Starting August the 4th 2026, Greece’s old format ID Cards will no longer be accepted for international travel.
All interested parties may travel abroad using either Greece’s New style ID Cards or Greek passports.
For further information please contact your airline or the Hellenic Police.
Timely Arrival at Athens International Airport
As of 30 March 2026, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully deployed for all third-country nationals travelling to and from the Schengen Area.
Passport control procedure might be significantly affected resulting in long waiting times.
Passengers are kindly advised to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours prior to their scheduled departure, in order to complete in time:
• check-in
• security screening
• and passport control, where applicable
Important: Late arrival at the departure gate may result in denied boarding.
Effective from 8 September 2026
Athens International Airport informs passengers that, as of 8 September 2026, if a prohibited, dangerous or other item requiring further examination is detected or suspected during the security screening of checked baggage, the baggage may be opened and screened without the passenger being present.
All checked baggage is subject to mandatory security screening in accordance with applicable European and national civil aviation security legislation.
What passengers need to know
Before checking in your baggage, please carefully check its contents and ensure that it does not contain prohibited or dangerous items, including, but not limited to:
• Power banks and portable batteries
• Explosive or incendiary substances and devices
• Flammable materials
• Other items that are prohibited from being carried in checked baggage or whose possession is prohibited by applicable legislation.
For more information on items that are permitted or prohibited in checked baggage, passengers are advised to consult the relevant information available on the Athens International Airport website, as well as on the website of their airline.
If you are unsure whether a particular item may be carried in your checked baggage, you may also contact your airline directly for the relevant information and guidance before checking in your baggage.
If further screening is required
If, during the security screening process, there is an indication or suspicion that a prohibited or dangerous item is present, the baggage may be opened and subjected to additional screening.
The baggage may be opened and the relevant item, where necessary, removed without the passenger being present, in accordance with applicable security regulations and the airport’s approved procedures.
Please check the contents of your baggage carefully before checking it in, to help ensure a smooth and uninterrupted travel experience.
Designated Point 2 for persons with disabilities and/or reduced mobility, located at the Suburban Railway Station, is temporarily unavailable due to ongoing works.
Entrance 1
May be subject to change
