 On January 1, 2001 it became mandatory for all Portuguese citizens over the age of 10 to carry a valid "Bilhete de Identidade".As the "Bilhete de Identidade" meets European Union identity card standards it can be used as a travel document within the EU and some other European countries such as North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, replacing a passport.The card is a 10.5 × 7.5 cm laminated card embossed with the seal of the "Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros" (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).