I. On March 8, 2023, China acceded to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (hereinafter referred to as the Convention). Starting from November 7, 2023, the Convention entered into force for China, Jamaica, Belize and Cayman Islands. The Convention will continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR of China.

II. Starting from November 7, 2023, public documents within the scope of the Convention issued in Jamaica, Belize and Cayman Islands, with an Apostille issued by the three countries or regions, can be sent to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR for use without consular legalization by China or the Chinese Embassy.

III. Starting from November 7, 2023, consular legalization services by the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica will no longer be provided. For public documents issued by Jamaica, Belize and Cayman Islands to be used in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, please apply for Apostilles at the competent authorities in the three countries or regions.

IV. According to the Convention, an Apostille issued by the country of origin suffices to certify the authenticity of the signature on a public document, the capacity in which the person signing the documents has acted and, where appropriate, the authenticity of the seal or stamp which the public document bears. A public document with an Apostille of Jamaica, Belize or Cayman Islands may not necessarily be accepted by relevant Chinese authorities requiring the document. It is recommended that applicants check in advance with the relevant Chinese authorities on the format, content, validity period, translation and other specific requirements regarding the public document before applying for an Apostille.

V. Please refer to the following competent authorities for Apostille application:

Jamaica: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Information Link: https://mfaft.gov.jm/site/apostille/

Belize: High Court of Belize

Information Link: 

https://www.agm.gov.bz/services/associated-registries/general-registry

Cayman Islands: Cayman Island Government

Information Link: 

https://support.gov.ky/hc/en-gb/articles/15325379584397-How-to-obtain-an-Apostilled-document-from-General-Registry