Hague Convention Countries List 2026 — Where is an Apostille Required? | GlobalDocs

The Hague Convention of 1961 now unites 130 countries that recognize the apostille — a simplified document legalization procedure. In 2022–2026, the list expanded significantly: Saudi Arabia, Canada, China, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Algeria, Vietnam, and Thailand joined. In this article, you will find the current list of member states, new members of the convention, and countries where consular legalization is still required.

🔥 Key Changes 2022–2026

• Thailand — deposited accession on June 30, 2026; convention enters into force on February 28, 2027 (130th member of the convention)

• Vietnam — deposited accession on December 31, 2025; convention enters into force on September 11, 2026 (129th member)

• Algeria — deposited accession on November 5, 2025; convention entered into force on July 9, 2026 (128th member)

• Bangladesh — deposit July 29, 2024; convention entered into force on March 30, 2025 (127th member)

• Canada — joined on January 11, 2024 (125th member of the convention)

• China — joined on November 7, 2023 (including Hong Kong and Macau)

• Rwanda — entered into force on June 5, 2024 (126th member)

Not sure if an apostille is needed for your country? Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram — we will calculate the cost and timeline within 15 minutes. Free consultation.

What is the Hague Apostille Convention?

The Hague Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents was signed on October 5, 1961, in The Hague (Netherlands). The main objective of the convention is to simplify the procedure for recognizing official documents issued in one member state for use in another member state.

Before the convention, documents required a complex consular legalization procedure: they had to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the consulate of the destination country. This took weeks and was expensive. The apostille replaced this procedure with a single stamp placed by a competent authority in the country of document issuance.

The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the authenticity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document. The apostille does not certify the content of the document itself — only its legal force as an official document.

New Members of the Convention 2022–2026

🇹🇭 Thailand — 130th Member of the Convention (deposit June 30, 2026)

Thailand deposited its instrument of accession to the Hague Convention on June 30, 2026 (HCCH press release). The convention enters into force for Thailand on February 28, 2027 — after an 8-month period for possible objections from other contracting parties. Until that date, Thai documents still require consular legalization. The decision to accede was approved by the Thai Cabinet on December 9, 2025 (Thai MFA).

🇻🇳 Vietnam — 129th Member of the Convention (deposit December 31, 2025)

Vietnam deposited its instrument of accession on December 31, 2025. The convention enters into force for Vietnam on September 11, 2026 (HCCH press release). Until that date, Vietnamese documents still require consular legalization. This is an important step for one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, which will significantly simplify document flow for businesses and immigrants.

🇩🇿 Algeria — 128th Member of the Convention (entry into force July 9, 2026)

Algeria deposited its instrument of accession on November 5, 2025; the convention entered into force for this country on July 9, 2026 (HCCH press release). This opens the North African market to simplified document flow.

Important: Germany, Austria, and Greece officially objected to Algeria’s accession under Article 12 of the Convention (HCCH notifications). This means that these three countries will not recognize Algerian apostilles on their territory. If you plan to use Algerian documents in Germany, Austria, or Greece, you will still need consular legalization.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh — 127th Member of the Convention (March 30, 2025)

Bangladesh deposited its instrument of accession on July 29, 2024; the convention entered into force on March 30, 2025 (HCCH press release). The country has implemented an electronic apostille system (e-Apostille), which speeds up document processing. The competent authority is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. This is an important event for labor migrants from Bangladesh and international companies working with this country.

🇷🇼 Rwanda — 126th Member of the Convention (June 5, 2024)

Rwanda joined the Convention, which entered into force for this country on June 5, 2024 (HCCH press release). Rwanda also applied for membership in the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) itself. For foreigners working with Rwandan documents, this is a significant simplification of the procedure.

🇨🇦 Canada — 125th Member of the Convention (January 11, 2024)

Canada became the 125th member of the Hague Convention on January 11, 2024. This event was historic, as Canada was one of the last major developed countries not participating in the convention. Before this, Canadian documents required consular legalization for use abroad, creating significant inconvenience for immigrants, students, and businesses.

After Canada joined, the procedure became significantly simpler: now Canadian documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, criminal record certificates) can be used in any of the 129 other member states with a simple apostille. Each Canadian province designated its competent authorities for placing apostilles, while federal documents are certified through Global Affairs Canada.

🇨🇳 China — World’s Second-Largest Economy in the Convention (November 7, 2023)

China joined the Hague Convention on November 7, 2023. This decision is of great importance for international business and document exchange, given that China is the world’s second-largest economy. Importantly, the convention covers all of China, including Hong Kong (SAR) and Macao (SAR), which had previously been participants through the UK and Portugal respectively.

