Queues formed outside the Kozani Police Headquarters on Wednesday as dozens of people opposed to Greece’s new national identity cards waited in the summer heat to apply for passports instead.
According to local reports, some people arrived as early as 5 a.m. to secure a place in line for passport applications.
Beginning August 3, Greece’s old-style identity cards will no longer be accepted as travel documents for international trips, including travel within the Schengen Area. The change is part of the country’s transition to new identity cards that comply with European security standards and include modern security features and a machine-readable zone.
As a result, travelers will need either the new national identity card or a valid passport for international travel.
Despite the change, the old identity cards will continue to be accepted for administrative, banking, and private transactions within Greece until September 2027.
Appointments for the new identity cards are made online through the official booking platform, where applicants select their region and police station. Availability is generally greater outside Greece’s major urban centers.
Applicants can have their photo taken at the police station on the day of their appointment or submit one electronically through a certified photographer. The new identity card is typically ready for collection within seven days.
The issuance fee is €10, plus a €0.50 Greek Police stamp fee. Large families are eligible for a reduced fee of €5.
Once a new identity card is issued, public services are automatically updated through Greece’s National Citizens Registry. However, citizens must notify private organizations—such as banks, employers, and telecommunications providers—of their new identification details themselves.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain alert for scams exploiting the rollout of the new identity cards as a pretext to steal personal information.
