Kat Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 01:59

I see you couldn’t wait for an answer and posted the same question in a forum two hours later. Of course I was sleeping at 4:00 a.m. and couldn’t reply.

You can potentially use a Greek ID to travel within the EU/Schengen zone, but it’s not acceptable between the USA and Greece. For example: If airport previous to landing in Greece is in the EU/Schengen zone, you can use a Greek ID just for that leg. If the airport previous to landing in Greece was in the USA, you cannot.

In “American Greek dual citizenship” under ‘Which passport should I use?’ the official advice given by the U.S. Department of State and Attica Citizen Centre in Greece is those with both a U.S. and Greek passport should use the U.S. passport to exit America, enter Greece with the Greek passport, exit Greece with the Greek passport then re-enter America with the U.S. passport.

However, since your Greek passport is expired, it is perfectly fine to travel on the U.S. passport for the entire time, as long as your trip is less than 90 days. My friend Mitsos is a Greek-American living in Greece, and he’s never had a Greek passport. He says that his Greek ID and U.S. passport do everything he needs.

Kat Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 22:39

Yes, that’s what I’m saying. This post is based on first-hand experience of my Greek partner and two friends, all born in Greece. It didn’t matter that they had biometric Greek passports and valid, existing Greek ID cards. They still had to get birth certificates from their oikogeneiaki merida that specifically stated they were for the issuance of a Greek ID.

I understand the logic behind your thinking because lots of us think the same way, but the system doesn’t work that way here.

Kat Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 17:48

Your experience doesn’t suggest otherwise; it is exactly as written. The office requested your Greek birth/citizenship certificate from your oikogeneiaki merida to verify Greek citizenship; and your Greek passport was accepted as a secondary identification in lieu of your Australian birth certificate/citizenship.

As I understood the question posed above by Chris, he asked why a Greek passport alone wasn’t enough to establish Greek citizenship in lieu of a Greek birth certificate.

That’s true, blood type is optional.

Whether the system is getting better depends on who waits on you and who you are. Not everyone enjoys equal treatment and competent service.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It helps me learn if things have changed.

Kat Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 19:22

The official government circular I sourced for my article and answers to questions is the same one you saw posted by police, and it says that they automatically request your certified original Greek birth certificate from your oikogeneiaki merida via fax or electronically. This is why they faxed your merida. I never said a merida or Greek passport alone is sufficient.

What you encountered with your photo is something I’ve heard amongst many people when getting a Greek ID or Greek passport, which is why I mentioned it in the Greek passport article. Therefore, it isn’t unusual. Their intention is to fix photos to ensure they meet requirements; otherwise, you’d need to take and pay for them again.

Kat Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 20:16

You did not provide enough information for me to dispense an answer specific to your situation, but I’ll give a general response and hope it sets you in the right direction. When you lose your Greek ID, you need to report this to police in whatever city/country it occurred as a matter of record. Get a copy of the report and then show it to Greek police in Greece when applying for a replacement ID card.

I’ve never heard of anyone needing to report this to a Greek embassy/consulate, since they don’t issue IDs and aren’t a policing authority. Passports, yes. Greek IDs, no. However, you are free to call and ask.

Thank you for your question.

Kat Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 23:59

Countries are usually more specific about photos for passports because each country has different requirements, and passports are biometric.

This isn’t the case with Greek IDs, and no one amongst people I know have had trouble. Official government circulars and literature posted at the police station don’t give parameters for the Greek ID photo, nor does the police and citizen protection website. If they did, I would have included them above.

Follow-up: As I say in the article, as Greek police say, as the citizen protection website says, it’s black and white. If you don’t believe what’s written, feel free to choose another source.

I spent my unpaid free time translating, researching, updating and making this information available in English for everyone’s convenience, then repeated the same information to answer questions. Seriously? I’m not going to measure my Greek partner’s ID card.

If someone with a Greek ID would like to measure their picture in millimeters (mm) or centimeters (cm), please post a comment with the dimensions.

