Alternative to Apostille

Canada does not have an apostille process so the only way documents can be authenticated for use in Panama is through the Panama consulate.  We also provide a list of Panama consulate / embassy locations, if you wish to get the documents authenticated in person.  The following document is specific information about getting documents authenticated in Canada.  Although they list restrictions, please be assured there is no problem getting the documents we require authenticated.  This document lists a specific location, but the procedure is the same at all the Panama consulates in Canada.

Authentication of Documents

• We authenticate the signature of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs which has to be on your documents - we do not review or approve the content of documents. If the documents that we receive are not properly certified, signed and sealed, they will be returned to you without being authenticated.

Foreign Affairs Address:

Attention Legal Department
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2.

• Some documents like Photocopies of original documents, Pension, Study Certificates and others can only be authenticated by Foreign Affairs if they are previously certified, signed and sealed by a Canadian lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths. If the documents you send to them are not properly certified, signed and sealed, they will be returned to you without being authenticated.

• If you have any question about the Authentication of your document in the, Department of Foreign Affairs, please Contact then to the Authentication and Service of Documents Section at the, the phone number is 613 995 0119.

• You need to enclose a covering letter indicating your mailing address, contact information (telephone and e-mail address) outlining your specific requirements.

• We do not cover the cost of the shipment, you have to provide us on your cover letter either your account number of credit card number and we will send your documents by Fedex, or you can also provide us a prepaid envelope, that you can get it from the Post Office.

• Our fee is $US 30.00 per document, it has to be payed only in a Money order or Draft International check (if you are in Panama) payable to “Embassy of Panama – Consular Section” . There is a fee of $US 2.00 for each extra page in Notarized documents with a stamp and sign. You are going to receive an Official Recit.

• Processing time at the Embassy is normally 2 or 3 working days from the date we receive. your documents. You have to concider that the porcess time in the Department of Foreign Affairs is between 10 to 15 working days. The processing time will be longer if we have questions and/or require clarification from you about your request.

• When submitting your documents in person, appointments are not necessary. Simply report to the Reception Desk at the following address between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Embassy is closed on statutory holidays.

130 Albert St. Suite 300

Ottawa, On

K1P 5G4

Phone: 613 236 7177