IMPORTANT UPDATE: Algeria – New Legalisation Requirements

Algeria joins the 1961 Apostille Convention

From 9 July 2026, the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961 Apostille Convention) entered into force for Algeria.

Algeria formally acceded to the Convention on 5 November 2025, and the change now simplifies the process for authenticating documents for use between the UK and Algeria.

What does this mean for UK businesses?

Following guidance received from the Embassy of Algeria, documents that require legalisation for use in Algeria will now, where applicable, require an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Algerian Embassy legalisation will no longer be required.

The Apostille Convention replaces the traditional legalisation process for documents within its scope with a single Apostille, which certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the identity of the seal or stamp on the document.

Important: Arab Chamber requirements remain unchanged

The introduction of the Apostille process does not affect Arab Chamber certification and verification requirements.

Where required, Arab Chamber certification and verification remain necessary for:

• Certificates of Origin

• Commercial invoices

• Other commercial documentation

Businesses should therefore continue to check the specific requirements of their Algerian customer or the relevant Algerian authorities to establish whether Arab Chamber certification/verification is required in addition to an FCDO Apostille.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can assist businesses exporting to Algeria with both:

Arab Chamber Certification & Verification For Certificates of Origin and other commercial documentation.

FCDO Apostille for documents requiring an Apostille for use in Algeria.

If you are exporting documents to Algeria and are unsure what certification or legalisation is required, our International Export Documentation team can help guide you through the process.