Home / What Americans Need to Get Married in Thailand

What Americans Need to Get Married in Thailand

Thailand stands out among the top wedding destinations for its lush jungles, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and an overall friendly atmosphere. It doubles as a fantastic honeymoon spot and is slowly inching its way into the world’s most famous wedding venues. Any American wondering how to get married in Thailand will be happy with the simplicity behind it. Ready? Let’s get started:

Can Americans Get Married in Thailand?

Sure, they can! Any marriage conducted in Thailand per the law will be legally binding and is recognized internationally. That means that you can use your marriage certificate in the U.S. and will not require a wedding redo. Most importantly, Thailand does not impose any residency requirements on couples wishing to tie the knot. All you need is to be in Thailand at least two days before getting married in Thailand to complete the paperwork. Sounds good?

It gets even better. The most crucial part of the wedding ceremony is the legal registration at the local registration office (Amphur). Once you have this covered, the marriage will be legal. So, you can opt to have this done and forgo the religious ceremony. If you wish to continue with the religious ceremony, this will be more symbolic than legally binding.

Please note that you will require a translator at the Amphur who should speak both English and Thai. You will also need witnesses. Luckily, the registration office can arrange this for you.

What Are the Marriage Requirements in Thailand?

The requirements to get married in Thailand are as follows:

  • You and your spouse must present original valid passports. These should accompany two certified copies and translations where applicable. U.S. citizens can get their English documents translated before heading to Thailand for the ceremony.
  • Your original visa and a corresponding copy.
  • If you or your spouse are Thai, you must present your Thai ID card. You must also present two copies of this.
  • Any persons under the age of 20 must obtain written permission from their parents, showing consent for the same. This permission to legally marry in Thailand should be in Thai.
  • You should present an affidavit of freedom to marry per Thai law. This affidavit must feature notarization from your embassy or consulate, indicating that you and your partner are free to marry. Please note that both of you will need this affidavit which you can obtain from your embassy or consulate in Bangkok. Present the original letter, the certified translation, and copies of the two.
  • If you were previously married, you need an original annulment or divorce certificate and a copy of the same.
  • If you are a widow or widower, you must present the previous marriage certificate and your deceased spouse’s death certificate.
  • Some couples must provide their proof of income, though this will depend on the conditions of the marriage. You can check with the wedding planner if this will apply to you.

If you and your partner will enter a prenuptial agreement, this will not go into the registrar. Please consider this before leaving the U.S. You can get the prenuptial paperwork done before landing in Thailand for the nuptials.

Can Same-Sex Couples Get Married in Thailand?

The Thai government does not currently recognize same-sex marriages and cannot issue marriage certificates on the same. Same-sex couples can consider destinations like Spain and Mexico, which also boast tropical weather and have friendlier statutes.

The Marriage Certificate

Upon completing the wedding ceremony, you will receive two official wedding certificates, which will be in Thai. These will be valid for registration and use in the United States though some states require you to certify the documents. To certify them, you will need to get them translated into English and present them at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalization Division. The responsible officer will sign them, and you can then present the documents to the U.S. embassy for authentication.

We provide English translation services and can help you get your documents in order in as few as 6 days. If you need your documents worked on in record time, we can have them processed within 3 days. Feel free to contact us for more information on this.

Home / What is an Iqama and How to Get it?

What is an Iqama and How to Get it?

The Iqama is the Saudi Arabian residency card. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is extremely stern in regards to non-national citizens working in the state. In order for a foreign employee to be able to work in KSA, they first must obtain a local sponsor. The local employer will act as your sponsor by applying and securing the appropriate work permit and residence card(Iqama). The foreign employee will only be able to work for the duration of the Iqama’s validity.

The Process of Iqama Application

The sponsor of the foreign employee is responsible for filing the application with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development(MLSD) within 90 days of applicant’s arrival and completing the due process.

