Greece sets Aug 3 2026 deadline for new biometric ID cards

Under EU Regulation 2019/1157, Greece must replace its traditional “blue” police identity cards with new biometric documents that include a machine‑readable zone (MRZ). Starting 3 August 2026, the old cards will no longer be accepted as travel documents for trips abroad, including within the European Union. Citizens who have not yet obtained the new e‑ID must either apply for it or use a passport for international travel.

The new ID is issued through a fully digital process: applicants book an appointment on the gov.gr portal, pay an electronic fee of €10 (reduced to €5 for large families) plus a €0.50 police stamp, and present a digital photograph uploaded via the myPhoto service. The police office verifies the data, and the card is delivered in roughly seven working days. Demand is high, causing limited appointment availability in many jurisdictions. While the old card remains valid for domestic identification, it will be phased out of public‑service use by September 2027.