* Denotes a Hague Convention Country which recognizes the Apostille form of document legalization. Other countries listed require Embassy Legalization.
Afghanistan is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9-12 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11-13 days turnaround time).
Algeria is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (14 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (16 days turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 16 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
Angola is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (8-12 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) for Angola would first have to be notarized and certified by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued before you send to us (if outside the state of Maryland). The documents will then be authenticated by the US Department of State, and the Embassy (8-11 days turnaround time).
Bangladesh is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Cambodia is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (8-9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (10-11 days turnaround time).
Chad is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (6-7 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (8-9 days turnaround time).
Cuba is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is about 4-6 weeks.
Documents destined for use in Cuba must be translated into both Spanish and English by a certified translator. Both the original document and the original translation must then be properly notarized and certified by the translator. Original documents must also be certified by the Secretary of State where the documents originated.
*WCS only assists with corporate / business documents for Cuba. For personal documents, individuals need to contact Cuba Embassy directly per embassy instructions.
Egypt is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (10 days turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 10 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to Egypt are that a CO and CI must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington DC. A Commercial Invoice (CI) must be legalized together with its Certificate of Origin (CO). In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it would first need to be certified by the U.S. Department of State.
The minimum requirement is the Certificate of Origin (CO). Please note: if CI is also needed to be legalized, it can be bundle together with CO for one legalization stamp & one price. If CO and CI needed to be legalized individually, the fee will be based per document.
*Legalization through Embassy in DC requires documents with US addresses/letterhead, and US address for shipper/exporter. Documents with overseas addresses will be processed at consulate outside of DC and additional fees may apply.
Ethiopia is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Ghana is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (8-9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (10-11 days turnaround time).
Haiti is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (6-7 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (8-9 days turnaround time).
Iran is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9-11 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11-13 days turnaround time).
Iraq is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (14 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) for China would first have to be notarized and certified by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued before you send to us (if outside the state of Maryland). The documents will then be authenticated by the US Department of State, and the Embassy (14 days turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 5-7 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
Iraq requires export/shipping documents to be legalized. The minimum requirements for any shipments to Iraq are that a Certificate of Origin and a Commercial Invoice must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington D.C. If legalizing only the Certificate of Origin, a copy of the CI will be needed for reference.
All Documents must first be notarized, chamberized (by the local chambers of commerce where shipper is located) and authenticated by the local secretary state prior to sending to WCS.
For documents with multiple pages, please number them in the following format : 1of3; 2of3;3of3- in order for the embassy to accept this as ‘one document’. Product Origin must be in the U.S.
In addition, the embassy NOW needs to see all supporting documents in order to legalize/process shipping documents, they are: Bill of Lading; Inspection Certificate; and Insurance Policy (copies only).
If a CI also needs to be legalized, it must be legalized together with its CO. If bundled (one legalization stamp).
Jordan is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) for China would first have to be notarized and certified by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued before you send to us (if outside the state of Maryland). The documents will then be authenticated by the US Department of State, and the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 5-6 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
Jordan requires export/shipping documents to be legalized/certified by at least the National U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) and/or the embassy.
The minimum requirements are Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice.
Kenya is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Kuwait is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) for China would first have to be notarized and certified by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued before you send to us (if outside the state of Maryland). The documents will then be authenticated by the US Department of State, and the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 5 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to Kuwait are that a Certificate of Origin and a Commercial Invoice must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington DC.
In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it first needs to be certified by the National U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC).
Lebanon is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (6-7 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (8-9 days turnaround time).
Libya is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (4-5 weeks turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (4-5 weeks turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 5-10 days turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to Libya are that a Certificate of Origin and a Commercial Invoice must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington D.C.
In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it would first need to be certified by the U.S. Department of State.
Madagascar is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
Malaysia is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9-11 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11-13 days turnaround time).
Myanmar is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Nepal is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Nigeria is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (11-14 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (13-16 days turnaround time).
Please contact our team for further details on legalization for Palestine.
Qatar is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (4 weeks turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) for Qatar have a 4 weeks turnaround time with some special requirements:
All documents must be notarized and certified by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued.
University documents must contain three items: university degree (diploma), original transcripts and original verification letter from the university. All three documents must be authenticated under one seal by the Secretary of State where the documents were issued.
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 3 weeks turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to Qatar are that a Certificate of Origin and a Commercial Invoice must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington DC.
In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it first needs to be certified by the National U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC).
Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice must be notarized and chamberized by the chamber of commerce where the shipper is located prior to sending to WCS.
*Qatar Embassy fees vary based on document type. If you would like a quote, please contact us.
Sri Lanka is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (10 days turnaround time).
Sudan is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
*Please contact our team for further details on legalization for Syria.
Taiwan is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-8 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-10 days turnaround time).
Tanzania is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9 days turnaround time).
Thailand is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9 days turnaround time).
Turkmenistan is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
Uganda is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-10 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (12-15 days turnaround time).
**In addition to the US Department of State attestation, please be advised that a Proof of Accreditation for educational document/degree is required. The educational institution must be located in the US and regionally accredited by NEASC (CIHE), MSA (CHE), NCA (HLC), SACS (COC), NWCCU, or WASC (ACCJC-ACSCU). To show proof of regional accreditation, please visit the CHEA Database of Institutions and Programs and print your institution’s accreditation information.
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 3 weeks turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to UAE are that a CO and CI must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington DC. A Commercial Invoice (CI) must be legalized together with its Certificate of Origin (CO).
In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it first needs to be verified by a Verification Agent at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer,& Feld. (The Embassy will no longer recognize certifications by the NUSACC.) WCS submits documents to the Verification Agent. All WCS clients must submit to the UAE Document Verification Terms and Conditions in advance of, or with, their first submission of a document for the Verification Agent.All documents must be original and must be notarized and chamberized by the local chamber of commerce where the documents originated.The fee for verification will be the same: however, documents that are rejected for any reason whatsoever, and need to be re-submitted for verification, will be charged at $10.00 per page.
We need original documents plus three photocopies per Embassy requirements
*UAE Embassy fees vary based on document type. If you would like a quote, please contact us.
Vietnam is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (7-9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (9-11 days turnaround time).
Yemen is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (4 weeks turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (4 weeks turnaround time).
Commercial Shipping/Export-related documents (like Commercial Invoice or Certificate Origin) have 4 weeks turnaround time with some special requirements:
The minimum requirements for any shipments to Yemen are that a Certificate of Origin and a Commercial Invoice must be legalized at the Consular Section of the Embassy here in Washington D.C.
In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it would first need to be certified by the U.S. Department of State.
Zambia is a non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
Zimbabwe is a Non-apostille country (Non-Hague) that has special requirements for document certification called Embassy Legalization. The turnaround time is based on the document type:
Government documents (document or certificate issued by the Federal government) would first be authenticated by the US Department of State, and then the Embassy. (9 days turnaround time).
General documents (document or certificate NOT issued by the Federal government) would be authenticated by the MD Secretary of State, the US Department of State, and then the Embassy (11 days turnaround time).
