NY International Notary

Hague Apostille Convention — Countries & Rules

The Hague Apostille Convention simplifies the process of authenticating documents for international use. If your destination country is a member, your notarized document can receive an apostille instead of going through the longer consular legalization process. Below is a complete guide to member countries and what to do if your country is not on the list.

What Is the Hague Apostille Convention?

The Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 (formally the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents) is an international treaty that streamlines the authentication of documents between member countries. Instead of requiring full consular legalization, a single certificate called an apostille is attached to the document, confirming the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp of the official who signed it. Over 120 countries are currently part of the convention.

Member Countries by Region

Europe

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Americas

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela

Asia & Pacific

Australia, Brunei, China (Hong Kong & Macao SARs), Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Japan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, New Zealand, Niue, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Tajikistan, Tonga, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

Africa & Middle East

Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Israel, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia

What If Your Country Is Not on the List?

If the country where your document will be used is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille will not be accepted. Instead, you will need to go through consular legalization — a longer process that involves authentication by the U.S. Department of State and then by the foreign consulate or embassy in the United States. This process takes more time and usually costs more than an apostille. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on consular legalization vs. apostille.

Not Sure Which Path Your Document Needs?

Whether your destination country requires an apostille or consular legalization, the first step is always the same: get your document reviewed before you start the process. Send your document details and destination country, and you will receive clear guidance on the correct path, required steps, and estimated costs — before you pay anything.