Kat Reply:
October 8th, 2010 at 22:35

Foto,

Did they ask you for a local address in Greece when you applied for your Greek ID? Or was your address in Australia acceptable?

I realize the address is not listed on the ID or anywhere on the documents you turned in, but I’m wondering if they asked you for an address on the application. Could you let me know?

Kat Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 22:43

Hi Sandra,

I couldn’t find any laws prohibiting children from traveling with a Greek national ID, so I suspect they’re telling you a passport is necessary for reasons specified above in the article under “Can I travel in EU/Schengen with a Greek ID?” and “Can I use a Greek ID to enter/exit the UK?”

According to some laws and directives, national IDs are supposed to be valid forms of ID for the purpose of travel within all EU countries. But according to other laws and directives, Greek ID cards are only valid for travel within the Schengen zone, as long as they have Latin letters. The UK is in a gray area because it’s not in Schengen (see “Current Schengen countries“), and the Greek ID is in a gray area because it doesn’t meet EU standards. So authorities are within their right to ask for either.

Kat Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 18:01

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience as an example of how similar people doing similar transactions can encounter different requests in different locations at different times. I remember you.

In response to what you wrote, you must have printed an older version of this article because I don’t see how my article is “mostly wrong” since it doesn’t differ from your info.

Common to both:

1. My article says black and white photos. It does not say passport, but the official government website once used the word ‘passport’ before changing it to “for id” (months after your comment). The dimensions 35mm x 35mm were given to me by commentator ‘Foto’ who successfully got his Greek ID in July 2010.
2. The article does list blood type as ‘OPTIONAL.’
3. Again, this does not differ from what the article says. Some people were asked for a birth certificate, some a passport, others nothing.

Not common:
1. The official website once said “a witness/guardian/parent for minors,” which I mention above. No one else I know encountered this as an adult, but I see the official website has changed their text as of October 2010, requesting that all first-time applicants have a witness.
2. The Greek police website says that a faxed or emailed birth certificate is automatically requested. My article says the same, plus I added through first-hand experience that in some cases people need to get an original through KEP or via mail (though not everyone has a mailing address as you did) from their oikogeneiaki merida if police requested such or there was an issue. The text has always said within 90 days. Therefore, the article doesn’t differ from what you encountered.
3. Never heard of this, and commentators from abroad did not mention it, but I will add this as a sidenote to the article.

Let’s face it. This is Greece. Anyone, anywhere can ask for everything or nothing. I state this in my “Warning and Disclaimer” as a characteristic of dealing with bureaucracy in a country where “results may vary.”

Nothing wrong with wanting a Greek ID for any reason if you’re entitled, but it’s a bureaucratic marathon for some people as you learned. Good to know that it makes Greek passport renewal easier — will add that above. I appreciate your contribution!

Kat Reply:
October 7th, 2010 at 01:31

Hi Lazaro,

The only place you can get a Greek ID is at a police station in Greece. If you don’t have a Greek passport, you need to make contact with the nearest Greek embassy/consulate, explain your situation and let them advise you of possible options. Unless your return to Greece in two weeks is an emergency, you may be asked to postpone your trip until a Greek passport is issued.

If you haven’t done it already, you need to report your Greek ID as lost and get documented evidence of it because the Greek police will ask for proof when reissuing another. Sto kalo.

Kat Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 19:24

Hi Tracey,

Some Greeks pass in/out of the UK with their Greek ID and no Greek passport; some were denied entry with an ID alone and asked for a passport. There’s a gray area because an EU directive says national IDs are acceptable in all EU countries and the UKBA says either is fine, but there are Schengen and other laws that say otherwise.

Technically and legally, anyone without the proper travel documents can be refused entry. There’s no way to definitively answer your question because it’s not black and white — it depends on who you get, what mood they’re in and what knowledge they have. I can’t imagine they’d refuse to repatriate one of their own, but they are within their rights to do exactly that.

I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It illustrates the variation in how border authorities are interpreting conflicting laws.

