From August 3rd, the old police ID cards will no longer be accepted as travel documents for travel abroad. However, they will continue to be valid temporarily for transactions with the Greek State.
The new digitally upgraded ID cards have increased security features and are fully harmonized with European standards.
The most significant change comes into effect on August 3, when old ID cards that do not have a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) will no longer be recognized as travel documents for travel abroad. The change is provided for by EU Regulation 2019/1157, which establishes common security standards for identity cards issued by the Member States of the European Union.
Thus, holders of the old identity cards will not be able to use them for travel, even to countries of the European Union or the Schengen area, where until now the Greek identity card was an acceptable travel document. For such travel, a new identity card or a valid passport will be required.
The change concerns exclusively the use of the identity card as a travel document and does not (for now) affect citizens' transactions within the country.
The old identity cards will continue to be used to identify citizens in Greek State services, while they also remain valid for a number of administrative procedures.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
