ABC Gateway Step by Step - How to Use Automated Border Control
- Damian Brzeski
- Jan 17
- 10 min read
Are you tired of standing in line at border control, nervously checking your watch and rushing to the gate?
Thanks to ABC gates, those days are slowly becoming a thing of the past. If you have a biometric passport or e-ID, you can complete check-in automatically – quickly, efficiently, and (almost) contactlessly.
But do you really know how to scan a document correctly, where to stand, and why glasses can ruin the entire procedure?
In this guide, you will learn how to use the ABC gates without stress and avoid getting stuck in the lock at your own request.
What are ABC gates and how do they work?
Simply put, ABC gates are intelligent locks that take over the role of a Border Guard officer.
Instead of a human, advanced artificial intelligence verifies your documents and face. Physically, it resembles a "mantrap" —the system won't let you out of the buffer zone until it's 100% certain you're the real you.
What is the principle of operation of automatic border control?
The architecture of this system is a fascinating example of hardware and software synergy. The entire decision-making process, which takes only moments, can be divided into three key analytical stages.
How does digital data extraction work?
It all starts with communication with the microprocessor (RFID chip) in your passport or ID card.
The system uses ICAO 9303 standards to extract a high-resolution biometric photo from the document and , depending on the configuration, fingerprint images.
At the same time, the optical scanner checks the MRZ zone (a string of characters at the bottom of the document), confirming that the passport is not a fake.
How is live biometric data acquisition performed?
When you enter the airlock, the cameras don't just take a "regular photo." They create a 3D map of your face or analyze its geometry using infrared light.
This makes the system independent of the lighting conditions in the departure hall.
What is Matching and how does the biometric engine work?
This is the heart of the entire system. The biometric engine performs a 1:1 comparison. The algorithm checks whether the mathematical model of your face matches the one stored in the document's chip.
Interestingly, modern gateways (e.g., from Veridos or Thales) are equipped with Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) mechanisms. They can detect silicone masks or fake photos by analyzing eye movements and skin texture to confirm your "liveness."
How does check-in at the ABC gate work step by step?
For us travelers, the process is simple, but its effectiveness depends on discipline. In my experience, most problems stem from minor mistakes. Here's how to get through the gate smoothly.
How to properly start check-in and scan the document?
Remember to select the gate marked with a green arrow . The most common mistake? Trying to scan a document in a case.
Remove the document from its cover. The cover may be blocking the chip's signal.
Passport: Open to the photo page and press against the glass.
E-ID: Place it face down, as that's where the MRZ machine data is. Don't move the document until you hear a beep or the door opens.
How to behave during face and fingerprint verification?
Once inside the airlock, stand on the designated "feet" on the floor. This is crucial for camera focus.
Remove your glasses, hat, and mask. Your face must be fully exposed. This is the most common reason for rejection!
Look straight into the lens.
If prompted, place your finger on the reader (usually on the right side). Keep it flat and still.
When do the doors open and what about the stamps?
Once the system confirms your identity ("Match") and a clean record, the door will open. Importantly for memorabilia collectors: When using ABC gates, you will not receive a stamp in your passport . The passage is recorded only digitally.
Digital Transformation of Borders
Just think about the scale of the challenge: how to reconcile thousands of passengers rushing to catch a flight with the need to thoroughly check that no undesirables are crossing the border?
The answer to this dilemma is Automated Border Control (ABC) technology, better known as biometric gates.
There is no denying that this solution has revolutionized the capacity of our airports.
This guide is more than just a guide. It will take you on a journey through the security ecosystem where Polish airports—from Warsaw to Rzeszów—serve as the digital gatekeepers of the Schengen Area.
We will look at biometric mechanisms, integration with European databases and the specifics of implementations, comparing them with solutions from Dubai and the UK.
The role of biometric verification in the check-in process
The Polish implementation of the ABC system stands out among European countries for its high level of rigor. While in some countries a simple glance into the camera is sufficient, in our country the procedure is often two-step, requiring identity confirmation with a second biometric feature.
Why is facial image so important?
Your face is your primary pass. Gate cameras are either movable or matrix-arranged, allowing them to accommodate passengers between 120 cm and 220 cm tall.
The system analyzes so-called nodal points: the distance between your eyes, the shape of your cheekbones, and the jawline . These unique features create your digital signature.
Why does the system scan fingerprints?
Fingerprint verification is a failsafe. It eliminates errors resulting from facial similarities (e.g., twins) or changes in appearance (facial hair, aging).
