Last updated: 29th September 2020

Embassy Closures

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The Milton Keynes office is now open for personal as well as business customer applications. The London FCO office has also now re-opened for Urgent same day Apostille services.

The Embassy of the UAE, London

Currently processing on a delayed service, postal applications only until further notice.

The Embassy of Qatar, London

Currently accepting legalisation requests, postal only.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Currently accepting legalisation requests, appointments are limited with partial opening (6 hours per week).

The Embassy of Kuwait

Now open and accepting legalisation requests.

The Embassy of Vietnam

Currently open and actively accepting legalisation requests with no service delays.

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Now open and accepting legalisation requests.

The Embassy of Thailand

Open and accepting requests for document legalisation.

The Embassy of Taiwan

Open and accepting requests for document legalisation via post only.

The Embassy of Egypt

Open and accepting requests for document legalisation.

The Embassy of Malaysia

Open and accepting requests for document legalisation.

The Embassy of Bahrain

Open and accepting requests for document legalisation.

Other closures and restrictions

Thailand

From the beginning of October, Thailand are opening their borders again and allowing visitors. This will only be for those intending to stay long-term however, as there will be a 14-day government imposed quarantine required upon arrival.

China

Most restrictions have started to be lifted in China, with 95% of schools re-opened. There is still however travel restrictions on incoming and outgoing flights and other travel, with no new expats being allowed to start work directly. Therefore any new hires within China are pre-existing expats. It’s unlikely that any new hired will begin until at least January 2021 according to our in-country sources.

The UAE

Travellers to the UAE will require a negative COVID-19 test result which has been completed within 96 hours of travelling before they are able to enter the UAE. If you are returning to Dubai as a resident, you will be required to gain prior approval before travelling. Tourist and visit visas are not currently being issued for Abu Dhabi.