Document authentication, or legalisation, is the chain of stamps that lets a South African document be used in a country that does not accept apostilles. It usually ends at that country's embassy in Pretoria.
Not every visa applicant needs this document. Whether you need it depends on the destination, visa type and your circumstances - check the official checklist first.
Tell us the documents and the destination country.
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- Obtain the original or certified document from the issuing body.
- Notarise where required.
- DIRCO authentication.
- Legalisation at the destination country's embassy.
- Translation where the destination requires.
Apostille or Authentication?
| Destination country | Route |
|---|---|
| Hague Convention member | Apostille |
| Non-Hague country | DIRCO authentication then embassy legalisation |
Membership changes over time - several Gulf and Asian countries have joined the Convention in recent years. Check the current status before starting.
Authentication Fees
| Service | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| DIRCO step | Free or minimal - confirm | Official |
| Embassy legalisation | Set by each embassy | Official |
| Full chain handling | R2,500 - R4,000 per document | Optional assistance fee |
| Translation | R350 - R1,200 per page | Third-party |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is document authentication?
The process of certifying a document for use in a country that does not accept apostilles.
How is it different from an apostille?
An apostille is a single certificate for Hague countries. Authentication adds embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries.
How long does authentication take?
Several weeks is common because it involves more than one office.
Visa Application connects South African travellers with independent providers who prepare document authentication applications.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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