As of August 3, 2026, paper-based ID cards will no longer be valid for traveling abroad, regardless of their expiration date. The decision comes following the entry into force of European Regulation 2019/1157, which introduces new security standards for identification documents within the European Union. The main reason for this change is the absence, in the old paper card, of the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), an optical reading zone that allows the automatic identification of biographical data by control systems. In contrast, the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) is already equipped with this technology and fully meets the requirements established at the European level. Those wishing to travel abroad, therefore, will have to ensure that they have a document that complies with the new rules by opting for the electronic version of the ID card.