Greece approves use of expired Norwegian passports
Press release | No: 92 – 2022 | Date: 04/07/2022 | Ministry of Justice and Public Security
Norwegian citizens who have not renewed their passports following the pandemic are able to travel to Greece using their expired passport as identification. This change takes effect today and will apply until the end of 2022.
For Norwegians, this scheme means that people over the age 16 years old will be able to identify themselves with passports that expired less than three years ago when entering Greece. Children under the age of 16 years old can use passports that expired less than one year ago when entering Greece. Passports that have been destroyed cannot be used.
“I am glad that the Greek authorities have agreed to allow Norwegian citizens to use expired passports when entering Greece. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that there are risks associated with travelling abroad without regular and valid identification. We are unable to guarantee that the authorities’ information about the scheme will be disseminated to all transportation providers and tourism operators. Travellers are therefore recommended to use direct flights,” says Emilie Enger Mehl (Centre Party), Minister of Justice and Public Security.
Passports for children have shorter validity durations and the one-year limit has been set in order to, among other things, prevent child abduction.
“I would also like to remind the public that some European countries have implemented new COVID-19 regulations, and that everyone should make a point of checking current travel advice and their travel insurance before departing,” says Mehl.