  • The sponsor or employer must obtain a Block Visa from the MLSD to apply for the Iqama. A Block Visa is a quota issued by the MLSD allowing an organization to sponsor non-national employees for work authorization. The Visa is issued on the basis of nationality, country of origin, and job role relative to academic qualifications. Once approved the affected company is issued a Visa Authorization number and Power of Attorney by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • The Block Visa will allow the sponsor to apply for a work visa for the employee, in the employee’s residing country at an appropriate Saudi Diplomatic Mission. The application must be submitted with a medical certificate of the candidate completed by an approved medical center.
  • Once the work visa is received, the employee will be allowed to enter the KSA and begin working. The employer will then have 90 days to submit the application for work permit and Iqama to the MLSD. The employee will be requested to take one more medical check-up at the selected local KSA government or private clinic. The medical report will be attached with the application.
  • After the Iqama is received, normally taking about 2 weeks, the employee will be able to sponsor their family to live in the country. The Iqama granted to the dependants will not be linked to the sponsor or employer, but instead to the employee.
  • If at any time the foreign employee must exit and re-enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the validity of the Iqama and work permit, an exit and re-entry permit must be obtained by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior. For travel outside the KSA on an entry visa, the employer has to keep the employee’s residence permit while he or she is away. In order to obtain an exit visa, the Iqama should be submitted to the passport authority along with the final exit visa application form.

Types of Saudi Arabia Visas

  • Work Visa – This employment visa can be obtained by foreigners who will be employed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The foreigner must have a job offer from a sponsor in KSA. The sponsor must secure a Saudi work permit for the employee and later be allowed to apply for an employment visa in a Saudi mission. Once the Saudi Work Visa is obtained and after entry to the KSA, the employee must apply for a Residence permit with the Ministry of Labor.
  • Residence Visa – US citizens can now apply for residence visa for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without the need of a sponsor due to the “Premium Residency Program”. The program aims to attract wealthy and skillful residents with a valid passport, clean criminal record, adequate financial standing, a valid medical report, and at least 21 year of age.
  • Family Visa – Family visit visas can be issued to foreigners wanting to visit family members residing in KSA. The visitor must be a first line relative such as a parent, spouse, or child of the Saudi Arabian Citizen.
  • Business Visa – This visa is issued to foreign visitors looking to visit KSA for business matters such as meetings, business correspondence, and training.
  • Government Visa – This visa is granted to those invited by the Saudi Arabian Government Department of Institutions such as government hospitals, universities, or ministry. An approved visa authorization letter from the Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry must be obtained.
  • Escort Companion Visa – An escort companion visa is granted to those wanting to accompany someone traveling to Saudi Arabia. The visa extends to spouses and children under the age of 18. The escort visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry. The single-entry visa has a validity of 3 months, while the multiple-entry visa has the options of 6 months or 1-2 years.
Home / How Can U.S. Citizens Get Married in Jamaica?

How Can U.S. Citizens Get Married in Jamaica?

Picture golden sand lining the beaches with a backdrop of mountains reflecting in the shimmers in the ocean. How wonderful would that setting be for your dream wedding? Well, it’s now possible if you get married in Jamaica which is one of the most naturally beautiful wedding destinations worldwide. Are you interested in knowing more about how to get married in Jamaica? We’ve got some good news for you!

Can U.S. Citizens Get Married in Jamaica?

The United States government recognizes marriages conducted under Jamaican law. So, you are free to get married in Jamaica and have that marriage recognized back at home. But for the marriage to be considered legal, you must follow the requirements stipulated below:

What Do the Jamaican Authorities Require?

The requirements to get married in Jamaica are pretty standard. You and your partner must:

  • Arrive in the country at least 24 hours before the wedding ceremony. If you’re getting married in a resort, you should get to the country at least three days before. However, this depends on the wedding planner.
  • Have a photo I.D. Luckily, your passport will more than cover this. You can also choose to have other forms of identity like your driver’s license.
  • State your occupations. The government requires that both of you state what you do for a living on the marriage forms.
  • Pay the relevant fees, which vary based on the marriage officer.

Luckily, Jamaica does not require you to conduct any blood tests when you arrive in the country. So, if you meet these requirements, you will be good to go!

What are the Marriage Options Available in Jamaica?

Couples can opt for a registry wedding or a symbolic wedding. Those opting for the latter do not have to present original documents for the ceremony. Instead, they can get married in the U.S. before or after the symbolic ceremony. However, those who want to tie the knot legally must present the documents later discussed in this guide.

How about same-sex marriages? While foreign same-sex marriages are recognized in Jamaica, same-sex marriages and unions in the country are not an option for the time being. Thus, same-sex couples keen on getting married in Jamaica may seek alternatives like Mexico and Spain.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Jamaica?

