Passport Roadblock for Holders of Old Greek ID Cards – Konsolas Calls for an Immediate Solution
Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas has called on Greece’s Minister for Citizen Protection to take immediate action to assist citizens who still hold valid old-style identity cards and urgently need to obtain a passport.
According to his parliamentary intervention, since 3 August old-style Greek identity cards have no longer been accepted as supporting documents for passport applications, even when they remain valid. As a result, a number of citizens are unable to obtain passports and travel, including people facing pressing professional, medical or other serious circumstances.
The problem is particularly acute on the islands, where heavy demand has led to delays in securing appointments for the issuance of the new identity cards.
“There are citizens whose appointments for the issuance of a new identity card are still pending, due to the heavy workload, particularly in island regions. Since 3 August, these people have also been unable to obtain a passport and therefore cannot travel,” Konsolas stated.
The Dodecanese MP has asked the government to consider granting a short extension for citizens who still possess a valid old-style identity card, have been unable to obtain the new document in time and have an urgent need to travel.
His intervention highlights a serious practical deadlock affecting many citizens, especially those living on the islands, who are caught between delays in obtaining a new identity card and the inability to apply for a passport.
