US immigration (USCIS), credential evaluators and universities require complete certified English translations.
United States is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Because Palestine is not, Palestinian documents for United States still go through consular legalisation rather than an apostille. Documents issued in United States can carry an apostille there, but for use in Palestine they are usually also legalised by the Palestinian embassy.
Palestinian documents for use in United States
- Issuing authority or notaryCertified copy, or the stamp of the relevant ministry (education, justice, interior).
- Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesAuthentication of the previous signature.
- Embassy or representative office of United StatesLegalisation by the mission of United States accredited for Palestine.
- Certified translationInto the language required by the receiving authority, before or after legalisation as required.
Documents from United States for use in Palestine
- Apostille in United StatesFrom the competent authority of the issuing country.
- Palestinian embassy in United StatesLegalisation, where required by the receiving authority in Palestine.
- Certified Arabic translationPrepared in Palestine for ministries, courts and banks.
Translation
Documents for United States usually need a certified translation into English. Some authorities require the translation to be done or confirmed by a translator sworn or registered in United States — we check this before starting.
Embassy requirements and fees change frequently. We confirm the current procedure for your specific document before you pay.
Related services
- Embassy & consular legalisationFull legalisation chain for Palestinian documents used abroad and foreign documents used in Palestine.
- Ministry authentication (MOFA)Authentication at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and line ministries.
- Certified translationSigned and stamped translations accepted by embassies, ministries, universities and courts.
- Power of attorneyDrafting, translation, notarisation and legalisation of powers of attorney for use in Palestine or abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Does United States accept an apostille on Palestinian documents?
No. Palestinian documents cannot receive an apostille because Palestine is not a party to the Convention. They are authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and legalised by the mission of United States.
How long does legalisation for United States take?
It depends on the document and on the current workload and appointment system of the United States mission. We give you a realistic estimate with the quote and keep you informed at each step.
Can you do everything without me being present?
In most cases, yes. Where a mission requires the applicant's presence or a power of attorney, we tell you in advance.