Identity
If you are an EU national, you do not need to show your national ID card or passport when travelling between EU countries that belong to the Schengen Zone. Even if there are no passport controls at borders within the Schengen Zone, it is recommended to always carry a passport or ID card with you to prove your identity if needed (e.g. if requested by the police, when boarding a plane, etc.). Schengen EU countries have the option to adopt national rules that may require you to carry identification documents when in their territory. Driver's licenses, post or bank cards, and tax cards are not accepted as valid travel documents or proof of identity.
If you have a New Type ID card (i.e. those issued since around 2000 with your name in Latin characters, whether handwritten or computerized) and it is in good condition, you can travel without any issue to and from Ireland and Croatia (these countries, although EU members, do not belong to the Schengen Zone). Additionally, to Vatican City, San Marino (in Italy), and Monaco (in France), which are not EU members but have no border checks, the same rules apply as for Schengen Zone members.
Only with the use of your identity card you can travel to EU and/or Schengen member countries.
The countries that have fully joined the Schengen Treaty are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Finland, as well as Iceland and Norway (which are not EU members).
For adult travel to Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia (except Kosovo), and Turkey, an ID card is sufficient, but only the new type (with Latin characters).
In any case, as these are non-EU and non-Schengen countries, the allowed period of stay may be limited and policies can change, so do a quick check before your trip.
If your destination is outside Schengen countries, you must carry your passport and check if visa or return ticket is required.
Loss / Theft
In case of loss or theft of travel documents, call the Greek Embassy/consulate immediately. Keep photocopies of your documents rather than the originals when out. Always keep the hotel and embassy address and phone number with you. Do not store this only on your phone or wallet as they might be stolen too. If there is no Greek diplomatic authority where you are, as an EU citizen, you have the right to contact any other EU member state's diplomatic authority.
European Driving Licenses
Since 2013, all new driving licenses issued in the EU have a standardized format – a plastic, credit card-sized photo card with enhanced security features.
You can continue to use your old driving license, but you will be issued a new one when you renew your current license, and in any case no later than 2033.
If your driving license is issued by an EU country, it is recognized throughout the EU.
So if you move to another EU country, you usually do not need to replace your license. You can drive in your new country with your existing license, provided:
- it remains valid
- you have reached the age limit required for driving a vehicle of the equivalent category
- it has not been suspended, restricted or revoked in the issuing country.
Categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, B1, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE are recognized in other EU countries.
Passport
The powerful travel document.
The best thing to do is to issue (if you don't already have one) a passport and always keep it with you on every journey around the world. It is a country's strongest proof of identity and the required documents are:
- Recent color passport photo
- 2 photocopies of your ID
- Fee of 85€ (e-paravolo)
For more information, visit the official website.
Visas
If you are an EU national you do not need a visa when travelling within the EU.
To find out about procedures and conditions for issuing visas when travelling abroad, click here.
At the Application Reception Offices of the Passport Directorate of the Hellenic Police in 104 locations.
Also in 151 Consular Authorities of Greece abroad.
Children
In addition to a valid passport or ID card (for children over 12), any child travelling:
- alone or
- with adults who are not their legal guardians or
- with only one parent
may need an additional official document signed by the parents, or the second parent or legal guardian, to be allowed to travel.
There are no EU-wide rules; each EU country decides whether such documents are required. Check requirements before travelling.
Note that even if a country does not require minors to have transit permission, it might be required by transit countries.
When travelling by air, check with airlines as they often require special permission forms.
Third-country nationals
Διαβατήριο: A valid passport is required.
Θεωρήσεις: Citizens of 29 countries do not need a visa to visit the EU for up to three months. In case of doubt, contact the nearest consular authority of any EU country.
A valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country is equivalent to a visa.