Where can I travel with the old Greek ID card – What applies for traveling abroad

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Many travelers wonder where they can travel with the old Greek ID card and whether it is still accepted for trips abroad. The old Greek ID card (the well known blue identity card) is still used by many citizens, however it is not accepted in all countries and in all situations.

In this detailed guide you will see whether you can travel with an old ID card, which countries allow it, what problems you may face at the airport and how long it remains valid for traveling.

Can I travel with an old ID card

The question can I travel with an old ID card is one of the most common questions Greek travelers ask before booking a trip. The answer is that in many cases you can, but there are important limitations.

The old Greek ID card is mainly accepted for travel within the European Union and the Schengen area, where citizens can move without a passport. However, because the old ID card is not biometric and often does not include Latin characters, some countries or airlines may create difficulties during the control process.

For this reason many travelers prefer to travel with a passport even when the ID card is theoretically sufficient.

Old ID card travel abroad

The old ID card for traveling abroad can mainly be used for destinations within Europe. This means you can travel to many European countries without a passport, as long as the ID card is in good condition and clearly readable.

However you should know that some countries have stricter rules and may ask for a passport instead of an ID card. In addition if the ID card is very old, damaged or difficult to read, you may be asked to present another travel document.

Especially when the trip includes a transfer in another country, the checks may be stricter.

Countries where I can travel with an ID card

The countries where you can travel with an ID card are mainly the member states of the European Union and several countries in the Schengen area.

Some popular destinations where Greek travelers can travel using only an ID card are:

Italy
France
Spain
Germany
Netherlands
Austria
Belgium
Portugal
Croatia
Cyprus

In these countries the ID card is considered a sufficient travel document for citizens of the European Union. However the new digital ID card that is gradually replacing the old one is considered safer for traveling.

Can I travel with an old ID card with Latin characters

Many people search whether they can travel with an old ID card with Latin characters, because several Greek ID cards include the name written in English as well.

ID cards that include the name written in Latin characters are generally easier to be accepted at airports and border controls. This happens because officers can easily read the details and compare them with the booking information.

However if the ID card contains only Greek characters, some airlines or countries may ask for a passport for identification reasons.

Problem with ID card at the airport

A possible problem with an ID card at the airport may occur when the ID card is very old or damaged. In such cases airport staff may have difficulty confirming the passenger’s identity.

The most common problems travelers face are:

damaged or worn ID card
unclear photo
lack of Latin characters
name written differently from the ticket

To avoid such situations it is important that the information on the ticket matches exactly the information on the ID card.

Can I travel with an old ID card with Aegean

The question can I travel with an old ID card with Aegean concerns many passengers who travel with Greek airlines.

Aegean usually allows travel within the European Union with a Greek ID card, as long as it is valid and in good condition. However the final decision also depends on the requirements of the destination country.

If there is any doubt about the acceptance of the ID card, the safest option is always to travel with a passport.

Until when can I travel with the old ID card

The question until when can I travel with the old ID card concerns many citizens since Greece is gradually replacing the old ID cards with new biometric ones.

The old ID cards are still valid for the time being, however in the coming years they will be completely replaced by the new digital ID cards that comply with European security standards.

This means that for future trips abroad you may need to issue a new ID card or a passport.

Can I travel with the ID card on my phone

The question can I travel with an ID card on my phone appears more and more often as many citizens now use digital identity through mobile applications.

The digital ID card on a phone is mainly used for internal services within Greece and for identification in various services. However for travel abroad most countries and airlines still require a physical identification document.

For this reason it is not recommended to travel using only a digital ID.

In summary, if you are wondering where you can travel with the old Greek ID card, the answer is mainly to countries within the European Union and the Schengen area. However the old ID card may create difficulties at airports or in certain countries.

For greater safety and less stress during the trip many travelers prefer to carry a passport or the new ID card with them in order to avoid potential problems during identity checks.