Before China joined, documents for use in this country required consular legalization at the Chinese embassy — a lengthy and expensive procedure. Now Russian documents with an apostille are accepted in China directly, which is especially important for business partners, students, and workers planning activities in China.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — 122nd Member of the Convention (December 7, 2022)

Saudi Arabia became the 122nd party to the Hague Convention on December 7, 2022 (HCCH press release). Before this, Saudi documents required full consular legalization. Now, for use of Russian documents in Saudi Arabia, an apostille on the original document is sufficient. A separate sworn translation into Arabic, made by a certified translator in Saudi Arabia or certified by MOFA, may be required — this is an independent requirement, not related to the apostille.

Full List of Hague Convention Member States (130 countries)

Below is the current list as of July 2026 of countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention, based on data from the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). For all these countries, an apostille is sufficient — consular legalization is not required. The year the convention entered into force for each country is shown in parentheses.

🇪🇺 European Countries

🌎 North and South American Countries

🌏 Asian Countries

🌍 African Countries

🏝️ Oceanian Countries

Countries WITHOUT Apostille: Where Consular Legalization is Required

If the destination country is NOT a party to the Hague Convention, documents require consular legalization. This is a more complex and lengthy procedure that includes certification by the Ministry of Justice, MFA, and the consulate of the destination country.

⚠️ Important! For countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention, an apostille has NO legal force. Documents will be rejected, and full consular legalization will be required.

🔥 Main Countries WITHOUT Apostille (popular destinations)

🌍 Other Countries WITHOUT Apostille

Other countries WITHOUT apostille (consular legalization required): Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea (DPRK), Timor-Leste, Cuba, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), DR Congo (Kinshasa), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Turkmenistan.

Cuba has a special status and bilateral agreements with some countries that may simplify document recognition.

Special Cases and Nuances

🇨🇳 China: Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao

After China joined the convention, it is important to understand the differences between regions. Hong Kong and Macao were already participants through the UK and Portugal respectively. Now mainland China also accepts apostilles. However, documents between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macao now require an apostille, which was not the case before.

🇩🇿 Algeria: Objections from Germany, Austria, and Greece

Germany, Austria, and Greece officially objected to Algeria’s accession under Article 12 of the Convention. This means that Algerian apostilles are not recognized in these three countries. For use of Algerian documents in Germany, Austria, or Greece, full consular legalization is required.

🇧🇾 Russia’s Bilateral Agreements

Russia has bilateral agreements with some CIS countries that may waive the apostille requirement for certain types of documents. For example, the agreement with Belarus (Minsk Agreement of January 24, 2008, ConsultantPlus) simplifies the recognition of certain documents between these countries. However, for third countries, an apostille is still required.

🇪🇺 European Union

Although all EU countries are parties to the Hague Convention, additional agreements operate within the EU (e.g., EU Regulation 2016/1191) that waive the apostille requirement for certain documents between EU member states. However, for documents from Russia to EU countries, an apostille remains mandatory.

📋 Competent Authorities in Russia (after Federal Law No. 145-FZ)

In Russia, different authorities place apostilles depending on the document type. Since January 1, 2025, Federal Law No. 145-FZ of June 22, 2024 “On the Legalization of Documents” has been in force, regulating consular legalization (for non-Hague countries). The placing of apostilles is still governed by Federal Law No. 330-FZ of November 28, 2015, and the competent authorities have not changed:

⚠️ Important: Since January 1, 2025, the MFA of Russia no longer places apostilles on civil documents. The MFA and its territorial bodies perform only consular legalization of documents for countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention (UAE, Qatar, Egypt, etc.).

How to Check if an Apostille is Needed

1. Determine the destination country

Where will your document be presented? Find the country in the list above or use the official website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) — status-table.

2. Check the document type

Not all documents require an apostille. For example, commercial and customs documents usually require consular legalization even for convention member countries (a separate procedure applies to them — Certificate of Origin, Chamber of Commerce).

3. Clarify the recipient’s requirements

The recipient organization of the document may have additional requirements: translation of the apostille, notarized translation of the document, a certain validity period of the apostille (many countries accept documents no older than 3–6 months).

4. Contact specialists

If you are not sure whether an apostille or consular legalization is required, contact us for a consultation. We will help determine the exact requirements for your situation and calculate the cost.

Article updated: July 8, 2026. Data is based on information from the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), status table as of July 1, 2026 — 130 member states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an apostille and consular legalization?

An apostille is a single stamp from a competent authority of the country of document issuance, recognized in all 130 Hague Convention member states. Consular legalization is a multi-stage process (notary → Ministry of Justice → MFA → consulate of the destination country). An apostille is simpler, faster, and cheaper, but only works for convention member states. For all other countries (UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Iran, etc.), full consular legalization is required.

