National identity cards in the European Economic Area and Switzerland
Gibraltar (British overseas territory)Kosovo[7]Moldova[8]Montenegro[9]Montserrat (max. 14 days)North Macedonia[10]Serbia[11]
National identity cards are identity documents issued to citizens of most European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) member states, with the exception of Denmark[12] and Ireland (which however issues an equivalent passport card).[13] As a new common identity card model replaced the various formats in use on 2 August 2021, recently issued ID cards are harmonized across the EEA, while older ID cards are currently being phased out according to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157.
There are approximately 200 million national identity cards in use in the EU/EEA, including 53 million of the new EU-standard cards.[1] They are compulsory in 15 EEA/EFTA countries, voluntary in 11 countries and in 5 countries they are semi-compulsory (some form of identification required). Where the card is compulsory, in some member countries it is required to be carried at all times, while in other countries the mere possession of the card is sufficient.[14]
Citizens holding a national identity card, which states citizenship of an EEA member state or Switzerland, can use it as an identity document within their home country, and as a travel document to exercise the right of free movement in the EEA and Switzerland.[15]: Articles 4 and 5 [16][17] However, identity cards that do not state citizenship of an EEA member state or Switzerland, including residence permits or residence cards issued to non-citizens, are not valid as travel documents within the EEA and Switzerland.[18][19][20]
As an alternative to presenting a passport, EEA and Swiss citizens are entitled to use a valid national identity card as a stand-alone travel document to exercise their right of free movement in the European Economic Area and Switzerland.[15]: Articles 4 and 5 [16][17] National identity card ownership in most EU countries and Switzerland is much more widespread than passport ownership.[21]
When travelling within the Nordic Passport Union, no identity documentation is legally required by Nordic citizens. When travelling within the Common Travel Area, other valid identity documentation (such as a driving licence) is often sufficient for Irish and British citizens.[22]