Greece to phase out old ID Cards for travel after Summer 2026
Greece will officially phase out its old-style identity cards for international travel after summer 2026, requiring citizens to either obtain new biometric IDs or use passports when traveling abroad.
The change comes as part of a broader European Union regulation aimed at strengthening security standards across member states. Under the new rules, the traditional “blue” police-issued ID cards—long used by Greek citizens for travel within the EU—will no longer be accepted as valid travel documents.
Security Concerns Behind the Shift
Authorities say the move is driven by the need to modernize identification systems and reduce fraud risks. The existing IDs, in circulation for decades, lack advanced security features and are considered vulnerable to forgery and misuse.
Officials are urging citizens to apply for the new IDs well ahead of the deadline to avoid processing delays, especially as demand is already rising in major urban centers such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
Application Process and Fees
Applicants must book an appointment online or visit a local police station in person. A digital photograph is a key requirement and can either be taken at the station or uploaded via the government’s certified platform.
Personal data is automatically retrieved from state registries and verified during the application process.
The standard issuance fee for the new ID is set at €10, reduced to €5 for large families. Payments are processed exclusively through the state’s electronic fee system. Upon completion, the old ID is surrendered and canceled.
Special Cases and Delivery Timeline
First-time applicants must be accompanied by a witness who can verify their identity. For minors under 18, this responsibility falls to a parent or legal guardian, along with the necessary documentation.
New ID cards are produced centrally by the Greek Police and are typically delivered within seven working days. Once issued, the updated identification data is automatically synchronized across public administration systems, facilitating use in both physical and digital services.
High Demand and Urgent Cases
Strong demand—particularly in large cities—has led to limited appointment availability. Authorities recommend regularly checking the booking platform or applying through smaller regional police stations.
In urgent situations, such as imminent travel, loss or theft of ID, or critical educational needs, expedited services may be provided without an appointment upon submission of supporting documents.
