Greek citizens who still hold the old-style Greek police identity card have a deadline to keep in mind. After August 3, 2026, the old-format δελτίο αστυνομικής ταυτότητας will no longer be valid as a travel document within the European Union. The deadline is set by EU Regulation 2019/1157, which provides that identity cards lacking a machine-readable zone or the minimum ICAO Document 9303 security standards “shall cease to be valid at their expiry or by August 3, 2026, whichever is earlier.”
The change does not mean that Greek Americans can travel from the United States to Greece with a Greek ID card instead of a passport. For U.S.-based travelers, a valid passport remains essential for international travel. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and leave the United States using a U.S. passport.
The Greek ID issue matters differently. For Greek citizens, a national identity card can function as a travel document within the European Union and the Schengen area. EU travel guidance states that EU citizens may travel in the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, with either a valid passport or a valid national identity card.
In practical terms, Greek Americans should first make sure they have a valid U.S. passport before any international trip. Those who also hold Greek citizenship should separately check whether they need a Greek passport or the new Greek identity card for travel and identification inside Greece and the European Union.
Two main options for Greek citizens who still have the old-style ID are to apply for a Greek passport or obtain the new type of Greek identity card.
The new Greek identity card cannot be issued through a consulate. The request must be handled in Greece through the Hellenic Police. Appointments are booked digitally through gov.gr, followed by an in-person visit to the selected police authority.
Gov.gr states that citizens can book an appointment to obtain a Greek identity card at the police authority of their choice, regardless of their place of residence. The service covers both the issuance of new-type Greek ID cards and the replacement of older cards due to changes in details, damage, expiration, or age.
That also answers a common question from the diaspora: the old ID does not have to be replaced in the town where it was first issued. It can be replaced by any competent police authority in Greece. Citizens should still contact the police authority in advance to confirm required documents and appointment availability.
Gov.gr notes that the online appointment process requires Taxisnet credentials and contact information. Available appointments shown through the platform cover the next 90 days, and the applicant must appear in person at the selected police authority with the required supporting documents.
Demand has been heavy, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, where slots have at times been booked out weeks in advance; an emergency procedure is available without an appointment for urgent cases such as imminent travel, lost or stolen IDs, or medical reasons.
A Greek passport application, by contrast, can be submitted through the relevant Greek consular authority abroad. Greece’s National Passport and Secure Document Center states that Greek citizens residing abroad submit passport documents in person at the competent Greek consular authority.
If you live in the Philadelphia region, consular jurisdiction depends on your state:
- If you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you fall under the Consulate General of Greece in New York.
- If you live in Delaware, you fall under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C.
The practical message is simple: do not leave this for the last days before summer travel. Anyone planning to visit Greece in 2026 and update their Greek ID should look into the appointment process early, as availability may vary by location.
Before you make any travel plans, check your own situation with the appropriate consulate or police authority, especially if your municipal registration, passport, tax credentials, or family records are not up to date.