Greece’s old-style identity cards are no longer accepted as travel documents for trips abroad as of Monday, including travel within the Schengen zone, authorities said.
The familiar blue identity cards lack modern security features and a machine-readable zone required under European standards, meaning travelers must now carry either the new Greek ID card or a valid passport when traveling outside the country.
The change has prompted thousands of citizens in recent weeks to apply for new identity cards, increasing demand for appointments at police stations. The Ministry of Citizen Protection said it has expanded the operating hours of ID card issuing offices and increased staffing to meet demand.
According to ministry data, available online appointments have increased by 28% since July 4, while the average processing time has fallen from 22 minutes to 14 minutes. More than 4.15 million new identity cards had been issued by July 31.
The old-style identity cards remain valid as proof of identity for domestic transactions in Greece.