The authorities require that you and your partner provide:

  • Proof of citizenship: You both must have certified copies of your birth certificates, which should bear your fathers’ names.
  • Proof of death or divorce: If any of you was married before, you must present the annulment, death, or divorce paperwork to prove the end of the previous marriage. Please make sure that you provide the original certified certificates.
  • Written consent from your parents coupled with proof of identity: This requirement only applies to people under 18 who wish to get married.

All the original documents presented to the authorities must be translated into English by a recognized translation agency. Thanks to our swift English translation services, you can have the documents processed in as few as 5 days. If you are in a hurry, we also offer rush processing. Once you’ve got the documents, proceed with notarizing them before using them in Jamaica.

Additionally, you must send notarized copies of the translated documents to the marriage officer. They will then complete the marriage license forms and arrange all the documents necessary for the wedding. When traveling to Jamaica, do not forget to carry the original documents as these will be mandatory for the wedding ceremony.

The Marriage Certificate

Once you have completed the marriage ceremony, you will get a copy of the marriage register. However, this is not a marriage certificate. To get a marriage certificate that you can use back in the U.S., you must apply to the registrar’s general department. It takes anything from 7 days to a month to get the certificate. Get this legalized at the embassy, and you will now be legally married in the eyes of U.S. law.

Ready to explore the Caribbean and legally marry in Jamaica? How about you talk to us about getting your documents in order?

Home / How To Get Married in Australia

How To Get Married in Australia

Are you a U.S. citizen hoping to tie the knot in Australia? Here’s some good news. The Australian government has similar legal requirements for Australians as well as people living overseas. That simplifies the marriage preparations by a great deal. We’ve compiled a complete guide on getting married in Australia for U.S. citizens. Please note that if you wish to live in Australia after the marriage, more rules will apply. This guide relates to couples getting married in Australia without migrating to the country.

What Requirements Must You Meet?

The requirements to get married in Australia are pretty easy to grasp. The authorities will certify that you and your partner:

  • Are not married to anyone else. Bigamy is illegal in Australia.
  • Are not related. Any relations to your partner will be frowned upon. That includes any parent-child, sibling, cousin, or even adoptive relationships. Incest is not allowed in Australia, and this can hamper your marriage plans.
  • Are aged at least 18 years old. However, if you are aged between 16 and 18 years and have court approval to go ahead with the marriage, you can marry. The court caps the marriage age at 16 years, going up.
  • Are aware of what entering a marriage entails and are mentally fit to do so. The authorities will not agree to a marriage where free consent is not evident.
  • Provide written notice of your intention to marry per the required time frame. Please note that the celebrant should receive this at least a month before the wedding and not more than 18 months before the ceremony. However, if you need to rush the marriage and get married in less than a month, you can do so, provided you have a valid reason. The authorities look kindly upon reasons like wedding arrangements, travel commitments, legal proceedings, medical reasons, or even errors in giving notice. You can always liaise with your celebrant when filling the form for more direction on avoiding making costly errors.
  • Can get married in your home country. Australia recognizes LGBTIQ+ marriages as of 2017. Thus, same-sex couples from the U.S. can get married here, and this union would also hold back in the U.S.

What Documents are Necessary to Get Married in Australia?

The authorities and your authorized marriage celebrant will want to ensure that you are who you say you are. They will also want to ensure that you are not married, are of legal age, and reside at the stated address. As such, to legally marry in Australia, you and your partner must provide:

  • The notice of intention to marry. Suppose you and your partner are both living in the U.S. In that case, you must get your signatures witnessed by an Australian consular officer, an Australian diplomatic officer, an employee of the Commonwealth, and a notary public.
  • A declaration of no legal impediment to marriage stating that you are not married to other people, are not related and have no legal impediments to the marriage.
  • Original birth certificates or passports to prove your place and date of birth,
  • Proof of identity (which can be driver’s licenses or passports),
  • Death/ divorce/ annulment certificates if applicable.

The Marriage Certificate

Following the wedding ceremony, you and your spouse must obtain three signed marriage certificates. These should bear your signs, that of the marriage celebrant, and those of two witnesses who must be aged at least 18 years. Please note that this is a ceremonial certificate. You must wait for the celebrant to present this to the registry of births, deaths, and marriages in the state where you marry. After this, you can apply in 14 days to get a copy of the marriage certificate. There you have it! That’s all you need to know about how to get married in Australia.

