Greece to phase out blue ID cards by 3 August 2026

Under European Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, Greece will stop accepting the traditional blue police identity cards for travel outside the EU after 3 August 2026. Citizens must obtain the new identity cards that include a machine‑readable zone (MRZ) to remain compliant for international trips.

The new cards cost a €10 electronic fee (reduced to €5 for large families) plus a €0.50 ELAS stamp. Applications are submitted online, where personal data are automatically retrieved from the Population Registry and the National Contact Registry. Applicants schedule in‑person appointments at police stations, with the system now showing improved availability, though some delays persist in Athens and Thessaloniki. Emergency cases – such as urgent travel, loss or theft, or student needs – can be served without an appointment.

The production of the upgraded IDs is carried out in central police facilities, with an estimated delivery time of about seven working days once the appointment is completed.