How to Apostille a Document for Eritrea

If you need to use a US document in Eritrea, it must be authenticated. Although Eritrea is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents still require legalization to be recognized. Knowing the correct process will help you avoid delays and make sure your paperwork is accepted.

Understanding Apostille and Legalization

An apostille verifies that a document is genuine. For countries not in the Hague Convention, including Eritrea, documents must go through multiple authentication steps. First, the document is verified at the state level, then at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C., and finally at the Eritrean Embassy or Consulate. Each step confirms the document’s authenticity for international use.

Preparing Your Document

Start by identifying the type of document you need to use. Common examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, notarized affidavits, and business documents. Some documents, such as court records or vital records, may not require notarization but still need state authentication.

Notarization Requirements

Most documents must be notarized by a licensed US notary public. This step confirms that the signatures on the document are valid. Government-issued documents, like court or vital records, may not need notarization but will require state verification to be accepted internationally.

State Authentication

After notarization, the document must be authenticated at the state level. Contact the Secretary of State office in the state where your document was issued. They confirm that the notary or official who signed your document is legitimate. Processing times and fees differ by state, so check their website for details.

US Department of State Authentication

Next, the document goes to the US Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. This step confirms that the state official who verified the document is authorized. You will need to send the original document, a completed authentication request form, the processing fee, and a return envelope if using mail. Expedited services may be available for faster processing.

Eritrean Embassy Legalization

Because Eritrea is not a Hague Convention member, the document must then be legalized at the Eritrean Embassy or Consulate. Requirements usually include the US Department of State authentication, a completed application form, payment of fees, and sometimes a certified translation in Tigrinya or Arabic. The embassy will attach a certificate or stamp to finalize the document for use in Eritrea.

Translation Requirements

Many Eritrean offices require documents in Tigrinya or Arabic. If your document is in English, it may need a certified translation. Some embassies require that translations be notarized before legalization. Confirm this in advance to avoid delays.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Plan ahead because each step can take several days or weeks. Keep copies of all notarized and authenticated documents. Consider professional legalization services to avoid mistakes. Always check requirements for your document type, state, and embassy to ensure nothing is missing before submission.

Conclusion

Getting a US document ready for use in Eritrea involves several steps: notarization, state authentication, US Department of State verification, and legalization at the Eritrean Embassy. Following each step carefully ensures your document is legally recognized, prevents delays, and allows you to use it confidently in Eritrea.