Changes to Identity Cards for Travel in the EU
October 9, 2025
By summer 2026, EU citizens must replace old identity cards with new European standard ones. Old identity cards will not allow travel within the EU, although using a passport will still be possible. This change also applies to Cyprus under European directives. Citizens of the Hellenic Republic must update their documents to ensure they meet higher security and recognition standards. Additionally, the Personal Number will be adopted as the main identification tool for public transactions.