P.S. The accuracy of information coming from Greek embassies and consulates depends on which location you contact and the person you talk to. British embassies and consulates are only required to know the law as it pertains to UK issues.

Kat Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 01:39

Hi Paul,

Two excellent questions.

— Do you need a Greek address? I don’t know for certain. Official literature doesn’t say, and everyone I asked is a Greek living in Greece with a local address or a Greek using the address of a relative if he/she doesn’t live here permanently. Being as it’s an ID card associated with designating someone by country, it would be logical to require someone have an address in that country. However, you are a Greek national no matter where you live, the Greek ID does not list an address, and commentator ‘Chris’ above said he was asked to sign a dilosi stating he lived abroad (“monimos”).

— Do you need to go to the municipality where you’re registered? The official literature says, police station nearest one’s residence. Everyone I know went to a police station near their work or home, not where they’re necessarily registered, and they weren’t turned away.

I know these answers aren’t black and white, but I’m sure you know Greece is a “results may vary” country and the experiences of others above you confirm those shades of gray.

Thank you so much for challenging my knowledge and stopping by. I’d be interested to hear your experience, if you fancy sharing it after you have your Greek ID.

Kat Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 02:43

Hi Andrea,

Wow, that is quite a paperwork nightmare. The good news is you can take care of the tautotita at the police station, then the AMKA and oikogeneiaki merida at KEP Citizen Service Centres. Nowadays, most insurance funds are streamlining Greek pensions by wiring them direct to bank accounts, so everything should go smoothly once it’s sorted.

Though livingingreece.gr is a work-in-progress because I maintain and expand it in my spare time, I’m happy that it can help and in some way repay you for past efforts on the “Living in Greece” book (mentioned in my “About Me“). It was incredibly useful when I first arrived and still comes to the rescue on occasion when I need to decipher washing machine symbols on clothes.

Thank you so much for taking the time to say hello and let me know who you are. Because you and I have both shared the same mission, your words somehow mean more.

All best and hope to hear from you again,

Kat

Kat Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 20:16

Hi Harry,

Some people report that they were able to travel to the UK with only a Greek ID, but some were refused entry and asked for a passport instead. Why? There are conflicting rules, directives and laws, as I list in the article above.

You can take the chance to travel with the Greek ID alone. But most people have a Greek passport on hand. See, “How to get a Greek passport” or http://www.passport.gov.gr if you need help with collecting your documents.

Thank you for your question, and Καλό Ταξίδι!

Kat Reply:
December 5th, 2010 at 12:19

As it says in the article, a Greek ID is good for 15 years. There’s no need to change it unless something significant is different.

As it also says in the article, details surrounding the new Greek citizen ID have not been worked out and an article will be published when the bill is finalized.

Kat Reply:
February 20th, 2011 at 16:52

Everything you need to apply for a replacement Greek ID card is already listed above under, “Replacing an outdated, lost or stolen Greek ID – Documents required.” The article also says how long it takes in the same section.

Please take the time to read the information.

In order to apply for a Greek ID, you must be in Greece as it says under, “Where to apply.”

Kat Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 02:40

All answers are in the article above, but I’m feeling charitable and will repeat the info. My answer assumes you have the type of Greek ID in both Greek and English.

Between UK and Spain: Technically, the UKBA says you may enter with a national ID or passport. However, you will find people above who had trouble with entering on a Greek ID alone, which is attributed to the gray area of conflicting rules, directives and laws listed above in the article; others say they didn’t. Entering and leaving Spain is no problem since Spain is in Schengen.

Between France and Turkey: Turkey is not in Schengen and the Turkish ministry website says a passport is necessary, so a Greek ID is not an acceptable travel document. You could try using a Greek ID, but authorities are within their right to refuse you entry or exit. Entering and leaving France is no problem since France is in Schengen.

If your Greek ID is only in Greek (no Latin translation), you may use it as a form of identification, but the law as written says you should use a biometric Greek passport to travel.