All the documents presented for marriage must be in English. If your original documents (e.g., death certificates and divorce decrees) are in other languages, we provide English translation services. In as few as 5 days, we can have your documents back to you—the same holds for if you would like to use the Australian marriage certificate in a non-English-speaking country. Reach out to us about making this happen.

Home / How To Get Married In Spain

How To Get Married In Spain

Spain is awash with romantic spots, which make for the perfect venue for destination weddings. Many US citizens have gotten married in the south and east of Spain for the beautiful weather. Take Costa Blanca, for example, which boasts at least 300 days of sunshine each year. Not only would it be a great wedding destination, but it can also serve as a honeymoon spot. But of course, before setting your eyes on such unique venues, you must first understand the marriage requirements for US citizens getting married in Spain.

What Are the Marriage Options Available in Spain?

Like with most countries, you can choose between:

  • A civil marriage: If you do not want to have the religious aspect in your marriage, you can hold the wedding at a town hall, district court, or civil registry office. Same-sex couples in Spain can legally marry in Spain, thanks to the legalization of same-sex marriages back in 2005.
  • A religious marriage: Spain is home to a large Catholic family. Moreover, you also have protestant, Jewish, and Muslim ceremony options, among others. However, for such a ceremony to be recognized as legal, a licensed marriage officer must perform the nuptials.
  • A civil union: The Spanish refer to this as Pareja de Hecho, which enables you and your partner to enjoy most marriage benefits. It’s mainly for couples that live together and share domestic roles but are not married. Same-sex couples can also choose civil unions or partnerships, though this cannot grant them all the benefits of tying the knot.

What Are the Marriage Requirements in Spain?

The requirements to get married in Spain vary based on the union as follows:

Civil marriages

To qualify for such a union:

  • You and your partner must be at least 18 years old
  • One of you must either be a Spanish citizen or be a resident in the country for at least two years. To prove this, you will need to provide a certificate of residence. If you have lived there for less than two years, you can execute an affidavit on your place of residence before a consular officer. Once this has been executed, you must legalize the officer’s signature through the Foreign Affairs ministry in Madrid. Please note that for same-sex marriages, at least one of the partners must be a Spaniard. If two US citizens wish to marry in Spain, they must obtain legal residence in Spain.
  • You and your partner must be legally capable of being married and must present a ‘certificate of no impediment’ that proves as much.

Religious Marriages

To enter a religious union:

  • You and your partner must meet the requirements of civil marriage (as described above).
  • You must also present proof of religious upbringing or conversion, e.g., confirmation certificates.
  • You must obtain a ‘freedom to marry’ letter from your priest showing that you have completed the premarital course.

Civil Unions

The rules on civil unions are not nationwide and vary from one region to the other. You must thus check with the region where you wish to hold the ceremony. Generally, you must prove that:

  • You and your partner are aged 18 and above or are emancipated minors aged 16 and above.
  • You and your partner are not married to other people.
  • One of you is a member of the community where you wish to get married.
  • You and your partner have lived together for a specified amount of time, as the marrying community requires. Usually, communities require at least 12 months of cohabitation.

What Documents Must You Present?

Now, let’s cover the most crucial part of how to get married in Spain. In line with the requirements above, both you and your partner must provide the authorities with:

  • Original birth certificates,
  • Original valid passports with four copies,
  • A certificate of your marital status,
  • Divorce/ annulment/ death certificates where applicable,
  • A certificate of no impediment,
  • A Spanish town hall registration certificate,
  • An extranieria application form with three copies,
  • Proof or religious backgrounds (for religious weddings).

All these documents must be apostilled in the US for use in Spain and translated into Spanish. They must also bear an official seal. Please note that the translations should be no more than three months old. We provide English to Spanish translations and should have your documents back to you in as few as 5 days.

See? It’s not that hard to get married in Spain. As soon as you’ve met the above requirements, you can start choosing your wedding venue. Will it be a villa, or will you say ‘I do’ in a castle overlooking picturesque greenery? Talk to us today, and let’s start working on that paperwork to help you inch closer to your new relationship status.

