Hague Apostille Convention — Member Countries

Updated: March 3, 2026 •
Why this matters: If your destination country is on the Apostille list, you need an apostille. If it’s not, you’ll need authentication & consular legalization instead.

What the Hague Apostille Convention Does

The Apostille Convention replaces multi-step diplomatic legalization with a single apostille certificate. If both the issuing country and the receiving country are members of the Convention, the apostille is accepted without embassy legalization. Check the lists first before starting any international paperwork project.

Tip: Even among Apostille countries, local authorities (universities, banks, immigration offices) may have extra document rules (translations, notarization, specific wording). Always follow the receiving authority’s checklist.

How to Use This List (and Avoid Delays)

• Match the destination: Find the country where your document will be used. If it’s in the Apostille list, you need an apostille. If it’s in the non-Apostille list, you need authentication + consular legalization.
• Match the issuer: Federal documents (e.g., FBI background check apostilles) need a federal apostille; state or local documents need a state apostille. Foreign documents (issued outside the U.S.) must be apostilled/legalized by their own country.
• Territories & regions: Some special territories (e.g., Hong Kong, Macao, Cook Islands, Niue) appear by name; some countries apply the Convention to overseas territories by extension. When in doubt, ask the destination authority.

Apostille Countries (A–Z)

This alphabetized list reflects current Convention parties and well-known territorial applications. Notable recent changes: China (effective Nov 7, 2023), Canada (effective Jan 11, 2024), Rwanda (effective June 5, 2024), and Bangladesh (effective March 30, 2025).

Common Non-Apostille Countries (Authentication & Legalization Required)

If your destination is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the document must be authenticated (state or federal) and then legalized by the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Below are high-volume, commonly requested non-Apostille destinations as of the update date above.

Tip: For non-Apostille countries, the sequence is usually: Notarization (if needed) → State or Federal Authentication → U.S. Department of State (for federal/auth) → Embassy/Consulate Legalization. Timing varies by embassy. Federal Apostille can handle the entire chain for you.

Quick Answers (FAQs)

Accuracy note: Treaty status can change. We keep this page current, but always verify requirements with the receiving authority or check the Hague Conference status table before you file.