The Apostille Convention, formally known as the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, is an international treaty that simplifies the authentication of documents for use between member countries. Currently comprising over 127 contracting states worldwide, this convention eliminates the lengthy and costly process of consular legalisation by introducing a standardised certificate called an “apostille.” For South African citizens and businesses requiring document authentication for international use, understanding which countries accept apostilles is crucial for seamless cross-border transactions, education, employment, and legal matters.
The Apostille Convention is an international treaty established in 1961 that streamlines the process of authenticating public documents for use in foreign countries. Instead of requiring multiple levels of certification through consular offices, member countries accept a single apostille certificate, making international document verification faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
As of 2025, there are over 127 countries that are contracting parties to the Apostille Convention. This number continues to grow as more nations recognise the benefits of simplified document authentication for international commerce and cooperation.
Documents eligible for apostille certification include:
Official certificates placed on documents signed by persons in their private capacity (such as acknowledgments of signatures, certifications of copies)
Official certificates confirming the authenticity of seals or stamps
Official certificates confirming the date a document was signed or the identity of the signatory
Administrative documents, court documents, notarial acts, and official certificates
Several countries have not joined the Apostille Convention and still require traditional consular legalisation. These include some Middle Eastern, African, and Asian nations. For documents destined to non-member countries, you’ll need to follow the full consular authentication process through the relevant embassy or consulate.