Browse all guides+
Which countries accept an apostille?
An apostille is a shortcut that only works between members of one treaty — the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is a member, a single apostille makes your U.S. document valid there. If it isn't, the apostille won't be accepted and the document needs embassy legalization instead.
As of 2026, roughly 130 countries are members, and the list keeps growing. Here's who's in, who recently joined, and how to handle the countries that aren't.
Key takeaways
- About 130 countries are Hague Apostille members as of 2026.
- Members take an apostille; non-members (like the UAE) need embassy legalization.
- China joined effective Nov 2023; Canada effective Jan 2024.
- Membership changes — always re-verify your exact destination before filing.
The short answer
Common destinations at a glance
Status of some frequently requested destinations. Use this as a guide — not a substitute for checking the current official list at filing time.
| Country | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Apostille |
| Spain | Apostille |
| Italy | Apostille |
| Germany | Apostille |
| India | Apostille |
| China (mainland) | Apostille — since Nov 2023 |
| Canada | Apostille — since Jan 2024 |
| Philippines | Apostille |
| South Korea | Apostille |
| Brazil | Apostille |
| United Kingdom | Apostille |
| Saudi Arabia | Apostille — since Dec 2022 |
| United Arab Emirates | Embassy legalization — not a member |
Recently joined
Countries that aren't members
Always re-check before you file
Tell us your destination country
We'll confirm whether it needs an apostille or embassy legalization against the current Hague list, then handle it end to end with a flat quote within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries accept an apostille?+
Around 130 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention as of 2026, and the number grows as new countries join. Because membership changes, we re-verify your specific destination against the official Hague list before filing.
Does China accept an apostille now?+
Yes. China joined the Hague Apostille Convention effective November 7, 2023, so most U.S. public documents for use in mainland China now need an apostille rather than consular legalization. Hong Kong and Macao were already covered.
Does the UAE accept an apostille?+
No. The United Arab Emirates is not a member of the Hague Convention, so documents for the UAE need embassy or consular legalization — the multi-step attestation chain — not an apostille. We handle that route too.
What if my country isn't a member?+
Then an apostille won't be accepted and the document needs embassy or consular legalization instead. Tell us the destination and we'll confirm its current status and handle the correct path end to end.
Can membership or acceptance change?+
Yes. Countries join over time, and occasionally one member objects to another's accession, which temporarily requires legalization between that specific pair. That's why we re-check the current Hague status table for your exact origin and destination before we start.