Greece Phases Out Old National ID Cards for EU Travel

Monday, 8 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Starting August 3, 2026, significant changes to Greek national identity cards take effect, with direct implications for travelers. The old-format ID cards will no longer be accepted as valid travel documents within the EU. Greek residents needing a new ID must book an appointment through the official government portal and bring specific documents, including proof of citizenship, a recent passport photo, and their current ID. For tourists visiting Crete, the key practical impact is that fellow EU travelers using an older Greek ID as their sole travel document may face issues at border checks. If you are traveling to Crete from another EU country, ensure your own national ID or passport meets current validity requirements before your trip to avoid complications at entry points.