Q1153. How do foreign transnational commercial fishing licenses undergo MFA legalization?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation legalization desk

A foreign commercial fishing license can be authenticated for documentary use, but legalization does not authorize fishing in Thai waters. Ask Thailand’s Department of Fisheries which foreign license or supporting record it requires and whether legalization is necessary. Obtain an original or acceptable certified copy from the issuing fisheries authority. Then confirm the authentication sequence with the Thai embassy responsible for that country, including any prior competent-authority certification. Check whether submission in Thailand also requires Department of Consular Affairs legalization and a Thai translation. A common pitfall is presenting a license whose vessel name or registration number differs from the current vessel registry. Verify the documentary and operating requirements with the Department of Fisheries before filing.