Home / How To Apostille FBI Criminal Background Check

How To Apostille FBI Criminal Background Check

Traveling abroad for any purpose requires you to authenticate and verify your legal documents to gain access to a country. While verification requirements may depend on the laws of respective countries, Apostille is one way to verify the authenticity of your legal documents.

Your country will issue you an Apostille certificate through the State Department for international verification of your documents. Besides, not all countries require you to go through the cumbersome process of personally handling your Apostille certificate. In fact, Apostille verification only applies to those countries that participated in the Hague Convention-1961.

Here’s what you should learn about the process of Apostille FBI Criminal Background Check when trying to travel abroad for employment opportunities, study, or any other reason. The purpose of this background check is to ensure there is no criminal record in an applicant’s history.

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Process of Apostille FBI Criminal Background Check

You should rely only on the best service providers to make sure that your Apostille verification process goes smoothly. Although there are multiple visa and document verification services, finding the best can help make the process quicker and affordable. Therefore, contact Travel Visa Pro (TVP) for Apostille FBI Criminal Background Check.

Here are the steps involved in the process:

Step 1

You can visit the FBI website to learn about the FBI criminal background check, which is essential to get your Apostille certificate. After your FBI criminal background check is complete and the results arrive, your next step should be getting in touch with a reputable third-party representative company like TVP.

We specialize in visa, passport, Apostille, and authentication services. By submitting the background check results from the FBI, we can help you expedite your Apostille acquisition.

Step 2

In order to avoid extensive travel requirements and high costs, you can hire a third-party representative to carry out a request for an Apostille on your behalf. While a reputable business may charge a fee, it will be substantially low than what you may have to pay when you personally file a request at the federal offices for an Apostille certificate.

As we are in contact with traveling and document authentication departments of the US and foreign countries, your Apostille certification process will be faster.

Step 3

The final step of the process to get an Apostille for your FBI criminal background check is to pay the third-party representative business that you choose to work with. Such, a business will personally handle your Apostille request with the State Departments and federal offices, and it will be quicker and convenient to get your Apostille certificate on time.

Your Apostille certificate may arrive in 4-5 business days, for which the business shall inform you accurately. So, leave the worries behind and get in touch with the most reputable visa and passport services firm today for your Apostille or Authentication needs.

Conclusion

Travel Visa Pro is one of the best visa and passport agencies with a massive client base. Serving nearly 190 countries, we offer more than 3,000 services online to our clients. While client satisfaction remains our top priority, we ensure speedy document processing and authentication so that you are soon on your way.

Give us a call today at 1-833-887-8472 to schedule a meeting with one of our experts. Learn more through our website regarding our services to find more information regarding Apostille and document authentication.

Home / How to Authenticate Documents for Court

How to Authenticate Documents for Court

Authenticating documents for processing internationally in federal offices, State Departments, or courts is an important task. If your documents lack authentication and essential verification certificates, you may receive a rejection on several bases.

Before a third-party representative takes in your court documents for verification, you have to ensure that your documents fulfill all legal requirements for authentication. Below is the process that takes place before your documents go through authentication.

What Happens Before Documents Go for Authentication?

The following process involves legally certifying documents for authentication in the US.

Notarization

Every document has to pass through a notary public to ensure that the documents are valid before moving through the County or the State. If a County commissions notary public for the verification of your documents, the County Clerk will be the first to certify your documents. Following that, the secretary of the state will also check the documents.

However, in the case of notarization by notaries public on the commission of the State, the only certification necessary will be of the Secretary of State of the respective State. In this case, you have to ensure that the notarization from a county clerk was done before the secretary of the state.

Here are some important factors when applying for notary public certification in a County or State:

  • English translation
  • Verification of seals, stamps, signatures, etc.

Authentication of Documents for Court

Suppose your legal documents are in the court of a foreign country that you are planning to visit or already reside in. In that case, you need some legal certification and verification in order to authenticate them. These verification certificates can either be an Apostille or Authentication.

Apostille is a verification certificate required in all the countries that are part of the Hague Convention-1961. Other countries that did not sign the Hague Convention-1961 require an Authentication certificate.

Legalize Your Documents Here

Both of these verification certificates are necessary for foreign document processing, especially when traveling to another country other than your home country for any reason. Often, you have to handle the translation of your legal documents and Apostille. Hence, it is critical to ensure that no unexpected delays arise and cause a hindrance in the court processing of your documents.