It is worth knowing that, in accordance with privacy guidelines, the gateway performs a "local" comparison.
The system checks your finger against the finger recorded in your ID card/passport , and not against some central database of all citizens.
Integration with SIS II and databases
The ABC gate is more than just a scanner—it's a terminal accessing the most sensitive databases in Europe. While you're at the lock, the system executes a series of invisible queries in fractions of a second.
What databases are checked in the background?
SIS II (Schengen Information System): This is a powerful database of alerts about wanted and missing persons. If your information appears there, the gate will block your exit.
National collections of the Border Guard and Police: Verification whether you are not wanted on an arrest warrant in Poland.
Interpol's Restricted Document Databases (SLTD): A key element in the fight against identity theft, the system checks whether your passport has been reported stolen. Even if the thief looks like you, the document's status will give it away.
What are the requirements and documents needed to check in at the ABC gate?
Access to gates is a privilege for "low-risk" passengers. Not everyone can use them, so it's worth checking your documents before traveling.
Is a biometric passport or e-ID sufficient?
The basis is a document compliant with the ICAO 9303 standard (chip symbol on the cover).
Biometric passport: All valid Polish passports meet this requirement.
Biometric ID: Polish e-ID cards (issued since March 2019) are accepted at our gates. This makes it much easier to travel to destinations like Ireland. However, it's worth remembering that eGates in the UK, for example, often only require a passport.
What are the age and height limits for children?
A revolutionary change has taken place here. As of February 15, 2023, the turnstiles will be available to children aged 12 and over who are at least 140 cm tall .
Previously, the age limit was 18, forcing families to split up. Now, teenagers can go through the checkpoint independently (with a parent standing nearby).
Document reader and green arrow – how to recognize gate readiness
Visual communication is intuitive: a green arrow invites you in, a red cross indicates a failure or technical break.
Interestingly, many gates ( e.g., at Gdańsk Airport) operate in reverse. Border Guards can remotely change their direction depending on whether a large Dreamliner has arrived from the US or flights to London are being processed.
Who can use ABC gates?
The system was designed primarily with the free movement of people within Europe in mind.
Is the system available to non-EU citizens?
Generally no. The gates serve citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland.
This is due to procedures – these citizens are subject to a "minimum check." Third-country nationals must undergo a detailed check with an official.
Do the gates work on intra-Schengen flights?
Remember: you'll only find ABC gates on flights outside the Schengen area (e.g., to London, Chicago, Antalya). Flying from Warsaw to Paris doesn't involve any border control, so you won't encounter any gates there.
The role of the Border Guard in gate operation
Automation doesn't mean the border is left to its own devices. Border Guard officers are present, but their role has evolved toward oversight and analysis.
What does supervision look like and when does an officer intervene?
Each gate zone has an operator station. The officer can view the view from inside the gate and the verification results on monitors.
If you lock yourself inside (e.g., with glasses), you may hear voice instructions from the operator.
What is the Second Line of Control and why do we end up there?
If the gate doesn't open the exit door, don't panic. This doesn't mean you've been denied entry.
You will be directed to the second line of control (manual station). This may be due to a technical error, a damaged chip, or a change in appearance.
There, the officer will check you "in the old way" and you will usually be on your way after a while.
What are the benefits of using ABC gates?
Investing in this system is worth the effort and brings benefits on many levels.
How much is the check-in time shortened?
The numbers don't lie. A traditional check takes 30-60 seconds. In an ABC gate, it takes just 12-15 seconds.
When handling a plane with 300 passengers, the difference is colossal – instead of 40 minutes of queuing, the queue disappears in less than 10 minutes.
How does automation affect the safety and work of services?
The algorithm doesn't tire after eight hours of work. Its vigilance is constant. This allows officers to focus on high-risk passengers and intelligence gathering, instead of mechanically stamping tourist passports.
Where do ABC gates operate in Poland?
The Polish network of gateways is developing dynamically, and the accessibility map changes from year to year.
What is the situation like at Chopin Airport and in Modlin?
Warsaw (WAW) is the absolute leader with over 20 gates that have been serving millions of travelers since 2019.
Modlin (WMI) has also focused on automation, which is crucial given the huge traffic to the UK generated by Ryanair.
What do the ports in Krakow and Gdansk offer?
Kraków-Balice (KRK) and Gdańsk (GDN) have invested in systems with approximately 10 gates each. In Gdańsk, these gates are particularly useful for handling Scandinavian traffic.
Do Wrocław and Poznań have automatic check-in?
