Hague Convention Apostille Countries
Countries We Serve: 2026 Apostille and Legalization List
We prepare U.S. documents for the countries below. The Hague Apostille Convention has 130 contracting parties as of October 2026, and each accepts a U.S. apostille once the Convention is in force there. Algeria (July 9, 2026) and Vietnam (September 11, 2026) are the newest members in force. Thailand joins on February 28, 2027. The UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Iraq are not members and need embassy legalization.
Last updated: October 9, 2026. Source: HCCH status table for the Apostille Convention.
New Hague Apostille Convention Members in 2025, 2026 and 2027
| Country | Convention in force | What it means for U.S. documents |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | March 30, 2025 | Apostille accepted |
| Algeria | July 9, 2026 | Apostille accepted |
| Vietnam | September 11, 2026 | Apostille accepted |
| Thailand | February 28, 2027 | Embassy legalization until that date, apostille after |
Other recent members include China (November 7, 2023), Canada (January 11, 2024) and Rwanda (June 5, 2024). Cyprus and Saint Lucia are also members; see our Cyprus apostille service.
List of Non-Hague Countries in 2026
These countries we serve are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention. An apostille is not accepted there. Your document needs authentication and then legalization by the country’s embassy or consulate.
- United Arab Emirates document legalization
- Qatar document legalization
- Egypt document legalization
- Iraq document legalization
Hague Apostille Countries: Common Questions
How many countries are in the Hague Apostille Convention in 2026?
There are 130 contracting parties as of October 2026. Thailand is counted in that number, but the Convention does not take effect there until February 28, 2027.
Which countries require an apostille?
Any member country can ask for an apostille on a U.S. public document such as a birth certificate, diploma, power of attorney or FBI background check. State documents are apostilled by the Secretary of State where they were issued. Federal documents are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
What if my country is not on the Hague list?
You need embassy legalization. The document is authenticated in the United States and then legalized by the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
Is China a Hague apostille country?
Yes. The Convention entered into force for China on November 7, 2023. It also applies in Hong Kong and Macao.
Is Canada a Hague apostille country?
Yes. The Convention entered into force for Canada on January 11, 2024.
Get Your Documents Ready for Any Country
We handle apostille services, FBI background check apostilles and certified document translation for all 50 states. Visit our offices for apostille service in Hillsboro, Lake Oswego and Portland, Oregon, see apostille pricing, or contact us.