Kat Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 01:13

The official EU website is outdated, and the Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection says a Greek ID or Greek passport is acceptable. According to the Irish government website and Citizens Information Centre, EU citizens can use a national ID or passport “as appropriate.” What does that mean? The way they explained it is it comes down to the airline, ferry company, tour operator or border authority asking. It never hurts to have both. Kalo taxidi!

Discover Ireland
http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-plan-your-visit/facts/Visa-Passport-and-Embassies/

Kat Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 08:08

I appreciate these links, but you should know they’re both outdated as if often the case with official websites. How do I know? The EU website says 39 non-EU countries can travel visa-free to the EU. That’s not true. Right now there are 44 countries.

Neither mentions that the UK stopped recognizing certain UK and EEA national ID cards as valid legal documents to verify ID, age or for travel in Europe as of midnight January 21, 2011. I already attributed and linked my UK source in the above article.

The previous comment you left with text from IATA was never published and held in moderation because I contacted IATA staff by email/phone in Greece and Timatic Publications headquarters in the Netherlands and they drew a blank when asked to name their sources for Turkey and Ireland. I also found official information from the foreign affairs ministry of Turkey, plus the Irish source listed in the comment above that contradicted IATA information on file for these countries.

Calling embassies/consulates is not a foolproof method in verifying facts, as many staff are uninformed and different people/locations give different answers. And in spite of having factual information, one’s actual experience can still differ, which Greek/EU citizens state above from first-hand experience. If, for example, someone is allowed passage with an old Greek ID by border authorities because of ignorance or leniency, it only means that law was overlooked. It doesn’t prove the law is non-existent.

Kat Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 20:02

As you read, you can only get a Greek ID card in Greece at a police station. Therefore, your only option is to go to the Greek consulate/embassy nearest you and apply for a Greek passport. See “Greek passport” or contact the nearest Greek consulate/embassy for guidance.

Also, you’ll need to report your ID card as lost and get documentation of this to use in the future. It’s a requirement to get a replacement ID, as it says above.

Kat Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 15:11

Greek IDs and Greek passports are both issued at police stations in Greece, so you may be able to apply for both at the same time if you’re prepared.

A Greek ID can be issued in a few minutes, as long as you have all of the items listed above; note that it takes more than a Greek birth certificate. The list is based on people’s real-life experience. Some stations ask you set an appointment; some don’t and can issue it right away.

You can apply for a Greek passport with or without a Greek ID as long as you have all the documents listed and fees paid. See “Greek passport” for details on what’s required, how long it takes and people’s real-life experience. It will certainly be done before October, but some police stations cancel the old passport before issuing the new one so take that into consideration if you need it for ID or travel identification purposes and don’t have an alternative.

Applying in Athens: They have more staff, more experience, longer hours, but more applications. Applying in a smaller town: They have fewer staff, shorter hours, less experience and fewer applications. There’s no way to know who or which location will be faster.

Kat Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 01:24

I know you’re obsessed with proving me wrong, which is why you keep coming back again and again with supposed proof over several months, and I appreciate the feedback. But I never disputed that people are using new and old Greek IDs to enter/exit the UK.

As we speak, Greek authorities are enforcing the 2009 by requiring Greek citizens to get an updated ID in English before they can renew their Greek passports. What applies yesterday does not necessarily apply today. What you experienced does not reflect everyone’s experience.

All I do in the article is quote Greek law, Schengen rules, EU directives and Article 5 of the European Parliament and Council Directive as written, plus rules by various airlines, border agencies and ministry websites. I highlight the gray areas created by those conflicting laws, directives, rules and the ID card itself to explain why a Greek ID may not be enough, and indeed some EU citizens report that they were denied entry to the UK with Greek national IDs and asked for passports instead.

It’s not black and white, and I stand by my article.

Kat Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 01:58

A traveler is responsible for ensuring his/her passport or ID is valid for the length of his trip before departure.

