In Lesotho, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Lesotho is a member. The apostille serves to authenticate documents for international use in countries that are also part of the Hague Convention.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Lesotho:
- Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Lesotho include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.)
- Court decisions and other official documents issued by state authorities
- Obtain the Document: The document should be issued by an official Lesotho authority. For example:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Civil Registry.
- Academic diplomas issued by universities or educational institutions in Lesotho.
- Notarized documents from licensed Lesotho notaries.
- Other official documents issued by government bodies or courts.
- Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.), it must first be notarized by a licensed Lesotho notary public before it can be apostilled.
- Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In Lesotho, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for issuing apostilles. The Ministry is the central authority for apostille requests for documents issued by Lesotho authorities. You can submit your document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Maseru, the capital city, for apostille processing.
- Complete the Apostille Application Form: When submitting your document, you will need to complete an apostille request form. This form can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or may be available on their website.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a processing fee for obtaining an apostille in Lesotho. The fee can typically be paid in cash at the Ministry if you are submitting your document in person, or by other payment methods if submitting by mail.
- Processing Time:
- In-person submissions: Apostille processing typically takes 1–3 business days if submitted in person.
- By mail: If you submit documents by mail, the processing time may take 5–7 business days, depending on postal delivery times and the volume of requests.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: Once the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Maseru. If you submitted your document by mail, it will be returned to you by post.
Key Points:
- Lesotho is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Lesotho are valid in other countries that are also members of the convention and vice versa.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only authority authorized to issue apostilles for documents in Lesotho.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in Lesotho.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document you wish to have apostilled.
- A completed apostille request form.
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID card).
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in Lesotho:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 12, Maseru 100, Lesotho.
- Phone: +266 2231 5614
For up-to-date information on fees, the apostille application form, and processing times, it’s best to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact them directly.