Old-style ID cards to no longer be valid for international travel after Aug. 3
Citizens who have not yet replaced their old-style identity cards with the new biometric version will no longer be able to travel abroad using the old documents after Aug. 3, 2026.
Under the ongoing transition to biometric identity cards, travelers must present a new biometric ID card or a valid passport for international travel from Aug. 3 onward. Those who fail to obtain the new ID before the deadline will only be able to leave the country with a valid passport.
Authorities clarified that the change applies exclusively to international travel. Old-style identity cards will remain valid for everyday identification purposes and administrative procedures within Greece, including transactions with public institutions and domestic identity verification.
The transition to biometric identity cards is part of a broader effort to modernize identity documents and enhance travel security standards.