You didn’t say whether “he” is flying or making a land crossing, but airlines typically don’t allow anyone to check in without valid ID or travel documents and border/rail authorities normally don’t allow someone to board or cross.

If you’re interested in Greek laws that prohibit or allow “him” to travel without a passport or ID, feel free to look them up. I recommend calling or going immediately to the Greek Embassy In Kiev to get official advice and/or apply for a new passport or get a special paper that allows him to repatriate. http://greece.kiev.ua/page8.html

P.S. If “he” is you, you should just say so.

Kat Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 19:08

As I say in the first sentence, you may only get a Greek Id/taftotita if you have Greek citizenship. If you have Greek citizenship, follow the instructions above to apply for a Greek ID.

If you do not have Greek citizenship, you must go through naturalization. See “Greek citizenship by naturalization” and follow the instructions. After you are granted Greek citizenship, you may apply for a Greek ID and move, live and work in another EU country.

Kat Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 18:23

I believe you mean ‘anypotaktos.’

The above article is based on people’s real-life experience. None of them mention being refused an ID for being a draft dodger, nor do the requirements include producing any papers related to that status though police do access the oikogeneiaki merida and can easily check.

Draft dodgers are tolerated, and many hyphenated Greeks living outside Greece continue to get Greek passports and Greek IDs as long as they have a permanent resident abroad certificate or go to the military recruiting office to declare their status.

The worst that can happen is he’s refused an ID and will be told why on the spot. They will not and cannot arrest or conscript him in the station. The military will be notified, and the police will deliver and have him sign a paper that says he must appear within 3 days to give answers about his status. He can choose to not appear and leave the country, then resolve things at the Greek embassy/consulate nearest his current residence.

Also, it is not contradictory information you’re getting. Greece is a ‘results may vary’ country where rules are often flexible, so everyone’s experience can vary.

Kat Reply:
August 13th, 2011 at 01:58

Your experience is identical to the info I already provide above in the article, which says: a) Witness; b) oikogeneiaki merida paper; c) photos; d) if you are from abroad, one or all of the papers listed may be requested. In your case, it was a dilosi (1c); others were asked for 1a, 1b or all three.

It does not say you need to bring a stamp. It says that you pay a stamp tax of 0.30 euros.

Just a friendly warning. If your husband is American, you only have until the 90th day since his arrival in Greece/Schengen to finish applying for his adeia diamonis. For example, the deadline is August 28 if you arrived on May 29.

All best, and thank you for sharing your experience. It helps me monitor changes that official sites don’t disclose.

Kat Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 22:08

If you’re a dual national, meaning you’re a Greek citizen, you have the right to stay in Greece as long as you like without applying for a visa extension (not permit) and without paying a fee. The only threat is being drafted into the military if between the ages of 19-45. Because you were previously granted a visa extension and paid a fee, it means you’re not a Greek citizen, or authorities (for whatever reason) did not know you were a Greek national.

But if you’re not a Greek citizen, it means you’re ineligible for a Greek national ID.

Therefore, something about the information you provided is incomplete or inaccurate, and I cannot verify anything.

Kat Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 17:49

Answer 1:
As I told commentator ‘Paul’ above, all Greeks I know had their IDs issued at the police station nearest their work or current residence, not where their political rights are registered; I know of no foreign-born Greeks not living in Greece who were turned away from a station of their choice. The official website says nearest one’s residence, and some public sector’s offices can be convinced to help you if you show a utility bill in your name.

If you plan on going to the Piraeus station and they will only issue IDs on weekdays and if you’re registered in that municipality, then unfortunately you abide by those rules.

All stations — perhaps even down to the individual officer — interpret/implement the law and set their own rules. In my 13 years living in Greece, I never try to do any business on Sunday since this is still considered a day of rest. Only tourist services operate on Sunday.

Answer 2:
I understand who you are and what you’re trying to do, so I’ve no idea why you felt necessary to repeat the information.

