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 between China and Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Trinidad and Tobago, after an Apostille by Trinidad and Tobago is obtained, can be sent to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR for use without the need to apply for consular legalization by Trinidad and Tobago and the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

III. Starting from November 7, 2023, consular legalization services by the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be provided. For public documents issued by Trinidad and Tobago to be used in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, please apply for Apostilles from competent authorities of Trinidad and Tobago.

IV. According to the Convention, an Apostille issued by the country of origin is 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 it bears. A public document with an Apostille of Trinidad and Tobago 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 about the format, content, time limit, translation and other specific requirements regarding the public document before applying for an Apostille.