To save time, money, and energy on going from one federal office to another and applying for an Apostille certificate personally, you can hire professional third-party representatives. They will use their network and relationships with home and foreign State of Departments and public officials to expedite your document authentication.

Conclusion

Do you want to have your documents authenticated for courts in the US or any other country? You may be looking for an expert company to help expedite your Apostille or Authentication verification process. With the help of Travel Visa Pro (TVP), you can confidently present authenticated documents in court.

So, if you want the procedures and processes to complete speedily, TVP can serve you best. Our experience, expertise, and work affiliations with State Departments can benefit you. So, give us a call at 1-833-887-8472 to book a meeting with one of our experts today or visit our official website.

Home / Do I Need To Translate Apostille

Do I Need To Translate Apostille

You need to translate the legal documents required to travel in the official language of the issuing state. Apostille is required to legally authenticate the documents that you may require for traveling abroad for any reason. While Apostille is only required for signatories of the Hague Convention, it is an important part of verification if you wish to travel abroad.

So, it is necessary to have your Apostille in the official language of the country that you wish to visit for any reason. It is a legal confirmation that you have fulfilled all legal traveling requirements.

What is an Apostille?

Apostille is a verification certificate that many countries require in order to grant access and a visa. As mentioned, countries that participated in the Hague Convention-1961 require Apostille. Thus, you won’t need an apostille when traveling to other countries, but you will need Authentication, which is a similar verification certificate.

Here are a few important documents that require Apostille verification.

  • Birth Certificates
  • Passport Copies
  • Driver License Copies
  • University Diplomas
  • Marriage Certificates

Bear in mind that these are government-issued documents and require legal verification in order to address their authenticity.

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Do You Need to Translate an Apostille?

Although an Apostille certificate is an important foreign traveling requirement, some people may get confused regarding the need for Apostille translation. For one, you should know that Apostille translation is an important confirmation and verification process.

Besides, you may also need to translate the documents for which you need the Apostille. Similarly, attaching a translated certificate of the legal documents and their respective Apostille is important for security reasons. Therefore, you need to contact certified professionals for the translation of your Apostille.

Here’s a list of cases that will require legal translation of the certificate of Apostille:

  • Acquiring Education Abroad
  • Residence Abroad
  • Foreign Business Partnerships and Work
  • Employment

How to Get Apostille Certificate Translation Services?

Getting an Apostille translated was extremely difficult in the past, depending on the resourcefulness of the home and visiting country. However, with better communication channels and high security, it is easier to get your Apostille certificates translated.

Travel Visa Pro has an expert, knowledgeable team experienced in handling Apostille and Authentication-related documents for US residents and foreigners. So, you can hire us with peace of mind that we will help save your time moving from one federal office to another by taking care of all your Apostille translation needs.

Contrclusion

Are you worried that you may have to go through cumbersome Apostille translation processes in order to travel? You can rely on Travel Visa Pro (TVP) to expedite your Apostille, authentication, visa, and passport needs, along with required translations.

Give us a call at 1-833-887-8472 to schedule a meeting with one of our consultants today and learn what kind of translation services may suit your needs. Visit our official website for more info.

Home / Document Apostille or Authentication: Which One Do You Need

Document Apostille or Authentication: Which One Do You Need

When visiting a foreign country for recreational or business purposes, you have to carry legal documents. While the requirements may vary from country to country, legalization is a must when leaving your home country.

Recipient countries require you to have legalized documents either before arriving or immediately after arriving in the foreign country. The processes are straightforward and require the verification of the authenticity of several factors presented in the legal documents. These include:

  • Signatures
  • Seals
  • Stamps
  • And other public official statements on the documents

Apostille – What is it?

Apostille refers to the verification of your legal documents in the countries that are signatories of the Hague Convention -1961. It is a form of certification that is essential when traveling to countries that are part of the Hague/Apostille Convention. Here’s a list of your legal home documents that may require verification through an Apostille certificate when traveling abroad.

  • Birth Certificates
  • University Diplomas
  • Academic Certificates
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Passport Copies
  • Driver License Copies
  • Adoption Papers
  • School Transcripts
  • Corporate Documents

Document Authentication – What does it Mean?