I referenced ‘Paul’ as an example because he also is a foreign-born Greek who asked if it was necessary to go to the police station in his registered municipality. ‘Foto’ is foreign born, as is ‘Chris’ who was helped by police stations both in Athens and in his father’s village.

All I did was quote the law and give you knowledge based on many people’s experience.

Kat Reply:
November 9th, 2011 at 23:27

In the section “What does it list?” I say that the English version is a transliteration based on a formula set by ELOT 743. Greek passports are done to show both the transliteration and translation as you know, but I haven’t seen anything change with the taftotites. The much-rumored, and never implemented, new Greek citizen card (kartotita) may change that in the future, but the non-elected government has other priorities at the moment.

The current ID card has security and biometrics embedded, but I haven’t seen one of the newer cards in person to determine whether it reacts to UV light. Border authorities are within their lawful right to ask for either a Greek ID or passport, so you cannot necessarily insist on anything. Also know that Greeks with dog-eared cards will be forced to exchange them the next time they renew their passports.

Kat Reply:
December 31st, 2011 at 09:08

Your question is already answered above in the section, “Where to apply,” specifically under Outside Greece.

Greek passports can be renewed up to a year in advance, and many Greeks in the UK come to Greece to do both the passport and ID if they waited ’til the last minute.

Kat Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 23:15

I appreciate you sharing your experience. However, I will not change my article because going to the tax office (eforia) is not a step in issuing a new taftotita after reporting the previous lost. It’s simply protocol for updating one’s personal information on file, just as a person would report a change of address or new passport number to a public sector office or bank.

Kat Reply:
February 28th, 2012 at 23:11

You should be able to travel between the UK and Germany with a Greek national ID, but a few people mentioned that they had trouble using their Greek ID cards when reentering the UK, and Germany will usually comment if you’re still carrying the type that’s only in Greek, since Greek citizens should have converted to the bilingual version back in 2009.

All EU member states have the right to request a national ID or a passport.

Kat Reply:
March 5th, 2012 at 21:36

The UK Border Agency says a national ID or passport are acceptable forms of identification for travel, though other readers report that their Greek ID was deemed unacceptable and authorities were within their right to request a passport, as explained in the above section, ‘Can I use my Greek ID to travel to/from the UK?’

Getting a Greek passport is a personal choice on which I cannot advise. However, you can see the instructions detailed at “Greek passport” if interested.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and all best.

Kat Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 22:54

A Greek ID card is only valid for travel within the Schengen zone or European Union, as explained in the article above. The USA and Albania are not in the Schengen zone or the EU. Therefore, he needs a passport and border authorities have the right to turn him away. He can get a Greek passport according to instructions at, “Greek passport” or he can renew/reissue his Albanian passport at the Albanian embassy/consulate nearest your residence.

Kat Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 15:28

You did not provide enough information for me to give a custom answer.

In the article under “Can I still travel within the EU/Schengen using my old Greek ID?” and “Can I travel to/from the UK with my Greek ID?” I explain that all Greek citizens are obligated to get the new Greek taftotita in Greek/English as of 2009. If you have this ID, you can travel with that. If you do not, you technically need a Greek passport. You can view instructions at “Greek passport.” You can try to travel with the the old Greek-only Greek ID, but authorities may refuse to recognize it as valid and ask for a passport.

In the section called “Expiration Date,” it says that a Greek ID must be replaced every 15 years, so it expires 15 years from the date it was issued.

Don’t apologize for anything. We understand each other; that’s all that matters.

Kat Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 22:56

As I say above, there’s no way to be 100 percent certain. Some of my readers say their Greek ID/tautotita was fine. Others say it wasn’t, and they were asked for a Greek passport.

Because it’s better to be safe than sorry, I would recommend your husband get a Greek passport. Should his Greek ID be insufficient, it will be near impossible to get a passport in the UK as a lot of Greek citizens complained it took them several months to book an appointment with the Greek embassy in London at “Greek passport.”

Wishing you all the best.

