Portugal stops paper identity cards as travel documents in EU from Aug 3 2026

From 3 August 2026 the Portuguese paper Bilhete de Identidade (including the lifelong version) will no longer be accepted for travel within the Schengen Area and the European Union. The change follows the EU regulation that requires all national identity documents to have an optical‑read zone and other security features. Portuguese citizens must use a modern Cartão de Cidadão or a Portuguese electronic passport for international journeys, while the old paper document remains valid for domestic identification purposes.

The transition applies to border checks at airports and land crossings. Holders are advised to renew their Citizen Card through the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado, Citizen Shops, or consular services abroad before the deadline to avoid travel disruptions.