi commercial registration).
Advantages:
- Fast procedures.
- Suitable for specific cases determined by the employer or the authorized office.
Difference in Visa Processing Time
- Alexandria and Suez:
The office usually books one day before submission. The representative submits the application, and the visa is often issued the same day or the next day. - Cairo:
Each office has a specific assigned submission day at the consulate, and delays may occur depending on workload.
Important Note
Cairo is the easiest in terms of documentation, but it is not always the fastest.
Choosing the best port of entry is done in coordination with the authorized office based on current processing speed and conditions.