The purpose of document authentication is the same as an apostille; however, the processes and verification methods differ. Document authentication refers to the same level of certification or verification stamp as an apostille but for the countries that are not signatories or part of the Hague Convention-1961.

It authenticates your legal documents on the basis of your visit abroad. Following the authentication, your home country’s consulate or embassy will perform additional steps to entirely legalize your visit to another country.

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Are Document Apostille and Authentication Interchangeable?

Apostille and authentication follow two separate processes that do not interchange at any point of legalization or authentication of documents. In fact, following a wrong suit of authentication and verification certificate could result in the rejection of your legal documents by your visiting foreign country.

For instance, using an apostille certificate for verification instead of authentication in a foreign country that is not part of the Hague Convention-1961 could result in rejection. Therefore, careful consideration and help from professional visa/document legalization agencies can help.

Which Countries Require a Document Apostille?

Not carrying the foreign-required documents and certificates could result in delays, rejection, and wastage of resources. When you decide to move abroad for studies or travel for business purposes, your first step of the process should be to identify if you need an apostille or Authentication.

You may require an apostille if you are visiting a foreign country to do business, adopt a child, or study.

Bear in mind only the countries that are the signatories of the Hague Convention-1961 will require an apostille. Some of these include Ukraine, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, the USA, Turkey, UK, Argentina, and others.

Which Countries Require Document Authentication?

All countries that are not part of the Hague Convention will require a document authentication rather than an apostille. However, it does not mean that authentication is less important than apostille. In reality, the authentication process is relatively lengthy.

The notarization and review of your documents by the country and state officials lengthen the process. Consequently, when they authenticate your legal documents, the State Department provides the authentication certificate.

How Can Travel Visa Pro Help?

Travel Visa Pro has millions of clients that can avail of visa and passport services for over 190 countries. In addition to the exemplary network with the United States of America and foreign embassies, Travel Visa Pro offers client security and guidance.

TVP can help you legalize your documents and move through the process of Apostille or authentication. Well-trained officials can cater to your traveling visas and passport needs in due time. Give us a call at +1-833-887-8472 or visit our contacts page to learn about our services.

Home / Which Countries Require an Apostille?

Which Countries Require an Apostille?

Traveling outside of the country is exciting, especially if it is your first time. People travel outside of the United States for many reasons. Some travelers may require an apostille upon arriving at their destination.

Before you decide to travel outside of the United States, especially for official reasons such as business and studies, you need to verify if your destination country requires an apostille. This simple verification could be the difference between having a successful trip abroad or a frustrating one.

When traveling abroad, some of the reasons you’ll need an apostille include:

  • You wish to adopt a child in a foreign country
  • You intend to study in a foreign country
  • You intend to conduct business in a foreign country
  • And more.

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Your personal reasons aside, the country you wish to travel to may also require an apostille if all of the following apply.

  • The country where the document was issued (in this case, the United States) is part of the Hague Convention.
  • The country in which the document is to be used (in this case, your country of destination) is part of the Hague Convention.
  • The law of the country where the document was issued considers the document as a public document.
  • The law of the country where the document is to be used (in this case, your country of destination) requires an Apostille to recognize a document as a foreign public.

Hague Convention Explained

The Hague Convention, also known as the Apostille Convention or Apostille Treaty, is an international treaty that eliminates the need to double-certify certain public documents. Therefore, an apostille stamp certifies a document’s validity.

Countries That Require an Apostille

All countries that are part of the Hague Convention require an apostille. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, Sweden, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Brazil, Argentina, and more.

Here’s a full list of countries that require an apostille.

Do Countries That Are Not Part of The Hague Convention Require an Apostille?

Countries that are not part of the Hague Convention do not require an apostille. But this does not mean you will not have to prove the validity of your documents when you travel outside of the United States.

Instead, when you travel to countries that are not part of the Hague Convention, you will be required to provide what is usually known as authentication.

An authentication works almost like an apostille but requires a lengthy process to verify the validity of the documents presented. For a document to be considered valid through authentication, it must be notarized, reviewed by state or county officials, and then certificated by the State Department.

But that’s not all; the document must also be certified by the foreign country in a process called legalization. The legalization process takes place in the country’s consulate or embassy based in the United States.

Are you planning a trip outside of the United States, and you are unsure whether you need your document apostilled or authenticated? Talk to TravelVisaPro today for expert advice!