When is Attestation Needed?
Countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait often require "attested" or "legalized" medical documents if you are carrying controlled narcotics.
The Chain of Verification
This is a tedious process that proves your doctor is real:
- Notary Public: Verify the doctor's signature at a local notary.
- Home State Health Dept: The local health authority stamps it.
- Foreign Affairs / State Department: Your country's foreign ministry legalizes it.
- Destination Embassy: Finally, the embassy of the country you are visiting stamps it.
This process can take weeks. Start early!