Document Authentication, Apostille and Embassy Legalization Services
Travel Visa Pro assists with all of your Document Authentication, Apostille, Certification, and Embassy Legalization needs.
TRAVEL VISA PRO ALL-ENCOMPASING SERVICE INCLUDES:
- Document Apostille and Authentication
- Document Notarization
- Secretary of State Attestation (all 50 States)
- US Department of State Attestation
- Embassy Authentication
Legalizing your document is as easy as counting 1-2-3
Step 1: ORDER your Apostille and Authentication:
These are the most common documents to be submitted for Embassy Legalization:
Step 2: DELIVER your documents to Travel Visa Pro:
After you’ve placed your order, we will:
- Notify you if you need to mail us your original documents OR if you can just scan and email us scanned copies of the documents;
- Provide you with complete cost breakdown of any additional consular, service, expediting fees;
- Calculate the approximate completion date for your legalization project.
STEP 3: Receive your Documents:
- Once we receive your documents, we will immediately notify you via email and begin processing
- Upon completion of the Authentication process, we will send you a notification via email and provide you with the a return tracking number
Travel Visa Pro Legalization/Authentication/Apostille Government Fees and Processing Times:
Government Fees:
Consular legalization fees vary by document and by the embassy
Secretaries of State fees vary by document and by the state
US State Department fees is $20 per document
Processing Times:
The normal processing time for authentication is 8-11 weeks, however, rush processing may be available.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT LEGALIZATIONS AND AUTHENTICATIONS
There are two different type of authentications:
APOSTILLE: It is required for all types of documents that you are planning to use in foreign countries. The apostille process ensures that your document(s) will be recognized as legitimate in all participating countries that are party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. (See participating countries below).
AUTHENTICATION: For documents that are to be used in countries which have not signed Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, a different chain of authentication is applied that eventually includes legalization by the appropriate consulate.
Countries participating in Hague Convention require Apostille:
Andorra
Armenia
Brunei Darussalam
Cape Verde
Chile
China, People’s Republic of
(Hong Kong & Macao Only)
Cook Islands
Cyprus
Finland
Grenada
Ireland
Japan
Kosovo
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Lithuania
Malawi
Malta
Marshall Islands
Monaco
Namibia
New Zealand
Niue
North Macedonia, Republic of
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Sao Tome and Principe
Swaziland
Sweden
Tonga
Countries not participating in Hague Convention require Authentication:
Afghanistan
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Cameroon
China
Congo Republic
Congo Democratic
Ivory Coast
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Guinea
Iraq
Jordan
Laos
Libya
Mali
Mauritania
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sudan
Togo
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uganda
Yemen
Zambia
FAQ
How to get an apostille?
To obtain an apostille, first ensure that your document is an original or a certified copy and has been notarized or otherwise authenticated by the appropriate authority. Apostilles are used to certify the authenticity of documents for international use, particularly in countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961.
What is the difference between authentication and apostille?
Authentication and apostille are both methods used to verify the legitimacy of documents for international use, but they apply in different contexts. Authentication is a process used to verify the signature and authority of the person who signed the document.
This process is typically required for documents being used in countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention of 1961. Authentication usually involves a multi-step procedure where documents are verified by the issuing authority, then authenticated by the foreign affairs department or a similar governmental body.
Apostille is a specific type of authentication used exclusively for countries that are members of the Hague Convention. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the document’s origin in a simplified manner, eliminating the need for additional verification by the foreign affairs department. The apostille is a certificate attached to the document, affirming that it is genuine and meets the requirements of the Hague Convention.
How long does it take to get an apostille?
The processing time for an apostille varies depending on the issuing authority and the volume of requests. Generally, it can take a few days to several weeks. It is advisable to check with the relevant authority for specific processing times and to allow ample time before your document is needed.
Can I get an apostille for a document that is already signed or notarized?
Yes, if the document is already signed or notarized, it may still be eligible for an apostille. However, the document must first be properly notarized or authenticated according to the requirements of the issuing authority before the apostille can be attached.