Kat Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 01:56

I am not a Greek citizen and use my passport for everything. I am not a UK citizen and have never lived in the UK, and therefore do not know their laws. Everything I know has been detailed above and consistently updated since 2007 with official sources and readers’ contributions.

Kat Reply:
July 22nd, 2012 at 22:24

You cannot change your name on marriage or birth certificates unless it’s a misspelling.

People are allowed to indicate alternative spellings on Greek ID cards and Greek passports. However, women in Greece cannot take their husband’s surnames after marriage, so there’s no easy registration procedure for this as far as I know. If I’m wrong, please come back and tell me what they required.

Kat Reply:
August 29th, 2012 at 09:51

You didn’t provide enough information to receive solutions specific to your situation.

A Greek passport (not EU) can be renewed/reissued up to a year in advance of expiration. The scarcity of appointments and long wait time in London are known, years-old issues, which is why many Greeks fly to Greece to get a passport as it only takes a few days with the right documentation. It’s all explained in the article and comments from Greeks in the UK on “Greek passport.”

Therefore, border authorities are within their right to turn you away, especially if none of the travel described is for medical or emergency reasons, which is why the Greek embassy won’t (and shouldn’t) issue you an official document. Reasons and apologies have nothing to do with the law, and you are accountable for your actions and any consequences.

Canadian passport holders are allowed temporary stay (without a visa/permit) in the Schengen zone for 90 days in any 180-day period.

Traveling between the UK and other EEA/EU countries is possible with the right tautotita as explained above in sections, “Can I travel within EU/Schengen using my old Greek ID?’ and “Can I travel to/from the UK with my Greek ID?’

Kat Reply:
November 18th, 2012 at 23:41

Your question is already answered in the section ‘Yesterday and today,’ where it says Greek ID cards no longer list religious affiliation.

Only people in possession of taftotites issued previous to June 2005 still have it.

Kat Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 21:50

The freezing of all procedures pertaining to Greek citizenship applies to all persons of non-Greek origin. It doesn’t matter if the person is an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA citizen, they were born here, etc.

All I can say is Edo Ellada.

Kat Reply:
January 11th, 2013 at 09:15

Possession of a Greek ID is proof of citizenship, but authorities are within their right to ask for a biometric Greek passport. A birth certificate is proof of Greek citizenship if he was born in Greece, as is the pistopoiitiko issued upon granting of Greek citizenship to a foreign-born child of Greek origin through an ancestor born in Greece.

A three-year passport is not unusual, as it’s an attempt to keep records and photos updated and prevent child abduction should the parents divorce.

All the links, translations, research, news updates, advice and first-hand details I offer for free are contained in the 4000-word article above. If you need something more, please contact the Greek consulate/embassy nearest you or the Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection, which has authority over passports and taftotites.

Kat Reply:
April 7th, 2013 at 10:08

You didn’t provide enough information for me to help you.

Also, this website about Greece. The EU is not one country with one set of rules, and UK immigration and labor laws are very different. You should have done research before moving. See: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/

Kat Reply:
July 25th, 2013 at 23:29

To complete the Greek citizenship process, he was required to register with the military. If he flies to Greece to get a national ID card, they’ll send for his status, see there’s no exemption on file and alert the military of a ‘draft evader.’ That means he can also be assessed a fine of up to 6,000 euros, which he’ll need to clear by providing the exemption.

Doesn’t it make more sense to do it right than invite additional problems due to impatience? And define “very lengthy process.” First, all Greek bureaucracy is lengthy. Second, read the stories of men who did the permanent residence abroad certificate and Greek military exemption in the UK at “Greek citizenship by ancestry” — it took years because the London location is booked solid.

Kat Reply:
July 26th, 2013 at 22:31

Answer 1:
As it says in the article above, the Greek ID cards in Greek and English are good for 15 years. Therefore, I don’t understand why you would need a new one.

Border authorities are within their right to ask for a biometric passport as all Greek IDs still do not meet the Schengen or EU standard. There’s nothing you can do about that ’til Greece finally complies.