Yes, both airports have operational installations that improve the handling of charter and business flights (Wrocław).
What new things await in Rzeszów and Katowice?
We also have newcomers. Rzeszów-Jasionka launched its gates in March 2024. Katowice (KTW), the king of holiday flights, is planning a major investment – the tender for 15 gates is to be finalized in 2025, which will improve holiday departures in the 2025/2026 season.
Summary table of ABC gate availability in Poland
Airport | IATA | Availability | Year of implementation | Number/Notes |
WAW | YES | 2019 | The largest installation, arrivals and departures. | |
Warsaw Modlin | WMI | YES | 2019 | 5 gates, key for traffic to the UK. |
Krakow-Balice | KRK | YES | 2021 | 10 goals. |
GDN | YES | 2022 | 10 goals (5+5). | |
POZ | YES | n/a | Non-Schengen departure hall. | |
Wroclaw | WRO | YES | 2023 | Arrivals and departures. |
Rzeszów-Jasionka | RZE | YES | 2024 | Launched in March 2024. |
Katowice | KTW | Planned | 2025/26 | Tender for 15 pieces in progress. |
How do we compare to systems in the UK, USA and Dubai?
Great Britain (eGates): After Brexit, Poles will only be able to enter the country through the gates with a passport (an ID card will not work).
Dubai (Smart Gates): The "Smart Tunnels" there scan your iris while walking, without stopping, but require pre-registration.
USA (Global Entry): A paid system requiring background checks. Our gateways are democratic – available to anyone eligible for free.
Are systems failsafe? A lesson from CrowdStrike.
Technology can be unreliable. The global Windows outage (CrowdStrike) demonstrated that when IT systems fail, we return to the Stone Age and gigantic queues. However, the biggest daily problem isn't the outage itself, but... passengers' glasses .
Your move before your next flight: Check whether your ID card has an electronic layer (e-ID) or whether your passport is valid.
If you are flying with children over 12 years of age , prepare them to go through the "space gate" on their own - it's a great adventure and a time-saver!
FAQ – ABC Gates and Biometric Airport Check-in in a Nutshell
Below you will find specific answers to the most frequently asked questions about automatic border control, which will dispel your doubts before departure.
What is an ABC gate? It's an automated gate at an airport that checks passengers in using biometrics (face and fingerprints) and data from a chip on an ID, without direct officer involvement.
Who can use ABC gates in Poland? The system is available to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland with a valid biometric document.
At what age can children use ABC gates? In Poland, the procedure is available to children aged 12 and over and at least 140 cm tall.
Is an ID card sufficient to pass through the turnstile? Yes, provided it's an e-ID card (with an electronic layer), issued in Poland since March 2019.
Will an old passport work in a biometric gate? No, the document must be biometric (have a chip symbol on the cover), which applies to all valid Polish passports.
Will I receive a passport stamp after passing through the gate? No, ABC check-in is recorded only digitally and does not involve a physical passport stamp.
Is there a fee for using ABC gates? No, it is a completely free service for all eligible passengers.
Why won't the gate let me through? The most common reasons for being blocked include wearing glasses (even prescription glasses), a hat, a mask, or attempting to scan a document without removing it from its case.
What happens if I'm rejected at the gate? The system will direct you to the second line of control, where a Border Guard officer will verify your documents traditionally.
Do gates work on flights within the Schengen area (e.g., to Berlin)? No, ABC gates are only located at border crossings serving flights outside the Schengen area (e.g., to the UK, USA, Turkey).
Do I need to remove my glasses for face scanning? Yes, the system requires full face and eye exposure to accurately compare your image with the photo on your ID.
Are my biometric data permanently stored somewhere? No, the gate compares your image "here and now" with the data on your ID, and after check-in, this data is not archived in a central biometric database.
At which Polish airports can I find ABC gates? The system operates at airports in Warsaw (Chopin and Modlin), Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Rzeszów, among others.
How long does it take to check in at an automated gate? Standard verification typically takes 12 to 15 seconds, making it several times faster than manual checks.
Do I need to remove my passport from its cover before scanning? Yes, it is necessary because the cover may block the chip's radio signal or obscure the optical data, preventing scanning.
Can a 12-year-old go through the turnstile alone? Yes, a child this age can go through the process alone, but it is recommended that a guardian be nearby (e.g., at the next turnstile).
How do Polish gates differ from British eGates? Polish gates accept EU citizens' ID cards, while British eGates, post-Brexit, require a passport.
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