Greece sets Aug 3 2026 deadline for new EU‑compliant identity cards

Greek authorities have announced that from 3 August 2026 the current blue identity cards will no longer be accepted for travel outside the country. Citizens must obtain the new machine‑readable ID cards or use a passport for international trips, as required by EU Regulation 2019/1157.

The new cards cost €10 each (reduced to €5 for large families) plus a €0.50 stamp, and must be paid online before visiting a police station. The Ministry of Digital Governance has introduced an electronic appointment system to reduce pressure on police offices, increasing available slots by about 30 % in Athens and similar boosts in Thessaloniki. Applicants can schedule appointments at any office nationwide, upload a digital photograph, and receive email confirmations and reminders.

Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou and General Secretary of Information Systems Demosthenis Anagnostopoulos emphasized the urgency, stating, “From 3 August the blue ID will no longer be valid for travel abroad; citizens will need a passport.” The Personal Number rollout has been extended to November, further increasing demand for the new documents.