Answer 2:
Right, that’s already covered in section, ‘New Greek police identity cards.’ They’re primarily targeting Greek citizens who still haven’t swapped for the newish Greek/English one you have (aka, those carrying around IDs with photos of themselves as teenagers).

If you don’t accept the information translated directly from the Ministry of Citizen Protection, please inquire with the police station while here. All best.

Kat Reply:
March 21st, 2014 at 11:25

EU citizens enjoy free movement within the member states. However, I advise calling the Danish embassy/consulate to ask and confirm before leaving Albania.

Kat Reply:
March 29th, 2014 at 10:57

As it says above in section ‘Expiration date,’ the Greek ID expires 15 years from the date it was issued.

There are people who somehow managed to travel with Greek IDs that are old or have photos from when they were teenagers, but (as you can see in Comments above) others did not and were asked for a Greek passport instead.

Whether you cancel or keep your plans is a personal decision, as I cannot be responsible or held accountable.

Kat Reply:
May 12th, 2014 at 10:53

1:
To get a Greek national ID, you must have Greek citizenship. To get Greek citizenship, you must already be registered in the oikogeneiaki merida and with the military. Since it could take months or years to finish the Greek citizenship process, of course this will be completed well before you’re eligible for a Greek ID.

When the military calls you up depends on the waiting list. Nobody knows when.

A Greek ID can be issued right away, IF all documentation is submitted correctly. However, issuance can be refused or delayed if records show irregularities or outstanding fines, holds and violations.

2 & 3:
Repeating my first answer and quoting the first sentence of the article above: “Everyone with Greek citizenship is entitled to a Greek national ID.” No citizenship, no national ID card. See the definition of ‘national‘ at Merriam Webster.

An AFM is a Greek tax number and has nothing to do with citizenship or residency.

Kat Reply:
June 3rd, 2014 at 11:16

Please see section, “Can I use my Greek ID to travel to/from the UK?” in addition to all replies given to commentators who asked the same question. All best.

Kat Reply:
November 6th, 2014 at 09:42

You didn’t provide enough information for me to give an answer specific to your situation. Read sections ‘Expiration date’ and ‘Can I still travel within the EU/Schengen with my old ID card?’

Kat Reply:
November 18th, 2014 at 14:30

If you want an answer specific to you, you need to provide specific details. To help you, I would have needed to know: a) your current citizenship; b) which is “my country”; c) where you are in the Greek citizenship process; plus the ability to look at your file and visa.

Also be aware that nationality and citizenship are different things, and the Greek national ID card (taftotita) and Greek nationality are different things.

The only people familiar with your case is you, the Greek embassy and the Greek government. Therefore, you need to inquire with staff at these places if you don’t know the answer yourself. My taxes pay for them to help you.

Kat Reply:
January 5th, 2015 at 14:05

On Greek citizenship, see “Ways to get Greek citizenship,” the same link offered in the above article under section ‘Non-citizen residents of Greece.’

On traveling to or working/residing in the UK, which has nothing to do with Greece, see “Check if you need a UK visa” from the UK government website, which I found via a Google search.

Kat Reply:
January 27th, 2015 at 20:35

You can try, but technically the old style Greek ID is invalid and the airline and Cyprus aren’t obliged to honor it. Many people who get away with using old Greek IDs have them checked by ignorant border authorities.

Getting a new Greek ID only takes a few minutes and costs next to nothing.

Kat Reply:
March 12th, 2015 at 20:54

1:
Because you have the newest version of the Greek ID, you should be fine to travel to Germany.

As it says in the article above and previous comments, UK authorities have refused to recognize Greek IDs and instead asked for a passport. But this is not consistent, and I don’t know the circumstances of each case. They have the right to ask for either one.

2:
Don’t be sorry, I understand how it is with all things Greece. It can be confusing, things change without warning or notice, and sometimes it’s good to get some reassurance. It’s a pleasure to help nice people like you. Travel safe!