Are you set on traveling to Bahrain for work, business, or any other official reason? If yes, you have two things to add to your checklist besides booking a flight and accommodation. The first is to certify your documents for use in Bahrain through an apostille for Bahrain. And the second is to translate your documents into Arabic, as this is the official language in Bahrain. Read on to understand why these processes are essential and how to go about them:
The Importance of Apostille Documents for Bahrain
Verifying document authenticity across borders takes work. And in the past, countries used authentication and legalization processes. Per these procedures, travelers would first verify the validity of their documents per the competent authorities in their countries. Then they would certify the documents with the embassy of the country they wished to visit. These authentication and legalization processes were lengthy and complex. So, during the 1961 Hague Convention, many countries agreed to abolish and replace legalization with an apostille.
An apostille is a certification that verifies the following:
- The signature, stamp, and seal on a document,
- The person who signed, stamped, or sealed the document,
- The capacity of the person who handled the document, and
- When and where you got the apostille.
So, once you get the apostille, you can use it to verify the authenticity of your document. The perks of getting an apostille boil down to the following:
- It is a legal requirement in most countries. For example, before presenting official documents in Bahrain, you should get an apostille for Bahrain.
- It establishes trust by verifying the integrity of official documents, and
- It is acceptable in all countries that are party to the Hague Convention of 1961. So, once you get an apostille for Bahrain, you can use it in other regions. It is unlike legalization, which only applies in the country whose embassy stamps the document.
But what can you apostille? You can get an apostille for Bahrain for all kinds of documents, including:
- Those issued by the state, e.g., birth certificates,
- Those issued by the federal government, e.g., trademarks, and
- Those issued by recognized institutions in the U.S., e.g., school transcripts.
You generally need an apostille for Bahrain to make public records acceptable in Bahrain. If you need help deciding what to apostille, you can get clarification from our team.
How to Get an Apostille for Bahrain
While the apostille process is much easier than authentication and legalization, it still features many steps. What are they?
1. Find the competent authority: Unlike authentications which all take place at the U.S. Department of State, apostilles can take place at the state or federal levels. Your choice depends on where you got your document as follows:
- State-issued documents: If you got your document at the state level, the apostille should be done at the state level. Kindly note that you can only apostille a document where it was issued. So, if your birth certificate is from California, the apostille process will take place in California.
- Federal-issued documents: Documents originating from federal processes should get apostilled at the U.S. Department of State. You cannot apostille state-issued documents at this level.
2. Notarize the document: You must have the correct notarization on the documents you want to have apostilled. Failure to have a notarization or having the wrong type will result in the cancellation of your apostille request.
3. Certify the document: Only true certified copies are acceptable at the state and federal levels. You can certify state-issued documents before a notary public. But some documents, like federal and court documents, must get certified by the Secretary of State.
4. Translate the document: The official language in Bahrain is Arabic. The sooner you translate your documents, the easier your transactions will be. Please note that only certified translators should handle the translations.
You should then submit your documents in person or via mail. In some states, this can be an office other than the Secretary of State. Thus, find out where to submit your documents and address them accordingly. You should get a response in about four to five weeks.
Expert Help for Obtaining an Apostille for Bahrain
Mistakes during the apostille process will result in added application costs and delays. But with Travel Visa Pro, such issues should not arise. We are a professional apostille service company that offers the following services:
- Apostille for Bahrain services,
- Attestation services at all levels,
- Certification services,
- Translation services, and
- Consultation services.
Besides having all these services under one roof, we offer the following guarantees:
- No Delays: Our apostille for Bahrain processes follow two timelines – rush and processed. They all take days to complete. And when you are in a hurry, you can choose the rush processing option to get your apostille in a few days.
- Professionalism: We have a team of in-house apostille experts who have the apostille criteria and processes down to an art. They will ensure that every apostille process goes through without a hitch.
- Coverage: Did you know we offer apostille services across 50 states? We can meet your apostille needs wherever you are!
- Convenience: You don’t need to leave the house when using our apostille for Bahrain services. Instead, you can send your documents to the nearest TVP office and have the apostille delivered to your address.
- Simplicity: We know the apostille process can seem tedious. And that is why we break it down into 3 simple stages.
How does our process work?
- You place an apostille for Bahrain order through our website. You will fill out a form that details the document type, where you will use it, and how soon you need it.
- Our team will review the order and explain what requirements you should meet and where to send your documents.
- You will receive an apostille at your chosen address, enabling you to transact official business in Bahrain.
Whether you want to work, start a business, study, or even get married in Bahrain, getting an apostille will be as easy as A-B-C!