Resource Library
Emergency & Consular Support

Emergency Contacts in Saudi Arabia

Essential numbers and consular assistance for South African pilgrims.

Emergency Contacts in Saudi Arabia publication cover
Applies to Hajj & Umrah

In an emergency, knowing who to contact can save valuable time.

Keep these numbers accessible throughout your journey and save the most important contacts on your phone before travelling.
Need help now?

Tap a number to call

Use the service that best matches the immediate situation.

911Unified EmergencyThe Unified Security Operations Centre serves Makkah Mukarramah, Madinah Munawwarah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region.997Ambulance / Saudi Red CrescentCall for urgent ambulance assistance.999PoliceCall the Saudi police.998Civil Defence / FireCall for fire and civil defence emergencies.993Traffic AccidentsCall for traffic accidents.996Road SecurityCall Saudi road security.937Saudi Ministry of HealthUse for Ministry of Health assistance and health-service enquiries.112Emergency Without a SIM CardSaudi Arabia's National Platform lists 112 as a Kingdom emergency number that may be used without a SIM card.

Unified 911 currently serves Makkah Mukarramah, Madinah Munawwarah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region.

South African consular assistance

Help for South African pilgrims

The Jeddah Consulate-General is listed first because of its relevance to pilgrims travelling in western Saudi Arabia.

South African mission

South African Consulate-General

Jeddah
South African Consulate-General and Trade OfficeVilla No. 73, Abdullah Aba Al Khayl StreetAl-Khalidiya District, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
After-hours emergencies only+966 56 244 5376
Call ConsulateEmail ConsulateCall After-Hours Emergency
Official mission pageDIRCO representation listing
South African mission

South African Embassy

Riyadh
7184 Mohammad Al Abdary StreetAl Khuzama District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
After-hours emergencies only+966 55 812 2215
Call EmbassyEmail EmbassyCall After-Hours Emergency
Official mission pageDIRCO representation listing
If you cannot reach the mission in Saudi Arabia

DIRCO South Africa

24-hour Operations Room / Consular Support

+27 12 351 1000
consular@dirco.gov.zaCICC@dirco.gov.za
Call DIRCO 24-Hour Operations Room
What to do

Lost or Stolen Passport

  1. Report the loss or theft immediately to the local Saudi police.
  2. Obtain a copy of the police report.
  3. Contact the South African Consulate-General in Jeddah or the South African Embassy in Riyadh.
  4. The mission will advise regarding replacement documentation or an Emergency Travel Certificate where applicable.
  5. Keep any available proof of South African citizenship and identity with you.
Keep separate copies

Keep copies of your passport biodata page, visa pages and South African ID or other proof of citizenship where available. Do not keep all copies together with the original passport.

Requirements for an Emergency Travel Certificate or replacement document may include completed application forms, fingerprints, proof of South African citizenship or identity, a police report, passport photographs and applicable fees. Confirm the exact requirements with the South African mission before attending.

Official DIRCO travel guidance
Urgent action

Medical Emergency

  1. Call 997 for an ambulance, or call 911 where the unified emergency service is operating.
  2. Inform your travelling companion, group leader or family.
  3. Have your passport or identification, visa, medical insurance details, medication list and emergency contact information available where possible.
  4. Contact your travel insurer where required.
Call 997 for an AmbulanceCall 937 for Ministry of Health Assistance
Stay calm and visible

If You Are Lost or Separated

  • Stay calm.
  • Move to a safe location.
  • Contact your companions.
  • Share your live location where possible.
  • Approach official security or service personnel.
  • Use official information and guidance desks.
  • Use the 'You Are Here' QR navigation signs at the Two Holy Mosques where available.
Before entering a busy area

Agree on a simple meeting point before entering busy areas.

Official help points

Lost Property

If you lose a phone, wallet, bag, travel document or personal item, approach official security or service personnel at the location where the item was lost.

Inside the Two Holy Mosques, use official service points and guidance desks.

Consular guidance

Arrest or Legal Difficulty

  • Remain cooperative with Saudi authorities.
  • Request permission to contact the South African Embassy or Consulate.
  • Contact the South African mission or DIRCO as soon as possible.

South African consular officials may provide guidance and consular assistance. They cannot override Saudi law, order a person's release, secure bail, interfere in Saudi court proceedings, or pay legal fees or other personal expenses.

Save on your device

Important Information to Keep With You

Your ticks are saved on this device.
Quick emergency card

Keep these contacts close

911Unified Emergency997Ambulance999Police998Fire / Civil Defence937Saudi Ministry of Health+966 12 6060299Jeddah Consulate+966 56 2445376Jeddah After-Hours+966 11 4828515Riyadh Embassy+966 55 8122215Riyadh After-Hours+27 12 3511000DIRCO 24-Hour Operations Room
Verified references

Official Sources

Saudi National Platform: Emergency Contact Numbers in Saudi ArabiaOfficial government source
Open source
Saudi Press Agency: Unified Emergency Number 911Official government source
Open source
South African Consulate-General JeddahOfficial government source
Open source
South African Embassy RiyadhOfficial government source
Open source
DIRCO: South African Representation AbroadOfficial government source
Open source
DIRCO: Consular ServicesOfficial government source
Open source
DIRCO: Advice for South African Citizens Travelling AbroadOfficial government source
Open source
DIRCO: Contact DetailsOfficial government source
Open source
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