How many countries are in the Hague Convention in 2026?

As of July 2026 — 130 member states. The most recent to join: Thailand (deposit June 30, 2026, entry into force February 28, 2027), Vietnam (deposit December 31, 2025, entry into force September 11, 2026), Algeria (entry into force July 9, 2026), Bangladesh (March 30, 2025), Rwanda (June 5, 2024), Canada (January 11, 2024), China (November 7, 2023).

Is an apostille required for documents from Russia?

Yes, if the document was issued in Russia and is intended for use in a Hague Convention member state. The apostille is placed by a competent authority in Russia: Ministry of Justice (for notarized documents), ZAGS (for certificates), MVD (for criminal record certificates), Rosobrnadzor (for diplomas), Rosarkhiv (for archival documents). The state fee is 2,500 rubles per document (subclause 48 clause 1 Article 333.33 of the Tax Code).

Is the UAE a member of the Hague Convention?

No. The UAE is not a party to the 1961 Hague Convention. For use of Russian documents in the UAE, full consular legalization is required: notary → Ministry of Justice → MFA → UAE Embassy in Moscow → MOFA UAE. The process takes 10–20 working days, cost — from 15,000 to 35,000 rubles per document. For details, see the Consular Legalization page.

Is Qatar a member of the Hague Convention?

No. As of July 2026, Qatar is not a party to the Hague Convention. For documents intended for Qatar, consular legalization is required. Information about Qatar’s alleged accession in December 2024 is not true — check the official HCCH status table.

Is Thailand a member of the Hague Convention?

Thailand deposited its instrument of accession on June 30, 2026, becoming the 130th member of the convention. However, the convention enters into force for Thailand only on February 28, 2027. Until that date, Thai documents require consular legalization.

Can the authenticity of an apostille be verified online?

Yes. Russia maintains an electronic apostille register. Verification is available via the QR code on the apostille stamp, which links to the official page of the Russian Ministry of Justice. Electronic apostilles (e-Apostille) are also available through the Gosuslugi portal. For details, see the Ministry of Justice website.

What to do if the country is not a party to the Hague Convention?

Full consular legalization will be required: notarized copy → notarized translation → certification by the Russian Ministry of Justice → certification by the Russian MFA → legalization at the consulate of the destination country in Moscow. The process takes 2–4 weeks. The cost depends on the country: UAE — from 15,000 RUB, Egypt — from 18,000 RUB, Iraq — from 25,000 RUB. For details, see the Consular Legalization page.

Related Services

• Apostille of Documents — apostille on any documents on a turnkey basis
• Consular Legalization — for countries outside the Hague Convention (UAE, Qatar, Egypt)
• Police Clearance Certificate with Apostille — remote retrieval
• Notarial Translation of Documents — translation with notary certification
• Notarized Copy of a Document — certified copy for use abroad

Useful Articles

• Apostille on Birth Certificate — Complete Guide 2026
• What to Do If Documents Are Lost Abroad
• Sworn Translation: What It Is and How It Differs from Notarial
• Passport Translation and Legalization

Sources and References

• HCCH — Status Table of the 1961 Apostille Convention (130 countries, official source): hcch.net
• HCCH — Apostille Section (130 Contracting Parties): hcch.net
• HCCH — Thailand, deposit June 30, 2026 (130th member): HCCH press release varevent=1158
• HCCH — Vietnam, deposit December 31, 2025: HCCH press release varevent=1132
• HCCH — Algeria, entry into force July 9, 2026: HCCH press release varevent=1115
• HCCH — Objections of Germany, Austria and Greece to Algeria (Article 12): HCCH Notifications
• HCCH — Bangladesh, entry into force March 30, 2025: HCCH press release varevent=1060
• HCCH — Rwanda, entry into force June 5, 2024: HCCH press release varevent=941
• HCCH — Saudi Arabia, entry into force December 7, 2022: HCCH press release varevent=857
• HCCH — competent authorities in Russia (Article 6): hcch.net
• Thai MFA — Thailand’s accession to the convention: mfa.go.th
• Russian Ministry of Justice — apostille service: minjust.gov.ru
• Federal Law No. 330-FZ of November 28, 2015 (on apostille, Art. 6): ConsultantPlus
• Federal Law No. 145-FZ of June 22, 2024 (on document legalization): ConsultantPlus
• Russia-Belarus Minsk Agreement of January 24, 2008: ConsultantPlus
• Article 333.33 of the Tax Code, subclause 48 clause 1 (apostille state fee 2,500 RUB): ConsultantPlus

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